BAD NEWS FOR LEANNE! Will’s role call!
But good news for viewers – Will Mellor arrives as the Street’s new villain…
Leanne and Simon will find themselves at the mercy of ruthless drug lord Harvey in the coming weeks – and look, the rotter in question is played by none other than TV star Will Mellor!
Viewers have already seen Simon being lured into the murky world of drug-running by nasty Jacob, but we will soon learn that the lad is small fry compared to his dangerous boss…
“Harvey is the first out-and-out baddie I’ve ever played – so I’m looking forward to making waves,” grins 44-year-old Will. “When I first started acting 32 years ago, it was my mum’s dream for me to be in Corrie, so I’m happy to finally be able to make it come true.”
“Will is a fantastic actor who has thrown himself heart and soul into making his character as terrifyingly real as possible,” adds Corrie boss
Iain MacLeod. “Harvey will have a massive impact on our characters’ lives, from the moment he swaggers menacingly on screen.”
In other Street news, Cherylee Houston has explained why her alter ego Izzy hasn’t been seen since last spring. The actress has the connective tissue disorder Ehlers-Danlos, so is shielding at home, though she expects to return to the cobbles once it is safe.
Meanwhile, someone who definitely won’t be back is Beverley Callard, aka Liz McDonald. The star wasn’t able to film a proper exit for Liz last year due to a combination of health reasons and Covid, and has since resolved to close the door on Liz forever.
“I’m sure my time on the cobbles is up, and I won’t return to film an exit,” says Beverley. “If they decide to kill me off screen, I’ll accept it with grace.”
Where have you seen Mr Mellor before? There are too many shows to list…
Hollyoaks
Will carved out a successful career on the back of playing Chester favourite Jambo Bolton, who was one of the original faces to shape the soap when it launched in 1995.
Casualty
After two years as ED receptionist Jack Vincent, Will blasted out of Casualty when his character died in a boat explosion!
EastEnders
In 2007, Will portrayed slimy salesman Warren Stamp, who attempted to assault Carly Wicks.
Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps In one of his most popular roles, Will won a legion of fans as Gaz in the sitcom, alongside Sheridan Smith.
Broadchurch
As shifty psychic
Steve Connelly, Will was among the all-star cast to keep viewers guessing in the first series of ITV’s hit murder-mystery series.
Line Of Duty
Will’s alter ego Rod Kennedy was one of the cops under investigation in the third season of Jed Mercurio’s thrilling BBC drama.