The actor, who last appeared on the cobbles six years ago, was set to reappear on screen in October as part of the departure storyline of his character's ex-wife, Gail Platt.

It comes following a previous announcement that Helen Worth was to leave the ITV soap after starring as Gail for 50 years.

"Sean Wilson has stepped down from filming for personal reasons," a spokesperson for ITV confirmed on Friday.

An initial announcement said Wilson was to start filming scenes on July 24, with a storyline featuring his on-screen son David (Jack P Shepherd) shocked to find his father at the house and immediately suspicious about his return to their lives.

The Sun reported Wilson was summoned to a meeting at ITV's offices and never returned to the set.

Wilson previously said it was great to be invited to "contribute to Helen's exit story", describing his return to the character as "slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe".

He added: "Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and, in a way, I'll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family."

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It is not yet known what Worth's replacement exit storyline will be, but ITV previously promised a "major storyline for the Platt family".

Wilson played Martin for 20 years from 1985 to 2005.

He last appeared in the soap in 2018 when Martin and his family emigrated to New Zealand and he paid one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make his peace with David, who was upset that his father was leaving the country.

A representative for Wilson has been contacted for comment.