CORONATION Street viewers were stunned after spotting a fan favourite in Gladiator 2 opposite Paul Mescal.
The Hollywood blockbuster, which was released last year, is a sequel to 2000’s historical epic Gladiator.
Fans were gobsmacked to recognise former Corrie star Dean Fagan among the cast.
Dean played the role of mechanic Luke Britton from 2014 until his exit in 2018.
His soap stint ended when Luke was murdered by villain Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).
Taking to Reddit, a viewer penned: “The husband and I FINALLY got round to watching Gladiator 2 last night as it’s available to stream Stateside.
“I spot this actor, and I’m like, where do I know him from?! Then it hit me!”
Continuing, the fan shared a slight spoiler by adding: “Loved Luke as a character. He had quite a few lines, his own scene with Paul Mescal’s character, and bonus, he survived in the movie!
“Love seeing Corrie actors, (especially fellow Northerners!) in mainstream movies, no matter the part.”
Meanwhile, Gladiator 2 takes place 16 years after the original film with Paul Mescal starring as Lucius Verus Aurelius, the exiled Prince of Rome.
Sir Derek Jacobi and Connie Nielsen each reprise their roles for the second instalment.
Since its release late last year, Gladiator 2 has grossed $461.3million worldwide.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Luke Britton’s loved ones bid him a sad farewell at his funeral on Coronation Street” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”5723453712001″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]It received two Golden Globe nominations – including a Best Supporting Actor nod for Denzel Washington.
In addition, the film has been nominated for Best Costume Design at next month’s Oscars ceremony.
As for Luke Britton, he was Phelan’s third murder victim in Weatherfield.
Following the character’s dramatic exit – shot and burned alive in a car – Dean admitted he was thrilled when Corrie boss Kate Oates revealed the shocking exit storyline.
He said at the time: “I was excited to realise I was going to be a pivotal part of the start of Phelan’s demise, the start of the unravelling, that someone else has found out the truth and he has now killed again which is a desperate act and one that is going to eventually start more questions being asked.
“The Phelan era is huge and he has played such a massive part in the street so to be involved in that is brilliant.
“Luke will play his part in the whole end game.”
After leaving the ITV soap, Dean went to appear in the likes of Vera, Doctors and Time.
The actor also portrayed Finn Ahern in Irish thriller drama Smother from 2022 to 2023.
