CORONATION Street fans have worked out where they’ve seen newcomer James Cartwright before – as three hunky new stars join the soap.
The ITV soap is bringing in a trio of new characters to shake up the cobbles in a series of explosive storylines.
Among them is actor James Cartwright, who will be playing Theo Silverton.
Before he’s even stepped foot on the cobbles, viewers have realised they recognise James from a past role.
He played care worker Nathan Jones in iconic CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker.
A fan penned on X: “Buzzing to see James Cartwright from The Story of Tracy Beaker head to Weatherfield.”
Nathan was introduced as a trainee care worker, but became fully qualified later on.
Meanwhile, Theo is a scaffolder who is set to cause tension in Weatherfield.
He gets on the wrong side of both Julie (Katy Cavanagh) and George (Tony Maudsley).
However, Todd (Gareth Pierce) helps him to patch things up with the locals.
Addressing his new character, James said: “I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour.”
The actor also gave an insight into his Corrie alter-ego’s antics.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Coronation Street legend returning after nine years for bombshell storyline” 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=”6369593808112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He revealed: “I had a line the other day where I said ‘I think I left my trousers in the bedroom’ so make of that what you will.”
Announced alongside James is actor Jonathan Howard, who will be taking on the role of Carl Webster.
Carl is the younger half-brother to Kevin (Michael Le Vell) and Debbie (Sue Devaney) – who has yet to appear on the cobbles.
Jonathan said of his new role: “He comes into Weatherfield to ostensibly be with his brother because he’s found out he’s got cancer but then we’ll discover Carl’s got some money issues back in Germany where he’s been living.
“I don’t think Carl is going to be too bad but I don’t think he’s going to be good either, I think his heart is in the right place but he might be holding on to some resentment towards his brother because he’s left him to be on his own his whole life.”
Rounding out the new arrivals is Jason Callender, who is taking over the role of James Bailey.
The character was previously played by Nathan Graham from 2019 to 2022.
Speaking about the opportunity, Jason said: “I’m still waiting for it to sink in, I was completely speechless when I got told.
“You’re stepping into something that’s so iconic, Britain’s longest running TV show.
“Growing up it was always on in the background, my family absolutely love it, my nan is 93 years old and she still religiously watches it, so it’s amazing for me to be part of something that she loves and hopefully I can make her smile.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
