IT’S been a week to celebrate for Coronation Street fans – and not just because of a big birthday.
After I told how some of the show’s best-known stars had signed new deals, I can add another: Jack P Shepherd.
The new contract will see the David Platt actor notch up his 21st year in the soap.
We revealed last week how stalwarts Bill Roache, Simon Gregson and Sally Dynevor, among others, had penned fresh contracts.
A source revealed: “Jack might be classed as one of the younger stars but he’s got 20 years under his belt and that nearly puts him in the veterans’ bracket.
“He’s loved by fans young and old and is an important piece of the Corrie jigsaw.”
Not bad for a kid who bagged the first telly part he ever went for with zero acting experience – aged 11.
The Leeds-born lad was given a role in ITV drama Where the Heart Is, despite confessing he’d never been in a play or read a script.
Jack then worked alongside Sarah Lancashire in mill-based drama Clocking Off before joining Corrie in 2000.
The fan favourite said it all started when his mum enrolled him in a drama club.
I hope he’s bought her some nice Christmas presents over the years.
