It’s not often noted as an acting capital but a surprise number of TV stars to have graced the Coronation Street cobbles have hailed from Wigan.
This week, it was revealed that actor Ciaran Griffiths, who attended St Mary’s Catholic High School in Astley, is joining the cast of the long-running ITV soap as Damon, the troublemaker dad of Jacob Hay. Jacob, however, is not pleased to see his dad, leaving viewers wondering what he’s up to. Actor Ciaran, who recently returned to his roots from Australia, said: “I watched Corrie as a kid and it’s great to be back with some old friends both cast and crew.”
His arrival got us to thinking about how many other actors and actresses have appeared in Corrie over the years who hail from the borough - some still in the show and others who have moved onto pastures new.
See how many you can remember.
1. Kym Marsh
After making her name as a member of pop group Hear'Say, Garswood's Kym Marsh joined Coronation Street as Michelle Connor in 2006 and remained in Weatherfield until 2019. She is currently competing in Strictly Come Dancing, as well as presenting Morning Live. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
2. Adam Little
Adam Little, centre, on Coronation Street earlier this year in a guest role as Blake, a friend of Max Turner. It was second time lucky for the 19-year-old from Leigh, as he had previously auditioned for the role of Max. Adam has also appeared in Years and Years and school drama Ackley Bridge. Photo: Danielle Baguley
3. Georgia Taylor
Georgia Taylor - also known as Toyah Battersby - first arrived on Coronation Street in 1997 and soon caused a stir as a member of the Battersby family. She left Weatherfield in 2003 and took on several other roles, before returning in 2016. Georgia attended Orrell St Peter’s High School and Winstanley College and was a member of Wigan’s acclaimed Willpower Youth Theatre. Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
4. Jennifer James
Former St Edmund Arrowsmith High School pupil Jennifer James played Geena Gregory from 2000 to 2002. She's since appeared in other shows including Dalziel and Pascoe, Scott and Bailey, and Shameless. Photo: Submitted