Rowan Cunliffe, played by Emrhys Cooper, made his debut on 15 March 2024.[3] His casting was announced by Digital Spy on 5 March 2024.[3] He met Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) at the Chariot Square Hotel where they attend an event together.[3] After Simon confessing to drink driving with Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) in the back of the car, Leanne decides to help Simon by taking him to a seminar at the hotel being held by a mysterious group called The Institute.[3]Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) advises Nick goes along with them as there's a wedding fayre on local to the hotel.[3] On Rowan's character, Digital Spy reported that "Rowan approaches Leanne and offers her some unsolicited advice. Leanne is initially taken aback by Rowan's approach, but she drops her guard when he encourages her to share her deepest thoughts and feelings. When Rowan leaves and flashes Leanne a smile, she can't help but blush. Does this Weatherfield newcomer have a hidden agenda?"[3]
When Rowan arrived in Coronation Street, he begins to manipulate Leanne into The Institute, which begins to cause a rift in her relationship with Nick.[4] This led to him having an affair with Leanne's step-sister, Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor), which Rowan finds out about and uses the information to blackmail Nick into investing into The Institute after he suggests to Leanne that it would be a good idea to invest £40,000 in the business.[4] Rowan, along with Leanne have also been trying to persuade Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) into joining The Institute. Cooper spoke out about the behaviour of his character: "I think that he really wants to open another resource centre, so he's on a mission to raise the investment needed, however he can do that, and he wants to 'help' more people, so there might be some more characters he's bringing into the organisation…."[4] Cooper added that he had "quite a lot of insight" when he researched into the role of Rowan before auditioning,[4] and said it was "because I want to try to make the story as believable as possible".[4]
On 12 July 2024, it was announced that Cooper would be departing Coronation Street.[4]The Mirror reported that he would leave when his story "eventually comes to a close",[4] but the storyline "is not ending soon, as the character's behaviour will worsen and escalate over the coming months."[4] However, Digital Spy reported that Rowan's storyline was "always intended to run for a fixed period of time and set out with a clear beginning, middle and end."[4] After being arrested on 9 September 2024, it was believed that Rowan had departed the series, however Cooper confirmed at the Inside Soap Awards, on 30 September 2024: "He hasn't quite finished his naughty business yet. There might be a little bit more of a twist yet to see, so keep watching and you'll soon see."[5] When asked whether it was important to see Rowan get his comeuppance, Cooper replied: "I think so! It's been so fun playing Rowan. I think he's caused so much trouble that that would have to happen, right?"[5] Cooper reflected on his time on Coronation Street: "It's been really fun, really exciting. It's a very important role, important subject matter. Just spreading the awareness has been a dream come true. There was lots of drama on screen, but off screen there was lots of laughs, lots of love. I made some really good friends and I enjoyed it all, really. Every day was a pleasure. I felt very comfortable with the actors I worked with. They gave me so much, so it was a really beautiful experience that I'll always treasure."[5] Cooper was asked if Rowan would have tried to recruit anyone else. He laughed and responded: "Just the people with the most money, really! It would have been fun to do Ken! But I think it's the dollar amount – the most money would have been the most appealing."[5]
On 4 December 2024, Cooper had announced his departure from Coronation Street.[6] Cooper revealed that Rowan's cult storyline "resonated with my personal journey and childhood,"[6] as he had previously revealed that his parents were part of one.[6] He continued: "Getting this part felt like a sure sign from the universe that it was written in the stars for me to return home. I haven’t looked back," he added, describing his time on Corrie as "one of the most incredible professional experiences of my life."[6] Cooper also thanked the cast and crew: "Lastly, I want to say I will forever be grateful to the amazing fans who embraced the evil Rowan despite all his dastardly deeds."[6]
Elspeth, played by Helen Lederer, made a guest appearance on 27 March 2024.[7] She caught the eye of Ken Barlow (William Roache) during a singles' cocktail night at the Chariot Square Hotel.[7] She sends drinks over to him and his son-in-law Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).[7] Lederer had already teased a potential role on Coronation Street before her casting was officially announced on March 17, 2024.[7]
Lederer first spoke out about her casting to Digital Spy: "It came out of the blue but for me Coronation Street, of all the soaps, is the most substantial and ironic with such humour, it's really a class act. So when you get the call for Coronation Street you drop everything. And to be offered a part playing a role opposite William Roache is even more exciting. I had met him once before when I sat next to him at an event and I thought what a lovely man he was and so personable. So for me to be offered this brief role was a joy."[7] Although Elspeth is only set to appear in one episode for now, Helen confirmed that she's open to returning to the role in the future and said "The answer to that is 'most definitely'. Ken had Steve to deal with but he was certainly interested in her. He definitely made sure he got her number, he initiated it. So who knows one day he might actually call her and I can come back to Weatherfield."[7]
Rebecca, played by Gemma Merna, is a client of Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) whom he is to set his sights on.[8] She made a guest appearance on 15 April. Inside Soap first reported Merna's casting on 2 April 2024 and Rebecca was announced to be a guest character as Digital Spy reported: "[Rebecca] isn't expected to be a recurring role."[8]
Merna also commented on her casting: "I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl."[8] She further discussed her feelings towards her casting by saying "Can you believe it?! I've wanted to be on Coronation Street since I was a little girl. Being born and bred in Manchester, it's truly a dream come true for me. It's been on my vision board for over 10 years, and finally, I got the chance to walk the cobbles. I can’t even believe I'm writing this. I think the best part was ringing my mum and telling her."[8] Merna also told Digital Spy that her family have been fans of Coronation Street: "To my dad, nana, grandad, and grandma, who all watched it for many years, and were huge fans. I hope you're proud of me up there. Rebecca will be gracing your screens in the next coming weeks."[8]
Denny Foreman, played by Danny Cunningham,[9] is the estranged father of Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) who made his first appearance on 29 April 2024 after hearing Paul talk about motor neurone disease and the struggles he has from suffering from it on the radio.[9] His casting was announced on 22 April.[9] Denny walked out on his family in 1992, when he and Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) split up. Gemma and Paul were two years old. Digital Spy reported that Denny's arrival will cause concern for Paul's family including his husband Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), who isn't happy about his arrival, reminding Paul that Denny used to be violent towards him when he was a child.[9] Bernie is also upset at Denny's sudden arrival as she is concerned that Denny might "expose secrets from her past" to her current partner Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin).[9] This will be Cunningham's second role in the soap as he previously appeared as Jimmy Sykes between 2000 and 2001.[9] Chloe Timms from Inside Soap called the character "horrid" and hoped that Bernie would chase the character "out of Weatherfield".[10]
On 24 September 2024, it was announced that Denny would be returning to Coronation Street for Paul's funeral.[11] He appeared in scenes airing on 2 October 2024.[11] As the day of Paul's funeral arrives, Billy is emotional as it would have been their first wedding anniversary.[11] After he arrives at the church, he is appalled to see Denny lurking around drunk.[11] Knowing that everyone will be upset to see Denny again after he tried to steal from Paul, he orders him to stay hidden.[11] On 30 September 2024, at the Inside Soap Awards, Daniel Brocklebank, who plays Billy, spoke out about Paul's funeral episode: "To film it was incredibly emotional. It's Corrie, so the fans can expect it to be moving, humorous, a bit of drama."[12] On Denny's unexpected arrival, Daniel added: "Naughty Denny! What is he doing? He's so naughty. He does turn up. Billy's focus is more on the fact that he's about to bury his husband on what would have been their wedding anniversary. So he's thrown a little bit by Denny turning up. I don't know how much I can say without spoiling it, but it causes issues, let's just say that!"[12]
Christopher "Kit" Green, played by Jacob Roberts, made his first appearance on 13 May 2024. He is the secret son of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove) that she had conceived whilst she was with her other children's father, Denny (Danny Cunningham).[13] His casting details were initially announced on 23 April 2024; however, the character's name was not yet revealed.[14] Roberts' revealed he knew about the plot-twist beforehand.[13] He also added that he had quite a journey during the audition process to obtain the role.[15] He said: "I got a call just before Christmas and I submitted a self tape. I actually put it to the back of my mind and didn't think much of it because I think I assumed I wasn't successful after not hearing back. Around a month later I was invited to a meeting, which was more of a casual audition, and after this was the screen tests which still had five people auditioning for the part but in the end, I got it and was delighted!"[15]
Teasing his character, Roberts' told ITV: "Kit is working as a detective and has been brought in to try and solve the Lauren Bolton case and of course is Bernie’s secret son. I do think he is going to be a very misunderstood character at first. He’s been really hurt throughout his life and although he has a good heart, he has some deep rooted resentment with his biological mum, which will be really interesting to play out."[13]
Anthea Deering, played by Carol Royle, is the mother of Joel Deering (Calum Lill), who made her first appearances on 5 June 2024 alongside her husband, Gus Deering (Chris Garner).[16] It was initially announced on 15 February 2024 that Joel's parents would be arriving in Coronation Street;[16] however, the names of his parents were revealed on 30 May 2024.[16] Anthea and Gus met Joel's girlfriend. Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown),[16] but took a dislike to her as it has been described: "it is an uphill battle with Joel’s parents Anthea and Gus, who make their disapproval of Dee Dee clear."[16] When Lill, who plays Joel, was asked about whether the introduction of Joel's parents would help audiences understand his past, he said, "definitely. Joel is the middle child from a middle class family. He's navigating that and trying to be good enough. I'm looking forward to seeing how that unfolds."[17]
It was announced on 18 June 2024 that Anthea and Gus would be returning to Coronation Street, and their returns aired on 24 June 2024.[18] They met Joel and Dee-Dee at The Bistro, where Anthea apologised for her behaviour at their previous lunch meeting.[18] Gus and Anthea, however are taken aback when waitress Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) reveals that Joel and Dee-Dee are engaged.[18] On 30 November 2024, it was announced that Anthea and Gus would reappear in episodes airing 11-13 December 2024 to invite Dee Dee to Joel's memorial service, where they see Max Turner (Paddy Bever) pushing their grandson, Frankie Bolton (Roman Thresh) around in his pram.[11] They then consult their solicitor, Cliff to see what rights they have where Frankie is concerned.[11]
Gus Deering, played by Chris Garner, is the father of Joel Deering (Calum Lill), who made her first appearances on 5 June 2024 alongside his wife, Anthea Deering (Carol Royle).[16] It was initially announced on 15 February 2024 that Joel's parents would be arriving in Coronation Street;[16] however, the names of his parents were revealed on 30 May 2024.[16] Anthea and Gus met Joel's girlfriend. Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown),[16] but took a dislike to her as it has been described: "it is an uphill battle with Joel’s parents Anthea and Gus, who make their disapproval of Dee Dee clear."[16] When Lill, who plays Joel, was asked about whether the introduction of Joel's parents would help audiences understand his past, he said, "definitely. Joel is the middle child from a middle class family. He's navigating that and trying to be good enough. I'm looking forward to seeing how that unfolds."[17] This was Garner's second role in Coronation Street, after playing a court welfare officer named Malcolm Fairhurst in 1999.[19]
It was announced on 18 June 2024 that Anthea and Gus would be returning to Coronation Street, and their returns aired on 24 June 2024.[18] They met Joel and Dee-Dee at The Bistro, where Anthea apologised for her behaviour at their previous lunch meeting.[18] Gus and Anthea, however are taken aback when waitress Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) reveals that Joel and Dee-Dee are engaged.[18] Gus made a further return in October 2024 as part of his son's whodunnit murder storyline.[19] Olivia Wheeler from Liverpool Echo described the storyline to have "led to increased screen time for Gus".[19] On 30 November 2024, it was announced that Anthea and Gus would reappear in episodes airing 11-13 December 2024 to invite Dee Dee to Joel's memorial service, where they see Max Turner (Paddy Bever) pushing their grandson, Frankie Bolton (Roman Thresh) around in his pram.[11] They then consult their solicitor, Cliff to see what rights they have where Frankie is concerned.[11]
Betsy Swain, portrayed by Sydney Martin, was initially introduced as an unnamed friend of Sabrina Adetiba (Luana Santos) on 21 June 2024,[20] when lawyer, Joel Deering (Calum Lill) was beginning to manipulate her and gave her his business card. Betsy pretended to dispose of it, but later went to find him to warn him off. A week later, on 28 June, Betsy begins to blackmail Joel into paying her to keep quiet after realising he has dark secrets.[20] After Joel paid Betsy off, she went and bought herself some chips, which was when she was revealed to be the daughter of DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers),[20] who confronted her about the chips and she knew that Betsy didn't have the money for them, so she lied to Lisa and said a friend bought them, showing some tension in their relationship.
Martin told Digital Spy, "Betsy has been brought up by two female detectives, but she seems to have contempt for the law."[20] She also discussed her character's background and her behaviour by saying, "obviously she's lost her other mum when she was on duty, so she already has some disrespect for the career. Lisa stayed on, and that causes a bit of tension in their relationship."[20] Martin also described her character's personality, "there's also this feeling that 'Mummy can get me out of it'. There's this playfulness there. She's a little bit naïve and thinks that the law doesn't apply to her, so she's teetering on the edge."[20]
Dorin Pop is the son of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and Alina Pop (Ruxandra Porojnicu).[21] He first appears in the episode originally broadcast on 9 August 2024. The creation of the character was leaked into the media after the announcement of Porojnicu's return had been unveiled.[22] The plot twist was set to "bring up a lot of emotions" with Tyrone.[21] Dorin first appears jumping into a taxi with Alina and grandmother Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney), unbeknownst to Alina that Cassie is Tyrone's biological mother. She takes Alina to Coronation Street, where she comes face to face with Tyrone for the first time since she departed the serial in 2021.[22] Fans speculated that Dorin is not Tyrone's biological son.[23]
Halsall was interviewed by Digital Spy about the plot twist.[21] "First and foremost, he's [Tyrone] just settling into married life now with Fiz", Halsall explained, "It's only a couple of years, after a 20-year romance, that they finally got married. He's living this domestic bliss so the last thing he wants is anything interrupting that."[21] Halsall conveyed he "could only imagine" the emotions Tyrone would endure throughout the ordeal. Halsall believed "not knowing about it" and "missing all that time" will stir emotions up for Tyrone on his own childhood. Halsall added, "Obviously knowing there's nothing he can do [about the past], he wants to make a point from now to be the best person he can be in that child's life."[21] Even though this drama would make things difficult for Fiz and Tyrone, Halsall is confident the "iconic couple" will survive the "latest test".[21]
Francis "Frankie" Bolton is the son of Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) and Joel Deering (Calum Lill).[24] He is born in August 2024 prematurely after Lauren is unknowingly spiked by Joel. She gives birth to a fighting Frankie who is unable to support his own life. Lauren decided to name Frankie after her grandfather, Francis. Joel also points out his grandfather was also called Francis.
Lauren returns pregnant in early July 2024, much to Joel's dismay.[24] Speaking about the plot twist and storyline, Fitton explained "Lauren has never had unconditional love – she doesn't know what that is. When anyone tries to get close to her, her guard automatically goes up. I think with her child, she will be that child's role model. That baby is going to be with her through everything. She is powerful and she has got someone that's going to love her unconditionally, when she's never had that."[24] Fitton conveyed Lauren's fears for her baby and herself of Joel, adding she is "petrified". Fitton further explained, "Parents will know that your baby comes first – that's Lauren. She doesn't care what happens to her now – as long as that baby's safe, that's all she cares about. I think she'll always make mistakes, though. What is the perfect parent if you've never been one? There's no such thing. You go with your gut instincts and what's right."[24]
Logan Radcliffe, portrayed by Harry Lowbridge,[25] is the brother of Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan).[25] Logan is set to make his first appearance on 11 October 2024.[25] His character will be part of a storyline which would be exploring Mason's traumatic background as a way for viewers to see another side of his character.[25] Logan arrived when Stu goes over to confront him after Mason points out that his brother is watching him from his car down the street.[25] As Stu tries to confront him, Logan drives off.[25] Subsequently, Stu and Yasmeen, who has recently been uneasy with Stu's growing bond with Mason, are faced with worry after a brick is thrown through their window when they get home.[25] Stu instantly suspects that Logan is responsible as he recently tried to force Mason to participate in a robbery.[25] These events will potentially push Yasmeen beyond her limits.[25]
Toolan spoke about Mason's past: "I think this is the kind of abuse Mason has faced his whole life which unfortunately is what has shaped him into the kind of person he is today. I think once Mason is fully back on screen, we will see little nuggets of things which we will be able to explore further into his backstory and give a clearer insight into his family life."[25] Mason has previously mentioned his abusive older siblings to Stu Carpenter (Bill Fellows) and Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King), and has recently had a black eye as a result of this violence.[25] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy described Logan's character to be "ruthless".[26]
The ex-wife of Joel Deering (Calum Lill) who interrupts him whilst he is to the middle of a meeting with a client and she didn't seem happy with him. After she bumps into him, he escorts her out of the Bistro and Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor) watches on them. When Joel revealed to his girlfriend Dee Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) that Emily was his soon to be ex-wife, and that he also has a daughter named Maeve, Dee Dee broke up with him after she found out. Days later, she talks to Dee Dee to let her know that she was over with Joel and they are getting divorced.
The mother of Corey Brent (Maximus Evans) and ex-wife of Stefan Brent (Paul Opacic) who has an argument with Stefan in court where Jack Webster (Kyran Bowles) is on trial for setting fire to his office. Abi intervenes and tells Stefan to leave her alone. Coral then arrives at the garage where Abi works and tells her that she is Stefan's ex-wife and Corey's mother. Abi takes Coral back to her house, No. 13, and they talk. Abi tells Coral that her son Seb Franklin's (Harry Visioni) murder at the hands of Corey has torn her life apart. Coral takes the blame for her son and ex-husband's actions and reveals that she is pleased that Stefan's life is in ruins. Furthermore, she also reveals that Stefan doesn't have any friends and Corey refuses to see him in prison. Coral then offers Abi £10,000 from her divorce settlement, which she is grateful for, but wishes that Coral left them alone.
