ITV respond to rumours that Jack Shepherd is taking break

The actor, 38, recently underwent his third hair transplant, which required him to shave his head and was arranged to coincide with the birth of his fourth child — the first with his wife, Hanni Treweek.

Reports suggested that Mr Shepherd will be off screens for several weeks as he takes paternity leave to support Ms Treweek in the weeks surrounding the birth.

A source told The Sun: “Jack’s really turned his life around and is blissfully happy with Hanni and they can’t wait to be parents together.”

Mr Shepherd has played fan favourite David Platt on the ITV soap for 26 years.

He has two children with his former partner, Lauren Shippey, and a third with Sammy Milewski.

He and Ms Treweek met behind the scenes of Coronation Street, where she worked as a researcher, and were married in Manchester in July 2025, a year after Mr Shepherd proposed during a safari holiday.

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— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 15, 2026

Earlier this year, Mr Shepherd joked on his On The Sofa podcast, which he co-hosts with Coronation Street co-stars Colson Smith and Ben Price, that he might name his child after his soap character.

He said: “It was suggested, I actually thought it would be funny… David.

“David P Shepherd.

“Don’t you think that would be f**king brilliant?

“The balls, the ballsy-ness.”

After ITV was approached for comment, they confirmed that he would not be ‘taking a break’ from the show but would instead be on a short holiday.

It’s been a busy year for the actor as he tied the knot with his partner Hanni Treweek last summer.

Six months later, the couple announced they are expecting their first child this month.

Sharing a video with her husband, Hanni wrote: “We’ve been keeping a secret…June 2026.”

The couple were flooded with support, including from Vicky Myers, who plays Lisa Swain.

She said: “What wonderful news! Congratulations.”

Sam Aston, who portrays Chesney Brown, also said: “Awww what wonderful news congratulations guys x.”

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