I’d love Stephen Graham to play my dad
Coronation Street’s “bad boy turned good” reveals the famous names he’d love to make a comeback and the identity of Weatherfield’s funniest cast-mate
How has your time playing Jacob Hay on the legendary Cobbles been so far?
It’s been mega. After the first spin, it was so lush to be asked to come back. I love seeing Jacob’s character develop – he’s come such a long way since he first arrived in Weatherfield.
Who are you closest to from the Corrie cast?
I’ve made some really good friends in such a short time – particularly Adam Hussain [Aadi Alahan], Elle Mulvaney [Amy Barlow] and Harriet Bibby [Summer Spellman] as we’re not far off in age and we have so many scenes together. Also, Alex Bain [Simon Barlow] is like my little brother now, it feels like we’ve spent a lifetime together. The funniest cast member by far is Simon Gregson.
Which celeb would you like to make a cameo appearance on the show?
Stephen Graham – I would love him to play my dad. Or Phoebe Dynevor – Sally’s daughter – from Bridgerton, she’d be incredible. And she’s a proper Manchester girl so we need to get her on the Street.
Are there any past cast members you hope will return?
There are loads of strong women I’d love to see again like Sarah Lancashire, Suranne Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh. Can you imagine if those three came back? My God! They’re what made Corrie so iconic – real Northern powerhouses.
What are you watching on TV at the moment?
I’m obsessed with Bridgerton. Who isn’t watching that show? And I’ve just finished watching Succession on Sky and Ozark on Netflix, which both blew my mind.
Would you say that you’re a binge-watcher?
Yes, 100 per cent, I’ve definitely been known to do an all-nighter if I’m really into a certain show. Suddenly I’m like, ‘Oh no, it’s 7am, I’ve got work in two hours!’
Do you ever watch yourself on TV?
I do. It makes me cringe to watch it back but I like to see the work that I’ve done so I can build on and improve it afterwards. Plus, I love a bit of Corrie anyway, so I might as well watch my own bits.
I’m obsessed with Bridgerton. Who isn’t watching that show?