Coronation Street actor James Cartwright is leaving the soap, seven months after it was revealed he ‘broke another man’s eye socket’ in a nightclub.

The soap star, 41, who plays villain Theo Silverton, still has scenes to film but according to ITV, was only on a ‘finite contract’.

Coronation Street bosses faced backlash for casting James, who joined in March last year, after it was revealed he was sentenced to 18 months in jail, suspended for a year, with 12 months supervision and 200 hours unpaid work in 2013 after throwing a punch at Phillip Mason in a nightclub.

The actor claimed to have acted in self defence, but a jury convicted him of inflicting grievous bodily harm following a trial and he was ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to his victim.

ITV confirmed his departure as he told The Sun: ‘James joined on a finite contract and was aware of his character’s story arc and how long he would be in the show.

‘He still has scenes to film will be on screen until later this year.’

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Coronation Street actor James Cartwright is leaving the soap, seven months after it was revealed he ‘broke another man’s eye socket’ in a nightclub

ITV told Daily Mail James’ departure has no connection with his past conviction.

Daily Mail has contacted James’ representatives for comment.

Speaking at the trial in 2013, defence barrister Neil Fryman said James had no previous convictions and a successful acting career.

The judge, Recorder Andrew Long, told Cartwright told James: ‘I don’t know what possessed you to act in the way you did.

‘You launched an attack upon him, punching him very hard in the face for little or no reason. You know you put your life, everything you have worked for, in jeopardy.’

A spokesman for James Cartwright responded when asked about the incident by the publication last year: ‘This is an incident which took place a very long time ago when James was attacked in a nightclub.

‘Although not the instigator, James has always regretted his reaction.’

James’ character Theo is among those in the firing line in a deadly flash-forward.

The clip showed Betsy Swain reporting the discovery of a dead body of someone she knows after her mother Lisa’s wedding to Carla Connor.

She explains that she had been at a wedding but was heading into town when she found the body.

As the narrative rewinds to the present, the show explores how the actions of the five characters could put them in danger months later.

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The soap star , 41, who plays villain Theo Silverton, still has scenes to film but according to ITV, was only on a ‘finite contract’

Over the next few weeks Theo’s controlling relationship with Todd intensifies, and with their wedding looming and it’s unclear whether Todd will speak out about what’s really been going on.

As the story fast-forwards to April 23, Theo and four other characters appear on the cobbles during Lisa and Carla’s wedding fireworks.

Carl is battered and bruised, Jodie appears frantic, Maggie stands menacing, Megan bears a bloody nose, and Theo looks furtive and anxious.

The tension escalates as the night sky lights up with fireworks, contrasting the darkness surrounding the characters’ fates.

In the final moments Betsy screamed – but viewers will have to tune in to see who dies.