Where Coronation Street’s Billy actor is now from unrecognisable new look to ‘split’

Coronation Street fans were left stunned earlier this year when beloved character Billy Mayhew was killed off in one of the soap’s most dramatic storylines. After more than a decade on the cobbles, actor Daniel Brocklebank said goodbye to Weatherfield, bringing an end to a character who had become a firm favourite among viewers.

Since making his debut in 2014, Billy became one of the most recognisable faces on the ITV soap, with his storylines exploring everything from personal tragedy and addiction to love, faith, and family. His sudden exit marked the end of an important era for the character — but what has Daniel been doing since leaving Coronation Street?

Billy Mayhew’s Shocking Coronation Street Exit

Daniel Brocklebank first appeared as Billy Mayhew in 2014, quickly becoming a key figure within the Weatherfield community. Originally introduced as a compassionate and caring character, Billy’s journey on the soap was far from simple.

Over the years, viewers watched him experience some of Coronation Street’s most emotional and challenging storylines. From dealing with personal struggles to becoming involved in dramatic events involving crime, loss, and addiction, Billy’s storyline regularly pushed Daniel as an actor.

One of Billy’s biggest story arcs came through his relationships. Fans followed his complicated romance with Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce, before Billy later found happiness with Paul Foreman, played by Peter Ash.

The relationship between Billy and Paul became one of the soap’s most emotional love stories in recent years. Their journey through illness, commitment, and heartbreak resonated strongly with viewers, making Billy’s eventual departure even more difficult for longtime fans.

However, Billy’s time on the cobbles came to a dramatic conclusion during the special Corriedale crossover episode earlier this year.

The character was killed after the minibus he was driving crashed and caught fire, leaving residents of Weatherfield devastated and marking a heartbreaking end to his story.

Daniel Brocklebank Reveals A Dramatic New Look

Following his emotional Coronation Street exit, Daniel Brocklebank surprised fans by undergoing a major appearance change.

During his years playing Billy, Daniel became instantly recognisable thanks to the character’s signature grey beard. However, after leaving Weatherfield, the actor decided it was time for a fresh start and shaved it off completely.

In March, Daniel shared his new clean-shaven appearance with his followers on social media, revealing that the transformation was connected to his next acting project.

Alongside a selfie showing his new look, Daniel joked about the dramatic change, admitting it was the first time he had been without a beard for more than ten years.

The actor wrote:

“First time clean-shaven in over 10 years, ready to start the next job. Yay or nay?? I can’t decide…”

The transformation was for his stage role in the thriller Double Double, which ran at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester from late April until the end of May.

The role represented an exciting new chapter for Daniel, allowing him to step away from the familiar world of Coronation Street and explore a different style of performance.

Daniel’s Personal Life Under The Spotlight

Away from acting, Daniel’s personal life has also attracted attention from fans over the years.

In 2023, Daniel began dating Jordan Coulthard, an actor, musician, and former police officer. The pair eventually made their relationship public on social media, sharing glimpses of their life together.

However, reports later suggested that the couple had quietly separated after their relationship came to an end.

A source claimed that Daniel and Jordan had parted ways some time ago after deciding things were no longer working, although they remained on good terms.

The source also noted that Daniel had not shared photos with Jordan on social media for more than a year, while both continued to follow each other online.

Neither Daniel nor Jordan publicly addressed the reports, and Daniel’s representatives were contacted for comment.

Despite the speculation surrounding his love life, Daniel has continued to focus on his career, personal projects, and his passion for animal welfare.

Daniel’s Heartbreaking Update After Dog Emergency

Away from television and theatre, one of Daniel’s biggest passions is his love for animals.

The actor regularly shares updates about his beloved dogs, including his Dachshunds Colin, Jean, and Dorris. His pets have become a familiar part of his social media presence, with fans often enjoying seeing their adventures.

Daniel adopted Colin in 2019 after the dog was rescued from an illegal puppy smuggling operation, highlighting his commitment to supporting animal welfare.

However, earlier this year, Daniel experienced a frightening moment when one of his dogs became seriously unwell.

In March, he revealed that he had rushed his pet Jean to the emergency vet after she fell ill.

Keeping fans updated, Daniel reassured followers that Jean was receiving specialist care and thanked the veterinary team looking after her.

He wrote:

“Emergency vet’s trip with Jean this morning. She’s in safe hands with the Animal Trust Vets team. Their care is second to none.”

The emotional update showed another side of Daniel away from the drama of Weatherfield — a devoted pet owner who cares deeply about his animals.

What’s Next For Daniel Brocklebank?

Although Coronation Street fans continue to miss Billy Mayhew, Daniel Brocklebank’s post-cobbles journey appears to be moving forward with exciting opportunities.

His stage work, new appearance, and continued creative projects suggest that the actor is embracing life beyond the ITV soap.

Billy’s death may have closed one chapter, but Daniel’s career remains active, and many viewers are eager to see what role he takes on next.

For more than ten years, Billy Mayhew represented kindness, resilience, and emotional honesty on Coronation Street. His storylines touched millions of viewers, and his exit remains one of the soap’s most memorable moments.

While Weatherfield has moved on, Daniel Brocklebank’s impact on the cobbles will not be forgotten.