Coronation Street is a British soap opera first broadcast on ITV on 9 December 1960.[1] The following is a list of characters introduced in 2024, by order of first appearance. In February Emily Wilkinson (Ellena Vincent) joined the cast as the wife of Joel Deering (Callum Lill),[2] followed by John Perry played by played by former Peaky Blinders actor Ian Peck, who was an associate of Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor). Rowan Cunliffe (Emrhys Cooper) made his debut in March and will be followed by Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer is also set to make a guest appearance as Elspeth on March 27. Kit (Jacob Roberts) made his first appearance on 13 May 2024, part of a plot-twist as being the son of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove). At some point in 2024, the parents of Joel Deering are set to be introduced.[3]
Emily Wilkinson (also Deering), played by Ellena Vincent, is the mystery woman who knows Joel Deering (Callum Lill). She interrupts him whilst he is to the middle of a meeting with a client and she didn't seem happy with him. After she bumps into him, he escorts her out of the Bistro and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) watches on them.[4] In 2024 Ellena Vincent was spotted in EastEnders and lots of fans were baffled to see her in Coronation Street and Eastenders at the same time.[5]
Emily is the ex-wife of Joel and is a part of a big storyline about Joel's past and his parents will soon be arriving to. When Joel revealed to his girlfriend Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling Brown) that Emily was his soon to be ex-wife, and that he also has a daughter named Maisie, Dee Dee broke up with him after she found out. Days later, she talks to Dee Dee to let her know that she was over with Joel and they are getting divorced.[6]
John Perry, played by Ian Peck,[7] is a man who is prepared to confess to the murder of Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac) so Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor) can be released from prison sort out his half-brother Damon Hay (Ciaran Griffiths) for Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), whose wife Sarah Barlow (Tina O'Brien) had an affair with and subsequently begins a relationship with. Peck's casting was announced on 31 January 2024 and his character was described to be a "guest" and would only appear for a "short stint."[8] He appeared in five episodes between 9 February and 26 February. This was Peck's third guest role in Coronation Street after playing a prison officer named Lindworth and drug dealer Denton in 2015.[9]
Harvey arranges for Adam to meet him at Weatherfield General Hospital. He does so, but finds out that John is a cancer patient and doesn't have long to live as it's terminal and has finished treatment. When Adam realises this and that he has a family including grandchildren, his conscience begins to make him feel like backing out of the plan as he believes that John should spend the rest of his time left with his grandchildren, but John says he would see the jail time as a punishment for the crimes he committed when he was younger. However, when Adam finds out that his wife Sarah wants to move out of the flat and into a new home with Damon and his stepson Harry Platt (Freddie and Isaac Rhodes), whom he sees as his own son, he decides to go along with the plan, but his conscience later gets the better of him.
Rowan Cunliffe, played by Emrhys Cooper, made his debut on Friday 15 March.[10] His casting was announced by Digital Spy on Tuesday 5 March.[11] He met Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) at the Chariot Square Hotel where they attend an event together.[12] After Simon confessing to drink driving with Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) in the back of the car, Leanne decides to help Simon by taking him to a seminar at the hotel being held by a mysterious group called 'The Institute'.[13]Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) advises Nick goes along with them as there's a wedding fayre on local to the hotel.[14] On Rowan's character, Digital Spy reported that "Rowan approaches Leanne and offers her some unsolicited advice. Leanne is initially taken aback by Rowan's approach, but she drops her guard when he encourages her to share her deepest thoughts and feelings. When Rowan leaves and flashes Leanne a smile, she can't help but blush. Does this Weatherfield newcomer have a hidden agenda?"[15]
Elspeth, played by Helen Lederer, made her first appearance on 27 March.[16] She caught the eye of Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) during a singles' cocktail night at the Chariot Square Hotel.[17] She sends drinks over to him and his son-in-law Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).[18] Lederer had already teased a potential role on Coronation Street before her casting was officially announced on March 17.[19] She first spoke out about her casting to Digital Spy saying "It came out of the blue but for me Coronation Street, of all the soaps, is the most substantial and ironic with such humour, it's really a class act. So when you get the call for Coronation Street you drop everything. And to be offered a part playing a role opposite William Roache is even more exciting. I had met him once before when I sat next to him at an event and I thought what a lovely man he was and so personable. So for me to be offered this brief role was a joy."[20] Although Elspeth is only set to appear in one episode for now, Helen confirmed that she's open to returning to the role in the future and said "The answer to that is 'most definitely'. Ken had Steve to deal with but he was certainly interested in her. He definitely made sure he got her number, he initiated it. So who knows one day he might actually call her and I can come back to Weatherfield."[21]
Rebecca, played by Gemma Merna, is a client of Adam Barlow (Samuel Robertson) whom he is to set his sights on.[22] She made her first appearance on 15 April. Inside Soap first reported Merna's casting on 2 April 2024 and Rebecca has been described to be a guest character as "Digital Spy understands that it is indeed just a small appearance in an episode, and it isn't expected to be a recurring role."[23] Merna also commented on her casting by saying "I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl."[24] She further discussed her feelings towards her casting by saying "Can you believe it?! I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it's truly a dream come true for me. It's been on my vision board for over 10 years, and finally, I got the chance to walk the cobbles. I can’t even believe I'm writing this. I think the best part was ringing my mum and telling her."[25] Merna also told Digital Spy that her family have been fans of Coronation Street by saying "To my dad, nana, grandad, and grandma, who all watched it for many years, and were huge fans. I hope you're proud of me up there. Rebecca will be gracing your screens in the next coming weeks."[26]
Denny Foreman is the estranged father of Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) who made his first appearance on 29 April 2024 after hearing Paul talk about Motor Neurone Disease and the struggles he has from suffering from it on the radio.[27] He is played by Danny Cunningham,[28] whose casting was announced on 22 April.[29] Digital Spy reported that Denny's arrival will cause concern for Paul's family including his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), who "is also unhappy over Denny, reminding Paul that Denny used to be violent towards him when he was a child."[30] Bernie is also upset at Denny's sudden arrival as "she's worried that Denny might expose secrets from her past"[31] to her current partner Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin). This will be Cunningham's second role in the soap as he previously appeared as Jimmy Sykes between 2000 and 2001.[32]
Chloe Timms from Inside Soap called the character "horrid" and hoped that Bernie would chase the character "out of Weatherfield".[33]
Christopher "Kit" Green (né Zodiac "Zak" Winter), played by Jacob Roberts, made his first appearance on 13 May 2024. He is the secret son of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) that she had conceived whilst with half-siblings father Denny (Danny Cunningham).[34] His casting details were initially announced on 23 April 2024, however the characters name was not yet revealed.[35] Roberts' revealed he knew about the plot-twist beforehand.[34] He also added that he had quite a journey during the audition process to obtain the role.[36]
"I got a call just before Christmas and I submitted a self tape. I actually put it to the back of my mind and didn't think much of it because I think I assumed I wasn't successful after not hearing back. Around a month later I was invited to a meeting, which was more of a casual audition, and after this was the screen tests which still had five people auditioning for the part but in the end, I got it and was delighted!"[36]
–Roberts' on his casting process (2024)
Teasing his character, Roberts' told ITV: "Kit is working as a detective and has been brought in to try and solve the Lauren Bolton case and of course is Bernie’s secret son. I do think he is going to be a very misunderstood character at first. He’s been really hurt throughout his life and although he has a good heart, he has some deep rooted resentment with his biological mum, which will be really interesting to play out."[34]
Anthea Deering, is the mother of Joel Deering (Callum Lill) who is set to appear on 5 June 2024.[37] It was initially announced on 15 February 2024 that Joel's parents would be arriving in Coronation Street,[38] however the names of his parents were revealed on 28 May.[39] It has been revealed that Anthea, along with her husband Gus are set to meet Joel's girlfriend Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling Brown), who he will propose to.[40] However, she and Gus are set to take a dislike to her as it has been described, "it is an uphill battle with Joel’s parents Anthea and Gus, who make their disapproval of Dee Dee clear."[41] Anthea is also set to cause Dee Dee some upset and "when she makes a patronising remark, Dee-Dee storms out."[42]
When Lill, who plays Joel, was asked about whether the introduction of Joel's parents would help audiences understand his past, he said, "definitely. Joel is the middle child from a middle class family. He's navigating that and trying to be good enough. I'm looking forward to seeing how that unfolds."[43]
Gus Deering, is the father of Joel Deering (Callum Lill) who is set to appear on 5 June 2024.[44] It was initially announced on 15 February 2024 that Joel's parents would be arriving in Coronation Street,[45] however the names of his parents were revealed on 28 May.[46] It has been revealed that Gus, along with his wife Anthea are set to meet Joel's girlfriend Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling Brown), who he will propose to.[47] However, he and Anthea are set to take a dislike to her as it has been described, "it is an uphill battle with Joel’s parents Anthea and Gus, who make their disapproval of Dee Dee clear."[48]
When Lill, who plays Joel, was asked about whether the introduction of Joel's parents would help audiences understand his past, he said, "definitely. Joel is the middle child from a middle class family. He's navigating that and trying to be good enough. I'm looking forward to seeing how that unfolds."[49]
Steve McDonald is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Simon Gregson. The character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 6 December 1989. He arrived as part of the McDonald family introduced by producer Mervyn Watson along with his twin brother Andy and parents Liz and Jim McDonald. For the first year on the Street, the character was credited by the actor's real surname Gregory, before changing to Gregson from early 1991 onwards. Steve is Coronation Street's most married character, having been married seven times to five women. In September 2015, Gregson announced a break due to personal reasons and Steve was off-screen from November 2015 to 22 April 2016.
Kazia Pelka is a British actress who has worked primarily in UK television, appearing in the soap opera series Brookside in the early 1990s, the period police drama series Heartbeat in the late 1990s, the police procedural series The Bill, and the BBC medical drama series Doctors, and Casualty.
Nick Tilsley is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He was born off screen during an episode broadcast on 31 December 1980, but made his first appearance on 5 January 1981. He was played by Warren Jackson from 1981 until 6 September 1996. Adam Rickitt took over the role on 15 October 1997 until 21 April 1999 but returned for three separate stints between 2002 and 2004 and made his final appearance as Nick on 11 July 2004. Ben Price took over the role on 21 December 2009. Price announced his intentions to leave the serial on 26 January 2017, before making his on-screen departure on 2 June 2017. However, on 23 April 2018, it was announced that Price would reprise his role as Nick, and he returned on 12 October 2018.
Gemma Merna is an English actress and model. She is best known for portraying Carmel McQueen in the Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks from 2006 to 2014.
Theresa McQueen is a fictional character from the British Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, played by Jorgie Porter. She made her first appearance on 24 November 2008. The character was introduced as an extension of already established McQueen family and quickly became a fan favourite for her cute, bubbly personality and dark storylines. During her first five years on the show, Porter was featured in numerous high-profile storylines, including: underage sex; the murder of Calvin Valentine ; teenage pregnancy; being the target of serial killer Silas Blissett ; falling down a lift shaft; discovering her boyfriend, Ethan Scott was dating two other women and forming a friendship with the girls; finding her long-lost father; relationships with Dodger Savage, Will Savage and Joel Dexter ; and her arrest for Calvin's murder. Porter announced her departure from the soap in October 2013 so she could focus on Dancing on Ice. Her exit scenes aired on 9 January 2014.
Eva Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Catherine Tyldesley, her character and casting was announced in May 2011 and she made her first appearance on screen on 17 June 2011. Eva was introduced as Stella Price's daughter. On 24 August 2014, Tyldesley announced that she was expecting her first child. Eva left the show on 23 February 2015. Tyldesley returned to filming on 13 July 2015, and Eva's return scenes aired on 16 September 2015. It was announced on 1 December 2017 that Tyldesley had decided to leave the show to pursue other acting roles after seven years. Tyldesley filmed her final scenes on 20 June 2018 which were broadcast on 3 August 2018.
Toyah Habeeb is a fictional character from the British soap opera Coronation Street, played by Georgia Taylor. Toyah and her family were introduced to the serial by executive producer Brian Park in a bid to increase falling ratings. Actress and singer Toyah Willcox gave the producers permission to name the youngest member of the Battersby family after herself, since the character was said to be born during the height of her career. Taylor originally auditioned for the part of Zoe Tattersall, but was cast as Toyah instead. The role marked her acting debut. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 4 July 1997.
Rob Donovan is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Marc Baylis. Introduced as the brother of Carla Connor, he made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 9 July 2012. It was announced in June 2014 that Baylis would be leaving the role after two years following his involvement in a storyline where Rob was responsible for murdering Tina McIntyre. Rob departed on 5 November 2014. It was reported in August 2015 that Baylis would be reprising the role as Rob, and he returned to filming in October for a short storyline. His return aired on 4 December 2015 and he departed a month later, on 4 January 2016. He returned again on 19 April 2017 and departed on 8 May 2017.
Emma Brooker is a fictional character from the British soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by Alexandra Mardell. She first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 20 April 2018. Emma's storylines have included short-term relationships with David Platt, Chesney Brown and Seb Franklin, surviving a roof collapse at the local factory, discovering that Steve McDonald is her biological father, a relationship with Curtis Delamere who suffers from factitious disorder and running over an elderly man in her car. Mardell announced her departure from the show in February 2022, departing on 8 April 2022.
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