[1] After the character had only been part of the serial for a short period he became a firm favourite with viewers,[1] with Gazey winning three "Best Newcomer" awards[2] and "Best Comedy Performance" for his portrayal.

Gazey did not know he was to become a permanent member of the cast until after his first stint was completed, as he confirmed in an interview with website Digital Spy: "It was never on the cards, but everyone was so supportive of me and my character.

On my last day of filming of my first ever block, the crew gave me a clap to say goodbye and they all said 'Goodbye Craig', while a couple of them added 'for now' on the end.

[8] Graeme's character often provided comic relief through his eccentric behaviour and the many outlandish one-liners he accidentally comes out with.

"[4] Graeme believes that the worst thing the Romans did was to invent central heating, and has a weakness for setting fires.

[11] ITV also spoke about the character wanting viewers to know that he has a soft side stating: "Graeme will not be an out-and-out bad lad.

And not start any more fires..."[1] Gazey also made it clear from an early point that his character would not develop into one of Weatherfield's bad guys.

"[13] In 2010 Gazey explained his character's laid back attitude to whom he spends time with stating, "It's great that he bobs in and out of situations – you can put him anywhere and he's unfazed by anyone or anything.

"[14] Going on to talk of how his then, impending storyline involving a new love interest would impact on his unfazed attitude he said: "It's time to see him out of his depth.

I feel this is the right time to leave after two and a half fantastic years playing a unique and brilliantly written character.

I don't know what the future holds, but I hope I will be given the opportunity to show my versatility as an actor and work on different projects.

Graeme steals a sports car on the day he is released and brings it back to the Platts' house to the indignation of David's girlfriend, Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan).

Realising he needs to get rid of the car he stole, Graeme enlists David's help but in a twist of events, the Windasses steal the vehicle.

Graeme is paid by Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) to punch him in the face so that he can go to court to help Becky Granger (Katherine Kelly).

The character gradually takes on the speaking mannerisms of Fred Elliott (John Savident) by using some of his famous sayings.

During Teresa Bryant's (Karen Henthorn) Vicars and Tarts party, Graeme arrives dressed like Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).

When Rosie Webster's (Helen Flanagan) modelling career involves skimpy outfits, Graeme begins pursuing her, much to her annoyance, though she turns to him when it suits her e.g. getting her drinks or concealing an embarrassing poster of her.

Graeme is rushed to hospital with broken ribs and punctured lungs, and doctors tell Tina that his chances of survival are small.

Tina is later relieved in December 2010 when Graeme arrives safe and well after a tram crashes on to the street and he subsequently helps with the rescue.