19 Scousers who made their mark on ITV’s Coronation Street

It's now been over 60 years since Coronation Street ^[1]first came to our TV screens. The longest-running soap in the world, the show, affectionately known as Corrie, is still loved by generations of fans today.

Through the decades, ^[2]we've been introduced to thousands of characters, with many growing up on the cobbles before our eyes. But in the last six decades, we've also seen a number of actors from our city star in the Manchester-based soap.

Nearly a decade ago, the ECHO compiled a list of Scousers that have shone on Coronation Street through the years.^[3] But there are a few more actors who hail from our city and in recent years who have been new additions to the cobbles.

Pat Phelan [CONNOR McINTYRE]" data-src="https://news.translogistics.net/posts/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/8f6d2d59384039fcae8468c17bb7f05f.jpg">

Coronation Street's Pat Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre -Credit:ITV/Mark Bruce

Toxteth-born actor Connor McIntyre first joined the long-running soap in early 2013. Playing villain Pat Phelan, he appeared on Corrie for a year before returning in 2016.

On the show, his character committed a series of crimes, including kidnapping and murdering several people. For his role, McIntyre was awarded Villain of the Year twice at the British Soap Awards.

It was back in 2018 that he left the cobbles when Pat stabbed one of his victims, Anna Windass. In his career, McIntyre has starred in the likes of Outlaws, Drop Dead Gorgeous and film Our Kid.

17. Gordon Clegg - Bill Kenwright

Gordon Clegg, played by Bill Kenwright and Betty Turpin, played by Betty Driver -Credit:ITV
A lifelong Everton supporter, Kenwright was born in Wavertree ^[9]and first found success within the art world. The Liverpool Institute graduate's acting talent saw him invited to join the National Youth Theatre before he famously starred in Coronation Street as Betty Turpin's son, Gordon Clegg.
His first episode aired in April 1968 and Kenwright spent one year on the show before leaving to pursue a career in producing. Through the years, he made a number of guest appearances, his last being in 2012 when his character returned to Weatherfield to announce Betty's death.
Also starring in the Liver Birds and Carry On films before becoming a successful theatre impresario and film producer, Kenwright joined the board of directors at Goodison Park ^[10] in 1989 and eventually became chairman of the club. Kenwright died on October 23, 2023, ^[11]at the age of 78.
16. Michael Rodwell - Les Dennis
Les Dennis in a scene with Helen Worth
Garston ^[12] actor Les Dennis made his first screen appearance on Corrie in 2014. Playing reformed burglar Michael Rodwell, during his time on the show Les’s character Michael found love with Gail Platt after burgling her house.
But the couple split ^[13] when he discovered Gail had lied to him about his dead son, Gavin. He went on to find love with Gail’s rival Eileen, but that relationship fell apart after builder Pat Phelan, played by fellow Liverpool actor Connor McIntyre ^[14], made a return to the street.
In 2016, the comedian announced he was quitting the soap ^[15] to move on to new projects. At the time, he said: "As a lifelong fan of the show, playing Michael Rodwell in Coronation Street has been a dream come true."
15. Crystal Hyde - Erin Austen
Coronation Street's Crystal Hyde, played by Erin Austen -Credit:ITV Screengrab
In 2023, Coronation Street fans were introduced to another Scouser on screen. Erin Austin, from Liverpool, made her onscreen debut as Crystal Hyde in March of that year.
The character first arrived to Weatherfield for Daisy Midgeley's wedding. Austin's character, an Ibiza DJ, immediately set her sights on Ryan Prescott.
The actor landed the role after a tough audition process and said it was "surreal" when she found out she was going to appear on Corrie. She previously told the ECHO: ^[16]"It’s such an iconic show and I couldn’t believe I was going to be able to walk down the Cobbles let alone be on the show with so many other incredible actors."
14. Michelle Connor - Kym Marsh
Kym Marsh in a scene playing Michelle Connor
It was in 2006 that former Hear'say singer Kym Marsh made her debut on the cobbles as Michelle Connor. Michelle first appeared when she auditioned for a place in Vernon Tomlin’s band and began working in the bar of the Rovers after the drummer landed her the job.
In over a decade, Marsh was part of huge storylines, from relationships to murder. While on the show, Marsh won the British Soap Awards and a National Television Award.
In 2019, Marsh revealed she would be leading the soap after 13 years.^[17] At the time, executive producer John Whiston said: "Kym has done a fantastic job on the show as Michelle Connor, bringing incredible heart and humanity to some hugely important ‎stories."
13. Lloyd Mullaney - Craig Charles
Krissi Bohn and Craig Charles on Coronation Street
Lloyd Mullaney arrived on Coronation Street in 2005 as a prospective cab driver. Played by Craig Charles, who grew up in Cantril Farm, was at the centre of numerous storylines and his character had a number of relationships.
The love interests of Lloyd included Kelly Crabtree, Liz McDonald, Teresa Bryant, Cheryl Gray, Mandy Kamara and Andrea Beckett. But in 2015, after a decade on the soap, it was revealed that Charles was leaving the show.^[18]
Charles left the role to focus on filming the sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf. At the time, the star didn’t rule out a return to the soap, adding: "I would love to return to Coronation Street at some point in the future."
12. Cassie Plummer - Claire Sweeney
Claire Sweeney and Simon Gregson on an episode of Coronation Street -Credit:ITV/Daniel Baguley
Last year, it was confirmed that actor Claire Sweeney, from Walton ^[19], had joined the cast of Coronation Street.^[20] Renowned for her portrayal of Lindsey Corkhill in the Merseyside set soap, Brookside, Sweeney traded the Close for the Cobbles to play Tyrone Dobbs' mum, Cassie.
Tyrone, played by Alan Halsall, grew up thinking that his mum was Jackie Dobbs, played by the iconic Margi Clarke, from Kirkby ^[21]. However, a storyline in 2018 brought him into contact with Evelyn for the first time, who revealed her daughter was his biological mother.
Evelyn did not trust Cassie to look after him due to her drug habit and abandoned Tyrone at a police station in 1982. Evelyn told Tyrone that his biological mum had died and then Cassie arrived on the cobbles.
11. Frank Bardsley - Simon O'Brien
Simon O'Brien as Frank Bardsley in ITV's Coronation Street -Credit:ITV
It was back in 2022 that Corrie fans were introduced to Frank Bardsley, ^[22]played by Simon O'Brien. Before starring in Corrie, O'Brien, who hails from Garston ^[23], played Damon Grant in the Liverpool soap Brookside ^[24] in the 80s.
At the time, the ECHO reported how O'Brien was introduced to The Rovers, ^[25]seemingly as a new love interest for Sean Tully, played by Antony Cotton. He appeared in numerous episodes that year.
O'Brien is also known for starring in Grange Hill and Fraggle Rock. He has also had smaller roles in Casualty, Heartbeat and The Bill.
10. Frank Foster - Andrew Lancel
Coronation Street's Alison King and Andrew Lancel in an episode -Credit:ITV/Rob Evans
Andrew Lancel is best known for playing the role of villainous businessman Frank Foster on Coronation Street. Arriving in 2011, the serial entrepreneur quickly became involved in the shady deals ^[26]of the Underworld as he battled Carla Connor for control of the factory.
However, the evil criminal soon showed his true colours as he went on to sexually assault Carla’s PA Maria Connor. His reign of terror didn’t last long though.
On the soap, he was murdered in a dramatic whodunnit where it was later revealed his mother Anne Foster killed him in cold blood. His performance as Frank went on to win the actor the Villain of the Year Award at the British Soap Awards before he left the show.
9. George Shuttleworth - Tony Maudsley
Jodie Prenger and Tony Maudsley in Coronation Street -Credit:ITV
In 2020, Tony Maudsley, from Kirkby, quickly established himself as a fan favourite on Coronation Street. George Shuttleworth, the character was introduced as the son of Archie Shuttleworth, played by Roy Hudd, who inherited his father's funeral directory.
But this wasn't Maudsley's first time on the cobbles. He previously revealed he played other parts in Coronation Street before he took on the role of George
Speaking about the past scenes, he previously told Lorraine Kelly: ^[27]"Corrie was my very first job out of drama school, so I've kind of come full circle 30 years later. I did a scene with Roy Barraclough, so here I am back 30 years later."
8. Jerry Morton - Michael Starke
The Morton Family on Corrie -Credit:ITV
Jerry Morton, played by Brookside alumni Michael Starke, arrived in Coronation Street with his family in 2007. Many will remember the Morton family moved in and opened a new takeaway shop on the street.
His character relied heavily upon his eldest daughter, Jodie, to care for his younger children - Darryl, Mel, Kayleigh and Finlay - and to run his kebab shop for him. On the show, his character also began a romance with Eileen Grimshaw.
By 2008, Jerry left Coronation Street with his younger children Kayleigh and Finlay, bound for a new life in Spain. At the time, Michael recalled the joys of his all-too-brief stay in Weatherfield. He previously told the ECHO:^[28] "I loved the other actors. And the crew are wonderful people."
7. Hilda Ogden - Jean Alexander
Jean Alexander as Hilda Ogden in Coronation Street -Credit:ITV
Hilda Odgen was a national treasure - and so was Jean Alexander, the Toxteth ^[29] actress who brought her to life. For much of her time on the soap, Hilda worked as a cleaner at the Rover’s Return Inn.
Actress Jean Alexander quit the role in 1987 after 23 years, but was persuaded to reprise the part in 1990 for a one-off appearance as part of an ITV ^[30] Telethon, the ECHO previously reported.^[31] She was also seen in a spin-off video in 1998, in which another long-running character, Betty Williams, visited her at her new home.
In October 2016, Alexander died at the age of 90.^[32] In 2005, the UK TV Times poll voted her as the "Greatest Soap Opera Star of All Time."
6. Adrian Mortimer - Mark Moraghan
Mark Moraghan, who played Adrian Mortimer -Credit:ITV
Liverpool actor Mark Moraghan, from Toxteth, joined the cast of Coronation Street ^[33]back in 2015. Another former Brookside star, Moraghan played Adrian Mortimer on the cobbles.
He arrived as the new love interest for Eileen Grimshaw, who connected with him when she decided to try internet dating. His debut came in April of that year.
As well as Brookside, Mark has also appeared in Holby City, Peak Practice ^[34] and Heartbeat and on Celebrity Masterchef. He also has had a successful musical theatre career.
5. Len Fairclough - Peter Adamson
Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Rita Fairclough (Barbara Knox) and Sharon Gaskell (Tracie Bennett) in Coronation Street -Credit:ITV
Len Fairclough was from Liverpool and his parents were killed in the Blitz, after which Len joined the Merchant Navy. The character was played by Allerton-born actor Peter Adamson, who died in 2002.
Adamson first arrived on the cobbles in 1961 and went on to marry Nellie and have a son called Stanley, played by Peter Noone, later of the British pop group Herman’s Hermits. His character later married Rita Bates and they went on to foster.
On the soap, the Faircloughs had two businesses - Len’s Building Yard and The Kabin newsagents. Adamson left the show in 1983.
4. Gav Adetiba - Noah Olaoye
Noah Olaoye, Joe Duttine and Kate Ford in an episode of Coronation Street -Credit:ITV
In 2023, actor and social media star Noah Olaoye first starred in Coronation Street. Olaoye made his name with his hilarious sketches on TikTok ^[35], often parodying former Manchester City footballer and pundit Micah Richards.
He later appeared alongside Micah with the likes of Jamie Carragher ^[36] on US channel CBS Sports and Jamie Redknapp ^[37] on A League of their Own. Last year, he appeared on Coronation Street as Gav Adetiba, a friend of Max Turner on the soap.
But he previously stunned his 300,000 TikTok followers when he revealed he has lived in Liverpool since he was two years old, despite not having a Scouse accent. He admitted even close friends do not believe him when he tells them he is a Scouser.^[38]
3. Eddie Yeats - Geoffrey Hughes
Geoffrey Hughes and Veronica Doran as Eddie Yeats and Marion Willis in Corrie
Born and bred in Kirkdale ^[39], actor Geoffrey Hughes moved to Norris Green ^[40] with his family when he was six years old. The telly legend went on to be known to millions as Coronation Street binman Eddie Yeats during the 1970s and 1980s
When he arrived, Eddie was an ex-convict-turned-binman who lodged at number 13 with Stan and Hilda Ogden for a time. Born in Liverpool, Eddie was a jack of all trades, but never had a steady job - he made money from opportunistic thieving and selling stolen or faulty goods.
Hughes appeared on the show between 1974 to 1987. In July 2012, Hughes died at the age of 68.^[41]
2. Courtney Vance - Stephanie Davis
Stephanie Davis and Adam Hussain on Coronation Street -Credit:ITV/Danielle Baguley
In July 2023, Stephanie Davis, from Prescot ^[42], made her debut at Courtney Vance on the ITV show.^[43] The character immediately caused a stir in Weatherfield as she struck up a relationship with Aadi Alahan.
In a loveless marriage with businessman, Darren, Courtney started a fling with Aadi after he was appointed as her driver. Davis previously told the ECHO ^[44]how she is proud of her Merseyside roots and was excited to join the soap at the same time as fellow Liverpudlian, Claire Sweeney.
She previously said: "Two Scousers going into the Cobbles. We'll be taking over. It's brilliant. It's really good because you never really get that and to be in there with Claire is amazing."
1. Malcom Wilkinson - Tony Booth
Pat Phoenix and Tony Booth -Credit:Mirrorpix
Born in Crosby, actor Tony Booth, who died in 2017,^[45] is famously remembered as the "Scouse git" in the TV sitcom Till Death Us Do Part - but in the early 60s, he also had a minor role in Corrie. Playing Malcolm Wilkinson, the boyfriend of Christine Hardman, he starred in three episodes.
But among Tony Booth’s four marriages, his most famous was his second, to Coronation Street star Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner in the long-running soap. The pair met and had a brief relationship in the 1950s while doing a play together and after Booth suffered an accident in 1979, they rekindled their relationship.
They famously, and heartbreakingly, married in Pat’s hospital room just six days before her death from lung cancer in 1986. Booth is the dad of Cherie Booth, who went on to marry future PM and Labour leader Tony Blair.
References
^{^} Coronation Street (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Through the decades, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} the ECHO compiled a list of Scousers that have shone on Coronation Street through the years. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Sue Johnston says 'don't make me cry' after Tory discovery (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Lost Bold Street sights you'll remember from 80s and 90s Liverpool (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Coronation Street (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} past and present. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Corrie fans (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Wavertree (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Goodison Park (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Kenwright died on October 23, 2023, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Garston (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} But the couple split (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} played by fellow Liverpool actor Connor McIntyre (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} In 2016, the comedian announced he was quitting the soap (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} She previously told the ECHO: (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Marsh revealed she would be leading the soap after 13 years. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} it was revealed that Charles was leaving the show. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Walton (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} had joined the cast of Coronation Street. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Kirkby (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} It was back in 2022 that Corrie fans were introduced to Frank Bardsley, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Garston (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Damon Grant in the Liverpool soap Brookside (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} the ECHO reported how O'Brien was introduced to The Rovers, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} the serial entrepreneur quickly became involved in the shady deals (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} he previously told Lorraine Kelly: (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} He previously told the ECHO: (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Toxteth (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} ITV (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} the ECHO previously reported. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Alexander died at the age of 90. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Liverpool actor Mark Moraghan, from Toxteth, joined the cast of Coronation Street (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Peak Practice (en.wikipedia.org)
^{^} TikTok (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Jamie Carragher (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Jamie Redknapp (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} even close friends do not believe him when he tells them he is a Scouser. (uk.news.yahoo.com)
^{^} Kirkdale (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Norris Green (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Hughes died at the age of 68. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Prescot (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} made her debut at Courtney Vance on the ITV show. (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Davis previously told the ECHO (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
^{^} Born in Crosby, actor Tony Booth, who died in 2017, (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)