Waterloo Road and Casualty actress Rebecca Ryan is set to join Coronation Street in a mysterious new role.
She will play newcomer Lydia, who will cross paths with Weatherfield regulars Sarah and Adam Barlow.
It’s expected that viewers will first meet Lydia next week.
A Corrie spokesperson said: “After the dramatic events of 2021 you would think the residents of Britain’s favourite street would be looking for a quieter start to 2022, but although the storm clouds gathering this time are metaphorical, there may be just as much damage.
“Sarah and Adam are hoping to cement their relationship by starting a family, but when Sarah’s new friend Lydia turns out to be someone from Adam’s past, could all Sarah’s dreams turn to nightmares?”
(Image: ITV)
Fans of Casualty may recognise Rebecca, 30, from her role as hospital porter Gemma Dean –troubled sister of paramedic Iain (Mike Stevenson).
Before that she appeared in Waterloo Road as schoolgirl Vicki MacDonald.
Bizarrely, Rebeca’s brother, fellow actor Jack James Ryan, is no stranger to Weatherfield.
Jack James plays Jacob Hay, who got Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) involved with drug dealing earlier this year.
The dodgy character left town after drug lord Harvey (Will Mellor) took revenge on him and left him in hospital, but the character made a brief return on Friday (November 26).
To celebrate Rebecca’s big news, Jack James took to social media.
He wrote: “Still can’t believe this is happening but I’m beyond proud to finally announce my ridiculously talented sister @rebeccaryan___ is joining the cast of @coronationstreet.
“When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I’d say ‘an actor on TV like my big sister’. You’ve been my biggest inspiration and I’ll never be able to articulate just how proud I am to be your little bro.
“They say never work with family but on this occasion I’d like to strongly disagree. Can’t wait for Lydia to hit our screens in December so make sure to keep an eye out to see what she gets up to!
“Love you Bex.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
