CORRIE heartthrob Rob James-Collier has told why he wanted his character to be killed off.

The Manchester actor plays charmer Liam Connor, who will die in dramatic scenes screened next week. But, while we already know whodunit, we don't know how as three alternative endings have been filmed showing businessman Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) bumping Liam off in various ways.

His death will be the conclusion of five episodes covering a single 24-hour period.

"I didn't really have any say… but I'm happy with the decision. I just wanted Liam killed off," said Rob. "It is hard as an actor when you leave a show like Corrie because you are constantly being asked when you are going back. If they kill your character off, that can't happen."

Gray admitted he was concerned when he first read the storyline involving Tony and viewers' favourite Liam.

"I was worried that I was going to be the most hated man in soap. I expect to get a bit of stick for it," he said.

He and the rest of the Corrie team have gone to great lengths to keep the choice of ending secret. Gray is filming his Weatherfield role until next year when the question of whether Tony gets away with murder will be answered.

Coronation Street producer Kim Crowther also told the MEN that some recently axed cast members may return next year.

The three alternative endings are: Tony uses a real gun to shoot Liam at a stag-do paint-ball outing; Liam is mowed down by a hit-and-run driver; Tony pushes Liam to his death from a block of flats.