Ryan: it’s Rovers & out for reality TV
Corrie Jason eyes up gritty roles
He’s just enjoyed a star-studded Corrie send-off, but Ryan Thomas will need to start getting a few early nights. I can reveal the soap star, 32 this Friday, has his sights set on a new career in theatre.
A pal of Ryan – who has quit after playing Jason Grimshaw for nearly half his life – tells me: “He’s really keen to do something credible and has been considering several gritty TV roles. But he’s especially keen on a theatre project. He’s seen many of his fellow cast mates, including Julie Hesmondhalgh and David Neilson, take on parts in plays.
“He wants to challenge himself and move outside his comfort zone. Performing in front of a live audience just feels like the right fit.”
His brother Scott is currently starring in ITV2’s Love Island (see this week’s Gogglebox review) – but I hear Ryan has ruled out reality TV.
The pal added: “He’s had quite a few offers over the years but has zero interest in going down that route.
“He’s too ambitious and focused on the acting.” Judging by his leaving bash, a night out with the Corrie lot is more interesting than anything you’d catch on one of those shows anyway… As Weatherfield’s finest poured out of one of their favourite Manchester haunts, Rosso Restaurant, at around midnight on Friday, cast mate Simon Gregson, 41, had clearly had a good time as he puckered up to his wife Emma. Meanwhile, former Weatherfield lass Michelle Keegan, 29, partied the night away without husband Mark Wright – who has been busy training for tonight’s Soccer Aid match. Her wedding ring was noticeably absent – but it’s no cause for alarm. My source tells me: “It’s quite big and keeps slipping. She doesn’t want to lose it so she often just takes it off. Her and Mark couldn’t be happier.” Party-loving Ryan sneaked out the restaurant’s back door with Alison King – another Corrie cast mate who’s recently left. The pair were spotted heading off to the Suburbia nightclub in a £250,000 Rolls-Royce Wraith. Start as you mean to go on, Ryan.