Coronation Street signs Shameless legend for major new role

CORONATION Street has signed up a Shameless legend as a major new villain.

The cobbles will welcome actor Ciaran Griffiths - most famous for playing Micky Maguire in Channel 4 drama Shameless - as Jacob Hay’s dad.

Former drug dealer Jacob has put his criminal past behind him and now lives with girlfriend Amy Barlow and has a job in the factory.

But all that is put at risk when his dad Damon arrives in Weatherfield looking for his son.

Determined to get rid of his dad, Jacob will go to extreme lengths - but why does he want him gone?

What exactly is Damon’s background and why has he suddenly appeared in Weatherfield?

Damon’s quick to make out he’s here to put things right with Jacob and make up for lost time but is there more to it than that as Damon starts pushing for a business opportunity at the Bistro? 

Should Nick Tilsley and Leanne Battersby also be watching their backs once more?

Ciaran will make his on screen debut as Damon in December.

The actor said: “I’m happy to be back in Manchester to see my family and friends after being away in Australia for the last 3 years. 

“The city has changed so much! And what better way to tie it in with a stint on the Cobbles. I watched Corrie as a kid and it’s great to be back with some old friends both cast and crew. 

“I’m loving having the opportunity to work with some quality Northern actors whose work I have long admired, particularly on such a complex character like Damon.” 

Coronation Street Producer Iain MacLeod added: “Having Ciaran on board is so exciting and especially because the character he is playing is so interesting. 

“Damon is charming and likeable on the surface but we will soon see he is much more complicated than that as he goes on to have an explosive impact, both in Jacob’s life and beyond.”