WILL MELLOR JOINS THE CAST OF CORONATION STREET

Manchester actor Will Mellor will walk into Weatherfield next month as Leanne Battersby finds herself forced into a dangerous world of drugs and despair.

In the coming weeks viewers will see a still grieving Leanne battling to save son Simon from the hands of an evil drugs gang he’s got mixed up in, after losing her other child Oliver to mitochondrial disease.

Will said: "I’m honoured to be asked to come into Coronation Street, it’s such an iconic show and has been a huge part of my family life. When I 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. It’s a Manchester institution and as a Manchester actor this is definitely a box ticked...

"Harvey is the first out and out baddie I’ve ever played. It’s a very different type of role for me so I’m looking forward to getting my teeth into the character and making some waves."

Producer Iain MacLeod added: "I am so excited to welcome Will into our world. He is a fantastic actor who has thrown himself heart and soul into making his character as terrifyingly real as possible. He will have a massive impact on our characters’ lives, from the moment he swaggers menacingly onto the screen."