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.
13. Sacha Parkinson
Sacha Parkinson joined Coronation Street in 2009 as Sian Powers, who went on to become part of the soap's first lesbian couple when she began a relationship with Sophie Webster. Sasha left Weatherfield in 2011 and has since appeared in a number of other TV shows as well as the hard-hitting drama film Apostasy. She moved to Tyldesley at the age of seven and is now a patron for Leigh Film Society. Photo: Submitted
14. Sir Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen, who grew up in Wigan, has had a long acting career, with roles on the stage, TV and in films. He was delighted to secure a role in Coronation Street in 2005 and appeared in 10 episodes as supposed author Mel Hutchwright, who turned out to be a conman. Photo: Marty Melville/Getty
15. Jennifer Moss
Jennifer Moss was just 15 when she joined Coronation Street as wild teenager Lucille Hewitt in episode three in December 1960 and was a firm favourite until departing 14 years later. A former pupil of Wigan High School, she did not appear on screen for a while after leaving the cobbles, but did revive her career in the 1980s with roles on Brookside, Help! and Bread. Photo: Submitted
16. John Lloyd Fillingham
Born at Billinge Hospital and brought up in Highfield, John Lloyd Fillingham decided to become an actor while attending Deanery High School. He guest-starred in Coronation Street as builder Neil Mitchell from 1992 to 1993. Photo: Submitted