WHEN Granada announced that Bolton actor Chris Finch would be leaving Coronation Street, they could not have anticipated the response of a group of dedicated fans.

An internet fan site for the show has set up an online petition to bring back his character, gay nurse Karl Foster.

The Different Sides Forum has amassed more than 500 signatures in just three weeks.

The group have already dedicated an internet debate forum to Chris, which spans a massive 600 pages on the web and has hundreds of contributors.

The 25-year-old actor, from Bromley Cross, has only been in the soap for a matter of months. He will leave the show later this month after a monumental storyline which saw his character partake in the street's first gay kiss with character Todd Grimshaw, actor Bruno Langley.

Langley has recently announced he is to quit the soap to further his acting career, a move which will put an end to the plot which has had viewers hooked.

Corrie fans have seen nurse Karl encouraging father-to-be Todd to admit his feelings over the past few weeks.

Todd has so far been torn between Karl and his pregnant girlfriend Sarah, whom he is set to marry. He caused friction when he confessed to his mother Eileen that he is in love with Karl.

Benjamin Slater, an avid Corrie fan from Blackpool, has helped to set up the forum. He said: "I think Chris is fantastic as an actor, and he works well on screen with Bruno. The story should be allowed to run-out and develop as it's really interesting. It won't be the same without him and we want him to stay."

The fans' forum talks of Chris' good looks, fresh acting talent, and urges Granada bosses to let the storyline flourish.

Their reaction mirrors other soap fan campaigns, such as those to free from prison fellow Corrie characters Les Battersby, Dierdre Rachid and Eastenders' framed killer Michael Rose.

Bosses at the soap have already suggested they will leave the door "firmly open" for Chris to return following his huge impact on fans and colleagues.

Chris said: "I'm absolutely flattered that people like the character so much. I would like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing support."