'Coronation Street' star Andy Whyment is "gutted" Shaun Thomas has left 'Emmerdale', and has backed him to have a "great career".

Andy Whyment

Andy Whyment

The 37-year-old actor - who plays Kirk Sutherland in 'Coronation Street' - and his wife Nicola Willis were sad to see the 20-year-old star's character Gerry Roberts killed off last night (17.05.18) as Lachlan White (Thomas Atkinson) bludgeoned him to death with a large stone.

In a tweet to Shaun, Andy wrote: "alright mate, just wanted to say me and my wife thought you were brilliant in @emmerdale, gutted you've left but I'm sure you'll do really well, all the best for the future (sic)"

Shaun replied: "Thank you mate. Glad you enjoyed it pal. Thanks for the tweet. Hope the family's good (sic)"

Andy went on to say he thought Shaun's portrayal of joker Gerry was "hilarious" and admitted he should be "proud" of his 'Emmerdale' role.

He wrote: "No worries at all mate we thought you were hilarious at times, the family are great thanks, I'm sure you'll have a great career, congratulations with what you did on Emmerdale you should be proud (sic)"

James Hooton - who plays Sam Dingle in 'Emmerdale' - also heaped praised on Shaun, admitting he was a "joy to work with".

He tweeted: "Real shame to lose a charismatic young talent like @ShaunThomas97 a joy to work with and fun to be around. I look forward to watching his career sore onwards and upwards! Needs to work on his tracking back at football though.. (sic)"

What's more, former 'Emmerdale' star Adam Thomas - who played Adam Barton in the soap - congratulated Shaun on his stint in the show.

He wrote on Twitter: "The world is yours bro congrats on everything you've achieved so far my man ... now the fun begins wish u all the best (sic)"