CORONATION Street will welcome Will Mellor to the Cobbles in his “first out and out baddie” role as drugs lord Harvey.
The Manchester actor, of Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps fame, has shunned a return to rival soap, Hollyoaks, by doing so.
Will previously played Jambo Bolton in the Channel 4 show yet ruled out a sensational comeback to the programme that made him famous last year.
Instead, his new ITV character will get gritty and hardcore in Weatherfield as his drug ring becomes entangled with Leanne Battersby’s son, Simon.
Jane Danson’s character finds herself forced into his world of drugs and despair while still struggling with the passing of her youngest son Oliver, whom she shared with Steve McDonald, from.the incurable mitochondrial disease.
On his new role, 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.”
Revealing how Harvey presents a new career challenge, he added: “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.”
Corrie 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.”
Harvey makes his sensational Corrie entrance as Simon, played by Alex Bain, becomes caught up in the gang following his step-brother’s passing.
Simon has been recruited into the drugs world by Jacob but one step higher up the chain is Harvey – who is called in when it becomes clear Simon wants out.
He proceeds to pile on the pressure and the threats, with passionate mum Leanne diving straight in to protect her child.
Yet as the disturbing plot plays out, it becomes clear Harvey is not going to let either of them out of his grasp.
Bosses have confirmed Will is set to arrive on screen in March.
Last year he dashed soap fans’ hearts by revealing he would not return to Hollyoaks during a candid chat on Lorraine.
“Hollyoaks started my career, so how could I not be a fan?” he told ITV’s Lorraine, presented by Christine Bleakley.
“I have a lot to thank Hollyoaks for where I am now and the shows I’ve done.”
He added: “There’s an anniversary coming, sadly I won’t be returning, but I have a lot to thank that show for.
“Happy anniversary, Hollyoaks, for when it comes around.”
