There are loads of different sources claiming that James will be killed off, make of it what you will, I don't know If the producer or ITV have "quoted" it.
Re Kelvin Fletcher, the cast filmed a goodbye video, so It seems pretty final, but of course he could return at some point in the future I suppose, who knows?

I think he probably does.
They also filmed a video for Danny Miller.

BIB - and he then left for two years.

With soap, it tends to be the case that if a piece of news like this is reported; it is nearly always true.

I'm pretty sure that to all intents and purposes, Kelvin Fletcher has left in so much as his contract has finished, a new one hasn't been signed, and no date has been agreed for him to return.

They have merely left the door open for a return and they are trying to leave the storyline open ended by not confirming his departure is permanent. After all, they can hardly say "all these attempts of Robert and Berniece to catch Chrissie out will obviously fail as Fletcher isn't coming back". It would take all suspense out of it.

I do also think that although there hasn't been an official press release about Sophie Powles and Bill Ward leaving, they are going.

Shared paternity leave?

They have been filming for over three weeks. Pinewood filming was meant to be completed on Friday.

Dan bloody Wooton leaked it

Yes, therefore not confirmed, sometimes he writes utter crap

Yeah its not officially verified but I'd say it's true.

I definitely think Kelvin Fletcher is on a long paternity leave, I would imagine he'll be filming again after Christmas.

I'm sad that Holly is going as she has been much better this time round, James leaving is a shame as it's nice having the Barton family unit as a whole (if he goes), I just really hope Joanie follows and Jermaine is a good shout too - his storyline has been utterley ridiculous.