Comedian Jack Carroll is set to inject humour and charisma into the iconic cobbled streets of Weatherfield as he joins the cast of ITV’s beloved soap opera, Coronation Street.
At 24, Jack Carroll is not just any newcomer; he’s a Pride of Britain winner and a former finalist on Britain’s Got Talent. His role as Bobby, the son of Carla Barlow’s brother Rob Donovan, is poised to take center stage in the soap’s most anticipated storyline of 2024.
The soap’s producer, Iain MacLeod, has unveiled Jack’s pivotal role in the upcoming plot. Gearing up for his arrival on the soap on Wednesday (December 27) earlier this week, he shared: “I’m delighted and honored to be playing a part in the cultural institution that is Coronation Street. I hope Bobby brings a lot of laughs in the vein of some of the Street’s classic comedy characters.”
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As we await his soap debut, let’s take a look at his rise to fame, including his health battle, major honour and BGT past
Amanda Holden Link
(Image: ITV)
Bradford-born Jack shot to fame at 14 in 2013 when he was the runner up on the seventh series of BGT.
After landing the runner up spot, the young comic, who supports himself with a frame, joked immediately after hearing the result: “Runner up? A little bit insensitive, is it not?” Years later, a twenty-year-old Jack returned to the stage for BGT : The Champions – and he caused shockwaves when he ripped into Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon’s appearance.
(Image: Dymond/Thames/REX/Shutterstock)
“Six years since I’ve been on the show, I look six years older,” Jack said. “Which is funny because Amanda and Alesha look 10 years younger.”
“I’ll take that,” said Amanda, flipping her hair. But Jack wasn’t finished. “I’m sure they would frown at that joke but the botox won’t allow it,” he quipped.
Backstage hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly gasped and Ant said: “Cheeky.” After his performance on the ITV talent contest had ended Alesha told Amanda: “I don’t remember him being so vicious the last time.”
“‘I know I love it,” Amanda replied.
Major Honour
(Image: Daily Mirror)
One year before shooting to fame on BGT, Jack had already earned a major accolade by winning the Teenager of Courage award at the Pride of Britain ceremony, where he received his honor from a star-studded lineup, including Alan Carr, Emma Bunton, Mel C, and the event’s host, Carol Vorderman. Rather than letting his cerebral palsy hinder him, Jack, who harnesses the power of stand-up comedy to confront and conquer his struggled, served as an inspiration to countless disabled youth.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The young star was spotted by award bosses after he first took the stage at his parents’ wedding anniversary celebration in 2010, leaving the audience in stitches. His uncle subsequently uploaded footage of his performance on YouTube, thrusting him into the online spotlight.
Health Battle
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Jack came into the world 11 weeks prematurely and grapples with cerebral palsy – a group of conditions that affect movement and posture.
It’s caused by damage that occurs to the developing brain, most often before birth. The witty youngster is reliant on a wheelchair for mobility due to the challenges his condition presents in terms of movement, posture, and coordination, however, he often uses his condition as part of his comedy act.
His talents did not go unnoticed, catching the eye of BBC1’s The One Show and comedian Jason Manford. Manford, impressed by Jack’s comedic prowess, invited the teen to deliver a ten-minute opening set at his Bradford show in November 2010, where he faced an audience of 2,500 people.
Jack Carroll shared his vision, saying: “I’m utilizing the positive aspects of my disability, and I hope that others can see me and realize they can do the same in their own unique way. If I can laugh at myself and make people laugh, maybe they will not be scared to talk about disability.” His proud mother, Sue, echoed these sentiments, stating: “I’m so proud of him.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
