Who’s the daddy?

Could newborn Glory be the proof Ronnie needs that Michael’s his son? We ask Corrie star Vinta Morgan...

Ed’s life threatens to come crashing down in Coronation Street this week when his brother presents ‘evidence’ that he’s Michael’s father. Ronnie, who arrived in Weatherfield recently, had an affair with Ed’s wife Aggie before she and Ed got together, and as a result he’s spent 31 years wondering if his nephew could actually be his son. When Michael reveals that his new baby Glory is suffering from anaemia, Ronnie tells Ed he’s a carrier of sickle cell disease and that could be the cause.

‘If Ronnie were Michael’s father it would mean everything,’ says Vinta Morgan, who plays the newest member of the Bailey family. ‘He’s longing for something more stable and secure than his past relationships. Plus, if he is Michael’s father then he’s also a grandfather, and he doesn’t want to miss out on that.’

Vinta adds, ‘Ronnie and Michael are similar in their behaviour and attitudes, and he already thinks the timelines mean Michael could be his son. So, when he learns about Glory’s illness, it’s further proof in his mind that he’s onto something…’

Ed bristles at Ronnie’s assumption that he’s Glory’s grandfather and after speaking to Aggie, a nurse, tells him his condition wouldn’t have any link to Glory’s anaemia. Ronnie suspects them of hiding the truth.

Businessman Ronnie arrived from London in his flash sports car after his marriage collapsed over his obsession with Michael. Last week viewers saw him tell Aggie and an understandably upset and angry Ed that he thinks he’s Michael’s real dad.

Vinta, a father of one, explains, ‘Ronnie’s appearance in their lives is partly selfish. But he also wanted to be honest with his brother and finally

deal with some demons. He hopes the relationship can bounce back.’

That remains to be seen, but what more can we expect from his character? ‘Ronnie is a maverick. He’s navigated the world using his own compass. He’s a successful businessman who may seem ruthless because when he wants something he goes for it.

‘But he’s also courteous and enjoys life. Plus he’s single and ready to mingle. Husbands, hold onto your wives. Ronnie is on the march!’

Vinta says Corrie was watched

‘religiously’ by his family but he never dreamt he’d join the cast. ‘To be here is surreal. My mum is elated and telling everybody – including the vicar and the milkman!

‘It’s monumental to be part of Corrie’s first wholly black family,’ he says. ‘It was a dream that all this happened as it did and I’m made up to be part of this wonderful institution working with these iconic characters. Everyone has been fantastic. I’d love to stick around.’