List of Coronation Street characters (2014)

Coronation Street is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2014, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn. Sharif Nazir, father of established character Kal, made his first appearance in February. Luke Britton and Michael Rodwell began appearing from March. Alya Nazir arrived in June, while her grandmother Yasmeen Nazir turned up in July. In August, Steve McDonald's enemy, Dean Upton, arrived in Weatherfield. Zeedan Nazir joined in September, completing the Nazir family. Gemma Winter and Callum Logan appeared from October, while Andy Carver made his debut in November pretending to be Gavin Rodwell. Billy Mayhew and Erica Holroyd were introduced in December.

Sharif Nazir

Sharif Nazir
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Marc Anwar
Duration 2014–
First appearance 24 February 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular

Sharif Nazir, played by Marc Anwar, made his first screen appearance on 24 February 2014.[1] The character and casting was announced on 13 January 2014.[2] Sharif is the father of Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry), who was introduced in December 2013, and will be part of the show's first Muslim family.[2] The show's producer Stuart Blackburn commented that he was "loving him on paper already" and added "Sharif retired some time ago. He isn't rich, but he'd made enough money. We imagine that there were some health problems and his wife said, 'Now you're no longer going to go to work 12 hours a day!'"[2] He is the father of Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry) and husband of Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King).

Luke Britton

Luke Britton
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Dean Fagan
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8334
3 March 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Mechanic
Residence 9 Coronation Street

Luke Britton, played by Dean Fagan, made his first screen appearance on 3 March 2014.[3] The character and casting was announced on 1 December 2013.[4] Luke is the brother of established character Steph Britton (Tisha Merry) and will be introduced as a replacement for Tommy Duckworth, after Chris Fountain was fired from the show for posting inappropriate videos online.[4] Billed as "hunky", Luke is a mechanic, who finds employment at Kevin Webster's (Michael Le Vell) garage. His sister gets him the job after hearing about the open position.[4] Colin Daniels from Digital Spy reported that Steph is "very protective" of Luke.[4] During his review of the upcoming soap characters, Jon Horsley from Yahoo! TV said viewers should be excited for Luke's arrival, saying "Well, he's hunky, handy with a spanner and sure to stir things up. Let's just hope he doesn't start any online rapping."[5]

Luke helps his sister, Steph, move in to Tina McIntyre's (Michelle Keegan) flat. Later he starts work at the garage. He and Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote) helped Steph to deal with Tina's death. He and Carla Connor (Alison King) get drunk and go back to her flat. She makes it clear she wants to sleep with him but he leaves as he does want to take advantage. He later offers to Steph to have "a word" with Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) after he is nasty to her. He then begins a romantic relationship with Maria Connor.

Michael Rodwell

Michael Rodwell
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Les Dennis
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8349
24 March 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Other names Intruder
Occupation Switch operator
Ice cream man

Michael Marlon Rodwell (credited as "Intruder" in his first appearance), played by former Family Fortunes presenter Les Dennis, made his first screen appearance on 24 March 2014.[6] The character and Dennis' casting were announced on 23 January 2014.[7] Dennis began filming for the show on 27 January. Michael has been billed as a "petty criminal". His arrival saw him break into one of the street's households. Of his casting Dennis stated "I'm so thrilled to be joining the cast of Coronation Street. It has always been my favourite television programme. Mixing high drama with some of the best comedy on screen." Producer Stuart Blackburn described securing the established television personality a "real coup" for the show.[7]

Michael first appears on the street in Gail McIntyre's (Helen Worth) house, pretending to be a gas man, who has come to the house to look at the "gas leak". He is revealed as a burglar and pushes Gail, causing her to fall over, and Kylie Platt (Paula Lane) chases him out of the street, but he gets into his van and drives off, with Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) failing to read his number plate as he drives away. Gail starts to become anxious when she is home alone due to the burglary and is helped by her son David (Jack P. Shepherd), Kylie and mother Audrey (Sue Nicholls). Weeks later, Gail visits Michael in prison to ask him about why he tried to burgle her house. They gradually grow close and she begins to stick up for him in front of David and Kylie. Michael gets a job at a local garden centre, until he is sacked after Kylie and David interfere with his work by telling the garden centre manager about Michael's criminal past. Although the manager knew this, he still sacks Michael, after Kylie causes a scene. The next day, Gail takes Michael to StreetCars and helps him get a job there, after he somewhat impresses Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson). He is due to start work the next day, but David and Gail's other son Nick (Ben Price) go to his flat and threaten him and tell him not to come back to Weatherfield and attempt to contact their mother ever again, or go to work at StreetCars. Gail asks after him at the cab office, and employee Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles) tells her that Michael didn't turn up. Not knowing why Michael didn't turn up, Gail then visits the flat and demands that Michael apologies to Lloyd and Steve for letting them down. Reluctantly, he lies and says that working so close to her would be too much for him, as he has feelings for her. Gail then leaves the flat, sad that Michael feels that way. The day after, Nick accidentally lets slip that he knows where Michael is living, and Gail visits Michael again. Michael admits that Nick and David threatened him, and agrees to go to work the next morning, while Gail promises to sort her sons out. Steve then agrees to give Michael another chance. To show his gratitude towards Gail, Michael buys the Platts a new television, after Kylie's young son Max Turner (Harry McDermott) destroyed their last one. He tells Gail that the TV cost £200, but when David later looks up the price on the internet, it says that it costs £420. David then tries to convince Gail that Michael stole money in order to buy the TV, but Gail will not listen to him. Michael then produces the receipt to the Platt family, proving he did buy the TV, and also showed them a solicitors letter to prove where he got the money, after he received it from a deceased aunt's estate. David remained skeptical, but his suspicions were soon eclipsed by his much greater concerns about Callum Logan. When Michael is sent a photo album of the real Gavin's childhood by Gavin's mother and his ex-wife, Andy and Gail try to stop him from looking at the photos; they fail in this and Michael soon realises that Andy isn't the real Gavin. However, Gail told him that his real son Gavin has died of car accident followed by heart attack. Hurt and upset, Michael leaves Gail and temporarily lives at Eileen's house, much to the dismay of Gail, until a drunken kiss from Michael to Eileen leaves him collapsing and taken to hospital. Despite trying to keep their secret from Gail, Michael soon confesses leading to a fight on the street between Eileen and Gail. Unable to forgive Gail for keeping Andy and his sons death a secret, he later demands a divorce. He is currently living with Eileen Grimshaw as he can't face living at Gail's house after what has happened, it is unknown when he will return there. Michael and Eileen later split up, and she begins a relationship with Pat Phelan.

Alya Nazir

Alya Nazir
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Sair Khan
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8412
25 June 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Receptionist
Trainee Factory Manager
Residence 6 Coronation Street

Alya Nazir, played by Sair Khan, made her first appearance on 25 June 2014.[8] The character and casting was announced on 1 April 2014.[8] Of her casting, Khan said "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Coronation Street. As a northerner, I've grown up watching the show and so can't quite believe that I'll soon be walking on the famous cobbles."[8] Alya is the daughter of established character Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry) and her arrival will coincide with her brother and grandmother.[8] The Nazirs will form the show's first Muslim family.[8] Alya was described as being "strong-minded" by the show's assistant producer Ella Kelly. She added that Alya would tempt one of the show's male character's and cause "a storm before her feet have even hit the cobbles."[8] Alya is a university graduate, who makes things difficult for her father with her "outspoken nature and bubbly personality".[8]

During a night out in a club with her friend, Siobhan (Jessica Forrest), Alya meets Gary Windass (Mikey North) and Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas). Gary and Alya get on well and flirt, although Jason decides to go home. Siobhan later leaves, and Alya and Gary share a kiss on the dance floor. The next morning, Gary wakes up with Alya and suspects he has cheated on his girlfriend, Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston), though he cannot remember anything.[9] While he is at the gym, Gary learns Alya is Kal's daughter when they are introduced to each other. Alya is angry when she realises he has a family. However, she later reveals to Gary that they never had sex. When Alya discovers that Gary and Izzy have split up, she believes it is because Izzy found out about Gary and Alya's kiss, although when Alya tries to explain herself to Izzy, Izzy is furious to discover that Gary cheated on her. Alya then worries that Izzy will tell Kal about her kiss with Gary. In January 2015 the minibus she is travelling in to an awards ceremony crashes, Alya manages to escape before the minibus falls down a cliff.

After her father Kal dies in the Victoria Court Fire in May 2015, Alya goes on a downwards spiral into a rebellious phase where she dumps Gary and takes her sorrows out on alcohol, leading to her sleeping with Jason which results in Alya losing her virginity and going against her religious morals, leaving her plagued with guilt. Gary later proposes and Alya finds out she is pregnant, still feeling guilty a few weeks before the wedding she decides to tell Gary about her affair with Jason.

Yasmeen Nazir

Yasmeen Nazir
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Shelley King
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8418
4 July 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Chief librarian (until 2014)
Businesswoman
Residence 6 Coronation Street

Yasmeen Nazir, played by Shelley King, made her first on-screen appearance on 4 July 2014. The character and King's casting was announced on 15 May 2014.[10] Yasmeen is established character Kal Nazir's (Jimi Mistry) mother and the wife of Sharif Nazir (Marc Anwar).[10] The Nazirs will form the show's first Muslim family.[8]

Yasmeen first appears talking to her son, Kal, in his gym. She then asks Kal and her husband Sharif about Kal's new girlfriend Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). It is later revealed during a conversation with her granddaughter Alya (Sair Khan) that Yasmeen is a librarian. When Yasmeen and Leanne meet at Leanne's flat, they seem to get on well, but when Leanne's estranged husband Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) reveals to the Nazir family that she used to be a prostitute, Leanne runs indoors, with Yasmeen looking at Kal disappointedly. The next day, Yasmeen arrives at Leanne's flat again and meets her half-sister, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley). After witnessing Leanne shouting at Nick exclaiming that she also used to be a drug addict and an arsonist, Yasmeen tells Leanne to dump Kal for his sake, and a small argument ensues between the two women. Leanne then tells Yasmeen that she will never be as good as Kal's deceased wife, Jamilla, but Yasmeen replies with the fact that nobody is perfect. When Leanne confides Kal about Yasmeen's orders, he promises to tell her to back off. A few weeks later, Yasmeen returns to Coronation Street with Sharif to discuss with Roy Cropper (David Neilson) and Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) about the Weatherfield Library closure. Emily reveals to an intrigued Yasmeen that she resorted to vandalism when she was in protest many years before, and Yasmeen reveals she enlists the help of Roy to stop the library from closing down. As Yasmeen leaves, Sharif asks Roy to keep an eye on Yasmeen and not to let her get into trouble, as she got arrested for protesting many years ago. Yasmeen, Roy, Emily, Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) and Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) eventually stage a sit-in protest at the library, but Emily, Mary and Craig end up leaving, although Yasmeen and Roy stay to continue the protest. Later, it is revealed that the library has burnt down, leaving Yasmeen saddened. She tries to tempt Roy into letting her use part of the café as a library, which he hesitantly agrees to. Yasmeen develops an obsession with turning Roy's café into a library, which eventually becomes to much for Roy. Thinking of other ways to run a library, Yasmeen buys Elliott & Sons butchers and tells Kal, Alya and grandson, Zeedan (Qasim Akhtar), that she is intending on turning it into a community centre.

Dean Upton

Dean Upton
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Justin Moorhouse
First appearance 25 August 2014
Last appearance 7 September 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Former; guest
Profile
Occupation Pub landlord

Dean Upton, played by Justin Moorhouse, made his first screen appearance on 25 August 2014. The character and Moorhouse's casting was announced on 19 June 2014.[11] Of joining the show, Moorhouse commented "I'm delighted to be treading the cobbles. It's always been a dream of mine to appear in the Rovers Return, even though as Dean, the landlord of the Flying Horse, I feel like a spy!".[11] Dean is the landlord of the Flying Horse public house, which is the rival to The Rovers Return Inn. Dean went to war with the Rovers' landlord Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) during a match of cricket.[11] After the match Dean loses to Steve leaving Dean agitated.

Zeedan Nazir

Zeedan Nazir
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Qasim Akhtar
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8463
5 September 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Gym manager
Chef

Zeedan Nazir, played by Qasim Akhtar, made his first screen appearance on 5 September 2014.[12] The character and casting was announced on 15 May 2014.[10] Zeedan is the teenage son of established character Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry).[10] The Nazirs formed the show's first Muslim family.[8]

Zeedan's sister, Alya (Sair Khan), persuades him to come along to support their father in a cricket match between The Rovers Return Inn and The Flying House. Zeedan becomes angry when he sees his father's new girlfriend, Leanne (Jane Danson), there and voices his disapproval. Eventually, Zeedan comes round to the idea of Leanne's presence and accepts his father's relationship with her. He also forms a close friendship with Simon Barlow. After Kal is killed in the fire at Victoria Court, Zeedan initially blames Leanne for his death, but later supports her when she grieves over her loss. Zeedan begins to notice something strange about Simon's behavior, as well as his attitude towards Leanne. Zeedan notices Leanne's leg is bleeding, unbeknownst to him that Simon caused the injury and Leanne says that she caught her leg on the dishwasher door. After finding out about Simon's abuse towards Leanne, Zeedan moves in temporarily to help Leanne with Simon. The abuse eventually comes out after Simon attacks his cousin, Amy Barlow and Zeedan is pleased to hear that Simon is attending counseling. Zeedan gives up his job at the gym when he realises he cannot cope with the responsibility as gym manager. He later gets a job in the kitchen of the Bistro, as a chef.

Gemma Winter

Gemma Winter
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Dolly-Rose Campbell
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8481
1 October 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; Recurring
Profile
Occupation Drug dealer (until 2016)
Hairdresser (2016)
Kebab shop assistant (2016-)

Gemini "Gemma" Winter, played by Dolly-Rose Campbell, made her first screen appearance 1 October 2014.

Gemma is an old friend of Kylie Platt (Paula Lane). They are reunited when Kylie returns to her old neighbourhood. Gemma is also close friends with drug dealer Callum Logan (Sean Ward) and terrorises the Platt family with him. After leaving her family, Kylie briefly stays with Gemma, before she returns home. Callum and Gemma befriend Sarah-Louise Platt's (Tina O'Brien) teenage daughter Bethany (Lucy Fallon), and she starts spending time with them at The Dog & Gun pub. Gemma and Callum pressure Bethany into smoking cannabis and, Callum gets Bethany to sell drugs for him. While Sarah is at Callum's flat, Gemma turns up with her face bloodied and battered. She claims that she and Callum are in trouble. After Callum attacks Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas), he and Gemma hatch a plan to stop the Platts from reporting him to the police. Gemma drives Bethany away from the street and shows her a video call from Callum, who has drugged Sarah. He tells Bethany to give him an alibi or he will hurt Sarah. Gemma then drives Bethany to the police station. Callum is released by the police. Gemma later disagrees with Callum over his plans to leave the country. Callum then receives a text from Kylie saying she has the £20,000 he wants and he tells Gemma to get out of his car. Gemma arrives at the Platts' the following week asking where Callum is, and with Sarah's obvious upset, Gemma notices something is wrong. However, Kylie texts Gemma from Callum's mobile phone saying that he is going to keep a low profile for a while as people are after him, which ultimately prompts Gemma to leave.

Gemma returns a few months later at the salon, stating that she has quit drug dealing and is wanting a job as a hairdresser. Kylie and David decide to hire her to get her to talk about Callum to convince people that he's still alive. Satisfied that she's talked about him enough they fire her from her new job the following day. She later goes to the kebab shop and meets Chesney Brown (Sam Aston). When she sticks up for Chesney when some men complain, she asks Chesney for a job at the kebab shop. She meets his boss Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) and he offers her a job, which she accepts.

Callum Logan

Callum Logan
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Sean Ward
Duration 2014–15
First appearance Episode 8482
3 October 2014
Last appearance Episode 8740
23 September 2015
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Former; regular

Callum Logan, played by Sean Ward, made his first screen appearance on 3 October 2014. The character and casting was announced on 14 August 2014.[13] Of his casting, Ward said "I am delighted to have been given this unique opportunity to join such a brilliant and much-loved show. It is a great honour and it will be a professional challenge to play bad boy Callum. I'm very much looking forward to working closely with Paula."[13]

Callum is Kylie Platt's (Paula Lane) former boyfriend and Max Turner's (Harry McDermott) father. Kylie seeks Callum out after Max's ADHD diagnosis, as she believes it must be either his "fault" or her own.[13] Callum is an ex-convict and is described as being charming and "good-looking", but with a "dark edge".[13] Ward was nominated for "Best Newcomer" and "Villain of the Year" at The British Soap Awards 2015; however, he lost out on both.

After a brief relationship with Sarah Platt, in December 2015, she finds out she is 4 months pregnant, just over a month after Callum was killed by Kylie. Although Sarah contemplated having an abortion, after having a chat with Kylie at the clinic, Sarah decides to keep her baby. This will make Callum a father to two children within the Platt family. Callum's son, Harry was born in late-March 2016 after Sarah went into labour with him five weeks early.

Andy Carver

Andy Carver
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Oliver Farnworth
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8517
21 November 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular (on a break)
Profile
Other names Gavin Rodwell
Occupation Waiter
Residence 19a Victoria Street

Andrew "Andy" Carver[14] (also known as Gavin Rodwell), played by Oliver Farnworth, made his first screen appearance on 21 November 2014.[15] The character and casting was announced on 14 August 2014.[13] Of joining the show, Farnworth stated "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Coronation Street. Having spent my childhood in the North, to be given the opportunity to return and work on such an iconic, popular TV show is a dream and feels like a natural homecoming. I can't wait to tread the cobbles!"[13]

When Michael Rodwell (Les Dennis) tries to track down his estranged family via Facebook, a cousin of his gets in touch and tells him his father has died. Michael's aunt Barbara Deakin (Beatrice Kelly) then visits him to explain that his father (her brother) and her mother both died of a hereditary heart condition, meaning Michael could also be a carrier. A worried Michael tests positive for the condition and realises he has to find his long-lost son Gavin, as he is also potentially at risk.

Michael finds an address for Gavin and leaves a note with his address and telephone number. "Gavin" contacts him and the two have an uneasy reunion. However, when Michael reveals the news about his heart condition, the man claiming to be Gavin is seen making a phone call, stating that he needs to find Gavin Rodwell urgently.[16]

The fake Gavin - real name Andy Carver - gets some casual work at Nick's Bistro, owned by Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), son of Michael's girlfriend Gail McIntyre (Helen Worth). He asks for cash in hand, claiming his bank account has been frozen due to fraud, in order to continue hiding his identity. Fellow worker Steph Britton (Tisha Merry) becomes attracted to Andy and, although he initially steers clear to avoid his lie going too far, Andy eventually asks her out. Meanwhile, Andy begins to genuinely like Michael and starts to feel more and more guilty. He continues to attempt to trace Gavin, but has no luck. When Nick's estranged wife Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) returns to her old job as manager of the bistro she insists Andy is properly paid through the books, forcing him to steal Gavin's National Insurance number and to open a bank account in his name. However, when Steph unexpectedly visits Andy she catches him in the act. Andy confesses the truth to a horrified Steph, but manages to persuade her not to expose him, convincing her Michael's health would be at risk from such a shock. When Michael sees the two behaving oddly and overhears part of a conversation, he jumps to the conclusion that Steph is pregnant. Realising it's a sensible explanation for their behaviour, Andy tells Michael it's true, later saying it was a false alarm.

When Steph visits Andy at his flat she is surprised to find a man she doesn't know there, before realising it must be the real Gavin.[17] She warns Andy to hide any evidence of what he's done, but before he can Gavin finds a bank statement for an account in his name with regular payments from Nick's Bistro. Andy initially claims he used Gavin's name to avoid his wages being swallowed up by his overdraft, but Gavin is unconvinced, and Andy eventually admits the truth, begging Gavin to keep quiet due to Michael's health. Gavin, still bitter about being abandoned by his father, has no interest in sparing his feelings, but offers to stay quiet for £5,000. A desperate Andy and Steph fake a mugging when Andy is entrusted with banking the bistro's takings, but it isn't enough, so Gavin carries out his threat to expose Andy, visiting Gail on her wedding day. The drama leads a stunned Gail to miss the wedding and, when she later furiously confronts Andy and Steph, she reveals Gavin is now blackmailing her. Gail reluctantly pays Gavin off and agrees to keep Andy's secret to avoid upsetting Michael.

Much to Andy's relief, Gavin plans to leave the UK with his pay-off. However, Andy is stunned to receive a phone call the next day telling him that Gavin has been killed in a car crash, apparently drunk at the wheel. When Gail hears the news she tells Andy they have to keep it from Michael, telling him that to all intents and purposes, he now IS Gavin in Michael's eyes. However, the deception proves too much for Gail, especially after Barbara visits, having heard of Gavin's death, and reveals Gavin actually died of a heart attack. Gail attends Gavin's funeral in Michael's place, claiming he is too ill to go himself, but her guilt leads her to frequently visit Gavin's grave - something her younger son David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) later discovers. When Gail tells him the truth he uses this information to blackmail Andy, forcing him to plant drugs on his enemy Callum Logan (Sean Ward). Andy gets caught, but David takes the rap. However, the stress is too much for Steph, who ends their relationship. Steph's brother Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) is furious to see her upset and threatens to confront Andy, leading Steph to tell Luke the truth. When Luke next sees Andy he confronts him anyway, but Steph persuades him to keep the secret.

At Gail and Michael's rearranged wedding, Andy makes a heartfelt speech about how close he has grown to Michael and how pleased he is to see him happy. Steph hears something in his words that makes her think it is a goodbye speech, her suspicions later proving true when she goes to Andy's flat and finds him packed and ready to leave. However, he tells Steph he cannot bear to leave her.

After months of living a lie, Andy's secret comes out when Michael receives a photo album from his ex-wife, containing photos of the true Gavin.

Billy Mayhew

Billy Mayhew
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Daniel Brocklebank
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8527
5 December 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Vicar

Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, made his first screen appearance on 5 December 2014.[18] The character and Brocklebank's casting was announced on 24 September 2014.[19] He began filming in October.[19] Billy is a vicar and will be introduced as a love interest for Sean Tully (Antony Cotton).[19] Series producer Stuart Blackburn commented on the storyline, saying "It's about time Sean had a romance, he's been unlucky in love for a long time. Billy is a great guy who is sincere about his feelings for Sean, but his first love is and always will be God and the Church."[19]

Sean and his colleague Sinead Tinker (Katie McGlynn) are about to head home after an uneventful evening at a club when suddenly Sinead makes Sean talk to a man he spots in the club. Billy Mayhew, the man in the club, tells Sean he's just moved to Weatherfield from Peterborough. Billy tells Sean that he's the new vicar at St. Mary's Church. They swap numbers. Sean tells his friend Eileen that he has a new man. Emily introduces Eileen and Sean to the new vicar, Billy. Sean and Billy don't let on that they know each other. Sean is nervous as he goes for a date with Billy at the bistro. Billy puts him at ease and they arrange a proper night out together. Sean’s desperate to make a good impression as Billy arrives at No.11. Billy enjoys his meal. Sean frets over what to say to Billy's text of thanks.

Beth Tinker's hen night gets underway at the Rovers. Beth mistakes Billy for a stripper. Sean invites Billy to the wedding as his plus one. Sean has given up on Billy when he arrives, having been held up at work. Billy texts Sean and tells him about Eileen calling him. Sean doesn't mind her interfering but tells her to be out when Billy comes over. Billy shows concern for Sean and tells him he has feelings for him. Billy calls early on Sean for their date before he's dressed and ready. Eileen's son Todd is jealous as Sean and Billy go on their date. Sean and Billy enjoy their date in the Rovers but it’s cut short when Billy is called away to visit a parishioner in trouble. Sean gets uptight as a date with Billy nears. Sean and Billy join Jason and Eva for her birthday dinner in the bistro. Sean is expecting Billy for dinner and is out to impress him with his food. The guests have all arrived for Sean's posh home-cooked dinner for Billy, but Eva is late.

Billy asks Emily for help in hosting a comedy night at the church to raise funds. She appears uncomfortable with the idea and with him and Sean being together. Billy has flyers distributed for the church comedy night. Emily is coldly polite with him and Sean wonders if she disapproves of the two of them together. Sean does his best to drum up interest in the comedy night, promising an unenthusiastic Billy that he'll be there. Sean is worried about his and Billy's coming-out together at the comedy night. Billy steels himself and explains to Sean that as he’s still very much the new vicar, he doesn’t yet want his congregation to know that he’s gay. Sean is hurt and decides not to go along. Sean takes his temper out on Emily, calling her a bigot for not supporting Billy, just as the man himself walks in. Emily’s shocked and assures Sean she is neither a bigot nor a homophobe but just a traditionalist when it comes to how her faith is practiced and merely prefers a choir to a comedy night. Moreover, Billy's private life is entirely his own affair. Realising he misjudged the situation, Sean offers an embarrassed apology. Billy is furious with him. Todd's secretly pleased. Billy takes Sean to task for attacking an old lady and leaves for the comedy night without him. Billy buries the hatchet with Emily. Sean wants to make up with Billy but doesn't do anything about it as he thinks he's blown his chances. Emily lures Billy to the Rovers on the pretext of asking him to help a parishioner before telling him and Sean to get over themselves. Sean and Billy struggle to sort out their differences as Sean refuses to be kept in a box. Sean decides to keep his relationship with Billy a secret if it's the only way of keeping him. Sean puts up posters for Billy’s charity butler auction. Sean and Billy compete to recruit volunteer butlers for the auction. Kevin agrees to be in the auction and tells Billy to put Tyrone down as well. Sean and Billy make arrangements for the Rovers to be decorated for the butler auction but neither Liz nor Michelle are impressed with the list of Kevin, Tyrone, Kal, Sharif and Sean himself as the men to bid for. The night is a success, though.

Sean and Billy prepare for a day's ramble in the Peak District. Worn out after a long walk, Sean and Billy find a country pub where they book a room for the night. Making out there’s been a double-booking, the landlord tells Sean and Billy there’s no longer a room available. Billy and Sean confront the pub landlord, accusing him of fabricating the double-booking to disguise his homophobia. The landlord orders them to leave. Sean and Billy return to Weatherfield and arrive back at No.11, telling Eileen and Adrian what happened. Billy tells Sean how proud he was of him in the pub and how annoyed he was that he was hurt by the landlord. Billy sets out to see Lucy, a sick child of his parish. Weatherfield Gazette reporter Naila Badal calls on a horrified Sean and asks details of the landlord and his own relationship with Billy. Billy arrives back saying that Lucy has died. Sean forgets his anger as he comforts him. Eileen hears about Lucy's death and gives Sean and Billy some space. Billy confesses to Sean that he’s falling in love with him.

A furious Billy calls round with the Gazette which carries the front-page story of his and Sean's run-in with the pub landlord. He's furious as he meets his new Bishop for the first time today and he who has very conservative views on homosexuality. Sean is forced to admit that Julie was responsible. Billy is furious. Billy and Sean show Julie the story. Mortified, she apologises. Billy is tense before his meeting. Eileen tells Sean that Billy's congregation will support him. Billy comes back from his meeting with the Bishop. He’s upset as he explains to Sean that the Bishop made his disapproval of the publicity plain and in desperation Billy lied to him, assuring him that he and Sean have ended their relationship. Sean is devastated.

Billy says he’d rather stay in than go to the bistro. Sean’s disappointed, realising he’s worried about being seen together. Sean rustles up a meal for Billy but his disappointment is evident. Todd and Jason interrupt Billy and Sean's evening. Todd enjoys ruining Billy and Sean's evening. Billy apologises to Sean and assures him he’s not ashamed of their relationship. Sean’s nervous about attending Billy’s church Bring and Buy sale and has got Eileen to agree to go to it with Adrian. Julie accompanies Sean to the sale, posing with him as a couple. Billy is amused. Sean is pleased when Billy asks him to organise the raffle tickets at the sale. Sean meets Bishop Redmond at the sale and starts to gabble in a panic until Billy sends him away. Julie takes Billy to task for upsetting Sean. He calls on Sean and explains how he’s told the Bishop he can’t live a lie - that Sean is his boyfriend and that he has to accept it. Sean is touched. Billy invites Sean back to the vicarage for the night. The Windasses and Hodges arrive in church for Miley's christening, with Billy performing the ceremony. Billy tells the Barlows he'll be conducting Deirdre's funeral and asks them what kind of service Deirdre would want. Sean and Billy tell Kylie, David and Sarah that Jason might be brain damaged.

Todd overhears Sean and Billy discussing Jason’s condition and how he might need a kidney transplant. Kevin's party gets underway with Sally, Sophie, Tim, Kirk, Andrea, Sean, Lloyd, Gail, Rita, Steve and Billy in attendance. Lloyd and Andrea leave in a classic American 1950s car, organised by Luke and decorated with balloons by Sean and Billy.

Erica Holroyd

Erica Holroyd
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Claire King
Duration 2014–
First appearance Episode 8532
15 December 2014
Introduced by Stuart Blackburn
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Barmaid
Shop assistant

Erica Holroyd,[20] played by Claire King, made her first screen appearance on 15 December 2014. The character and casting was announced on 23 September 2014.[21] Of joining the show, King said "I am beyond thrilled to be joining the cast of Coronation Street playing the funny and feisty Erica, who looks certain to ruffle a few feathers once her high heels hit those world famous cobbles!"[21] Erica comes to Coronation Street to visit her old friend Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard). While she was on the Street, Erica had a brief relationship with Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).[21]

Erica comes to Coronation Street to see her friend, Liz McDonald, who agrees that she can stay with her for a few weeks over Christmas. Gail McIntyre (Helen Worth) catches an impatient Erica helping herself to a drink at the Bistro, leaving the money on the bar. Gail orders her son and the Bistro's owner, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), to throw Erica out, but he refuses. Erica offers to take over Gail's duties and Nick is impressed by her customer service. Erica gives Nick her phone number. Erica flirts with Nick and she invites him back to The Rovers, where they have sex. Erica later learns that Nick is a changed man since he met her. Erica confides in Liz that she only ever wanted a holiday fling with Nick and she is worried that he expects more. As she prepares to leave, Erica learns from Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) that Nick feels the same as her and only wanted a fling. Erica pays Liz an unexpected visit in March, much to the annoyance of Gail, whose hen party is taking place at The Rovers.

Erica returns in May 2015, and tells Nick that she is pregnant with his child. This causes a dilemma for Nick, who is trying to impress Carla Connor (Alison King). Nick tells Erica that he will stand by her and the baby, which delights her. She rekindles her fling with Nick, although is aware of his chemistry with Carla. She confides in Liz on numerous occasions that she feels having a baby at 50 years of age is very risky, but Liz reassures her. When Nick throws her a birthday party for her 50th birthday, Erica is upset and humiliated, especially as Carla is present. During a pub quiz, Erica doubles over in pain and is taken to hospital by Liz and Nick. Later, Erica and Nick are devastated to learn that she has miscarried the baby. Despite holding strong feelings for Carla, Nick stands by Erica and even invites her to move in with him, but after he has sex with Carla, she realises that she is always going to be second best, so leaves Nick. Erica is later seen in The Rovers with Liz and Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles), where the trio talk about their failed love lives.

Erica later accepts a job at the local corner shop, unaware that the manager Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin), has developed a crush on her.

Others

Character Date(s) Actor Circumstances
Fran Heath 3 February Suzanne Procter[22] Fran is Maddie Heath's (Amy James-Kelly) mother.
Ben Heath 3 February, 2 May, 12 June 2015 Charlie Concannon[22] Ben is Maddie Heath's (Amy James-Kelly) younger brother. He attends Maddie's funeral on 12 June 2015.
Neil Beckett 16 June–29 September William Travis Neil is Andrea Beckett's (Hayley Tamaddon) husband, who she has not told anyone about, including her boyfriend Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles). When Neil discovers the truth, Andrea leaves him for Lloyd and he tries to win her back.

Neil returns home after three months working on his engineering job in Nigeria with presents for Andrea. Behind his back, she looks torn. Andrea tells Neil she has to go into work to cover for absent staff, even though he wants her to spend the day with him. Neil tells her he’s postponed his return to Nigeria so they can spend more time together and suggests they visit their daughter Jessica in Liverpool. Andrea makes her excuses and leaves him alone. Andrea arrives home to a cooked meal from Neil but makes her excuses to go to bed early and avoid him. Taking a breather outside the Rovers, Andrea is startled when Neil arrives unannounced to join her. She manages to walk him away off home before Lloyd comes out, puzzled as to where she has got to. Andrea plucks up her courage and tells Neil she's leaving him but doesn't tell him about Lloyd.

Steve is stunned to hear that Andrea is married. Michelle tells him that Andrea's gone to tell Neil that it's over between them and, if she doesn't, Steve will have to tell Lloyd himself. As Andrea prepares to leave, Neil asks her to wait and talk some more. Lloyd and Steve arrive at Andrea's address - only to find it isn't: she gave Lloyd a false address. Steve tells Lloyd what he's just found out himself about Andrea’s marriage. Lloyd at first refuses to believe him but the truth finally gets through. He returns to his flat and, after a moment, Andrea turns up, complete with her bags. Lloyd throws her out after she lied to him. As Andrea packs the last of her things, Neil begs her to give him another chance but her mind is made up. Andrea turns up in the Street and begs Steve to listen to her side of the story. She breaks down and Steve hugs her, watched from a distance by Neil who has followed her. He then follows Steve into the Rovers and listens in to him talking about the Street Cars business. Steve picks up a fare - it is Neil. Neil doesn't tell Steve who he is. He unnerves Steve with his responses at attempts at conversation. Neil quizzes Steve about his private life. Steve loses his temper and asks him to leave the cab. Neil does so, making a passing comment about "friendly" cabbies. Lloyd refuses to talk to Andrea when she accosts him in the street. Again, Steve comforts her and she grabs onto his words of comfort as an offer to spend the night in the Rovers as she has nowhere else to go. Neil watches them talking together. Neil makes enquiries of Owen and Gary if Steve is married. Andrea finds Neil in the ginnel who says he knows she has another man. He enters the Rovers through the back door and to Andrea’s horror, confronts Steve, accusing him of having an affair with his wife. Lloyd steps forward and explains to Neil that he’s the "other man", not Steve. Lloyd explains to Neil that Andrea has been lying to both of them and he never wants to see her again. He also makes it clear to Steve that he's not happy that he has given Andrea shelter. Neil turns up at the locked cab office but Steve sees him off and enters with his own key. Neil tries to get into the back of the pub to see Andrea but Eva tells him she's gone out.

Neil tells Lloyd that Andrea has gone missing and no one has heard from her. Neil approaches Andrea and Lloyd in the street and begs Andrea to give him another chance but she says no. Neil approaches Andrea again and begs for a talk. Neil tells Andrea he has a new contract for a year in the Philippines starting the next week and he wants her to come with him. She rushes off without giving an answer. Neil bombards Andrea with text messages saying he's in the Rovers and wants to talk. Jenna storms out and Lloyd decides to meet Neil himself. Lloyd is taken aback by Neil's genial demeanour.

Lloyd and Andrea are pleased as Neil will have left the country by now. They're stunned when he walks into the Rovers and tells Andrea he let the plane go without him to have another go at talking her round. Lloyd is livid when she agrees to hear him out. Neil tells Andrea he'll do anything to make her happy. Lloyd worries he'll get through to her. Neil accepts defeat and takes Andrea for one last drink. Andrea is dismayed when her drink with Neil turns into yet another attempt to talk her round, as he reminds her of happier times. Lloyd wonders where Neil and Andrea are. Andrea spells it out to Neil that she hasn't loved him for ages and is running out of pity for him. Lloyd marches into the bistro to send Neil packing. Andrea is annoyed when he causes a scene but relieved when Neil leaves. Andrea is creeped out when she sees Neil hanging around outside Lloyd's flat. Lloyd tries to see him off but Neil announces his intention to remain day and night until Andrea changes her mind. Steve and Lloyd are puzzled when Street Cars receives fake call-outs and a load of pizzas they didn't order. Neil casually lets them know he's behind it. Neil pesters Andrea with texts. Steve suggests Lloyd play Neil at his own game. Steve and Lloyd observe from afar as a clown they've ordered calls at Neil's house for a non-existent child's party. They're surprised when Neil invites him in. Neil tells Steve and Lloyd their plan backfired as he and the clown are kindred spirits. He passes on a message to Andrea that her mother is in hospital.

Lloyd and Andrea decide to have a picnic in the Rovers' yard. Neil watches them from his car. Neil interrupts Lloyd and Andrea's picnic and settles down with a pint to watch them. Andrea is furious when she hears from him about Lloyd sending the clown round. Andrea is concerned as neither she nor Neil have heard from their daughter Jess who was due back from Cambodia the previous day. Neil comes to see Andrea but is told to leave her alone. Lloyd is furious to see a notice in the Gazette placed by Neil celebrating his and Andrea's anniversary. Steve lets slip to Neil that Lloyd and Andrea are at the bistro. Neil takes a table next to Lloyd and Andrea at the bistro. From the adjoining table, Neil chats constantly to Lloyd and Andrea and even buys them all champagne. Lloyd can't take Neil's presence anymore and offers to take him outside but Andrea calms him down. Andrea tells Neil she wants a divorce. Neil begs Andrea not to divorce him. She's worried he'll do something to himself and decides to check on him but Lloyd insists on going instead in case it's a ploy to talk her round. Lloyd lets himself into Neil's house and finds him in a chirpy mood, clearly expecting Andrea.

Lloyd notices Neil has set candles and wine and threatens to call the police if he bothers Andrea again. The police call at Lloyd's flat and bring him in for questioning as Neil has accused him of harassment. Lloyd is aggrieved when the police tell him to stay away from Neil. Neil appears to taunt Lloyd and Andrea and tells them he's going to make sure they're never happy together. Lloyd and Andrea are annoyed to see Neil in the cafe. Andrea tries a different tactic - being nice to him, and Lloyd joins in. Neil tells Andrea he knows what she's doing but it won't work - he's going to be her shadow until she sees the error of her ways.

Lloyd chats to Michelle about her wedding planning service and asks her hypothetically what services she would provide for him and Andrea. Neil overhears them and thinks they are actual plans. He walks out of the Rovers and sees the ladder outside No. 4. Neil pinches the ladder and climbs up on to the roof of the Rovers. Tim is stuck on the roof of No. 4 and tries to alert Sally who is happily watching television inside. Lloyd and Dev see the two men and Tim yells at them to bring the ladders back to him. Liz comes out and stops them being moved before Neil comes down off her roof. Andrea comes back from work and sees what's going on. Neil refuses to come down until the engagement is broken. He doesn't believe their excuses. Neil refuses to come down until Andrea comes back to him. She climbs up the ladder to talk to him and tells him she's never coming home. Andrea slips and Liz tells Lloyd and Dev to get Andrea in through the window but they can't get her into position to pull her in. Neil tells her to trust him and manages to pull her on to the roof. Neil is upset that he almost lost Andrea but he accepts now she loves Lloyd. The police and fire brigade arrive to rescue Andrea and Neil. He asks her to remember him as he once was, when they were happy. They are brought down and Lloyd goes for Neil who is taken away by the police as Kevin and Kal get Tim down. Lloyd is confident he and Andrea have seen the last of Neil, but he turns up to say the police have let him off with a caution and he's leaving the country for good. Neil tells Lloyd and Andrea he's seen the light and is truly sorry. Lloyd is so eager to get rid of him that he drives him to the airport free of charge.

Siobhan Davies 25 June Jessica Forrest[23] Siobhan and her friend Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) meet Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) and Gary Windass (Mikey North) in a club. Siobhan and Jason leave the club separately, leaving Alya and Gary alone together.
Eugene Clelland 21 July–3 November Fine Time Fontayne[24] Clelland is Peter Barlow's (Chris Gascoyne) prison cellmate.
Barbara Deakin 19 September, 20 March 2015 Beatrice Kelly[25] Barbara is Michael Rodwell's (Les Dennis) aunt. She tells him that her mother died young and so did Michael's father both from a heart condition.
Macca 3 October– Gareth Berliner Macca is a drug dealer and old friend of Kylie Platt (Paula Lane).
Diane Mellor 5–7 December Julia Montgomery Brown Diane is Kevin Webster's (Michael Le Vell) new love interest from Hale Barns. Robin Mellor's American wife, Diane, turns up at the garage, looking for her sofa. Diane tells Kevin that Robin sold the sofa out of spite in their bitter divorce. Clearly smitten by her, Kevin tells her he sold the sofa to a random guy named "Barney" in the Rovers. Diane insists they go for a drink to see if they can find him. Jason almost gives the game away about the sofa in front of Diane. She leaves and Kevin promises to call her if he finds "Barney". Kevin is pleased when Diane texts him, wanting to meet him in the Rovers again that night but tells Tim he’s worried about the risk of someone saying something. Diane meets Kevin. He suggests they go to the Weatherfield Arms instead as he knows that "Barney" won't be in the Rovers but she would rather try the bistro instead. Diane and Kevin enjoy each other's company at the bistro. He confesses his past sins with Molly Dobbs. Kevin's horrified when Sally and Tim turn up at the bistro and Diane asks them to join their table. Sally’s instantly impressed with Diane and wonders how she and Kevin met. He quickly changes the subject. Sally covers for Tim's employment when Diane makes enquiries about it and spends the night trying to show off to her. When Sally suggests Diane come back to her house for a nightcap, Tim and Kevin desperately cover, using a wasp sting as the best excuse they can think of. Diane nips to the ladies' and Tim and Kevin have a chance to tell Sally that she's the sofa's owner. Feeling guilty, Sally has no choice but to join in the deception or lose the sofa. Diane agrees to go back to Kevin's for a coffee. Sally wonders what a classy lady like Diane sees in Kevin and rues the fact that she can't invite her back to her house. Tim tells her she'll have to choose what to give up; a friendship with Diane or the sofa. Diane meets Jack and promises to see a pleased Kevin again. Owen drops Kevin in it by telling Diane about Kevin giving Sally his new sofa. Diane meets Kevin for lunch at the bistro, and tries to get him to come clean about the sofa. He keeps up the Barney cover story, saying Barney has gone out of town. Kevin is worried when Diane insists on dropping in on Sally. He tries to stop her but she barges in regardless and sees the sofa. Kevin tries to convince her the sofa doesn't matter, but she demands they return it tomorrow or she'll sue. Sally is offended by her stipulation that they put a cover over it in the meantime.

References

  1. ↑ "Coronation Street – Episode 8330". Radio Times. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (13 January 2014). "Coronation Street to introduce show's first Muslim family". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  3. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (25 February 2014). "Coronation Street: Steph Britton's brother Luke arrives - spoiler picture". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Daniels, Colin (1 December 2013). "'Coronation Street' casts Steph's 'hunky' brother". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  5. ↑ Horsley, Jon. "Soap arrivals and departures – January 2014". Yahoo! TV. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  6. ↑ Coronation Street debut for Les Dennis - first look spoiler pictures - Coronation Street News - Soaps - Digital Spy
  7. 1 2 "Les Dennis to join Coronation Street". itv.com. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Brown, David (1 April 2014). "Coronation Street: Kal's daughter Alya to be played by newcomer Sair Khan". Radio Times. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  9. ↑ Coronation Street: Gary to cheat on Izzy with newcomer - Coronation Street News - Soaps - Digital Spy
  10. 1 2 3 4 Kilkelly, Daniel (15 May 2014). "Coronation Street casts Kal's mother and teenage son". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 May 2014.
  11. 1 2 3 Corrie spoiler: Comic joins the cobbles
  12. ↑ "Bowled over!". Inside Soap (34): 24. 30 August – 5 September 2014.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kilkelly, Daniel (14 August 2014). "Coronation Street casts Kylie Platt's ex and Michael Rodwell's son". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 August 2014.
  14. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (16 January 2015). "POTD: Coronation Street's Fake Gavin reveals true identity". Digital Spy. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "Coronation Street: Episode 8514 of 8518". ITV Press Centre. itv.com. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  16. ↑ Coronation Street's Oliver Farnworth: 'Gavin twist is fantastic' - Coronation Street Interview - Soaps - Digital Spy
  17. ↑ Coronation Street to introduce the real Gavin Rodwell - Coronation Street News - Soaps - Digital Spy
  18. ↑ "Coronation Street – Episode 8527". Radio Times. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  19. 1 2 3 4 Rigby, Sam (24 September 2014). "Coronation Street: Sean Tully to find love with vicar in new storyline". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  20. ↑ Ellis, Sarah (6–19 December 2014). "Erica's not a cougar, she just clicks with a younger man!". Inside Soap (48–49): 46–47.
  21. 1 2 3 Kilkelly, Daniel (23 September 2014). "Coronation Street casts Emmerdale star Claire King as newcomer Erika". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
  22. 1 2 Brown, David. "Coronation Street – Episode 8314". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  23. ↑ "Coronation Street Episode 8411". Radio Times. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  24. ↑ "Fishtoft actor to be Peter’s cell mate on Coronation Street". Boston Standard. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  25. ↑ Brown, David. "Coronation Street Episode 8469". Radio Times. Retrieved 20 September 2014.

External links

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