Corrie fans gobsmacked to find ‘imposter’ on ITV soap after character was recast

Coronation Street viewers were baffled on Friday night after they noticed something different about the show.

ITV’s longest-running soap continued to hit our screens on Friday (August 11), but viewers could not help but notice that a character had been recast.

Ruby Dobbs, daughter of Tyrone Dobbs and crazy Kirsty Soames, looked different as the actress who played her was replaced with someone else.

READ MORE: Next Coronation Street legend to get killed off ‘revealed’ — and fans will be gutted

In addition to Fizz Dobbs, played by Jennie McAlpine, staying away from the cobbles, Ruby had not been seen on-screen, but had been mentioned several times by other characters.

Friday’s episode of the long-running show on ITV saw Ruby return to the soap, but played by a different actress.

In scenes broadcast on the show, Ruby – now played by Billie Naylor – practised alongside half-sister Hope as they were getting ready for the Little Big Shotz solo part.

As the children all auditioned for the role, Ruby was ecstatic to find out she had landed the gig.

Play director Glenda Shuttleworth also announced that all other children who auditioned would still have a part, playing Ruby’s backing singers.

This left Hope, played by Isabelle Flanagan, less than impressed with the result, already damaging their flaky relationship.

However, could this be the event to tip Hope’s anger over and push her over the edge?

Many fans of the show were quick to point out the change in Ruby’s actress, with many voicing their opinions on social media.

One user did not hold back, sounding off: “Who the f**k is this Ruby imposter?”

Another viewer was confused when they asked: “Hang on – when did they change Ruby?”

Whilst another snickered: “Think Ruby has been taking the same ageing tablets, she’s suddenly aged three years overnight. Thought it was Hope’s friend, not her sister!”

But there was some praise for Ruby’s new actress, with one fan writing: “Aww the new Ruby is a great casting!! Looks very similar to her birth mother!”

Ruby’s former actress, Maci Alabi, announced that she would be leaving the soap earlier this month.

The soap star, who played Tyrone and Kirsty’s child from 2012 onwards decided to quit the show in order to start her studies in high school.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk