A Co Armagh man is poised to take over as the landlord of Britain’s favourite TV boozer!
Portadown native Aaron McCusker will be the man at the helm at the famous Rovers Return on Coronation Street.
The long-running soap has made something of a coup in attracting the home-grown star to behind the bar.
Aaron has become a familiar face to millions with a succession of roles in some top dramas on either side of the Atlantic, including Shameless, Dexter, Castle and Fortitude, and most recently Hope Street, filmed here in Northern Ireland.
He also played the part of Jim Hutton, the long-term partner of Freddie Mercury in the Oscar-winning biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
And there’s no stopping him now, as he is set to follow in the footsteps of a string of some of TV soap’s greatest names, from Annie Walker to Bet and Alec Gilroy, Jack and Vera Duckworth, butcher-turned-barman Fred Elliott and Liz and Steve McDonald.
Coronation Street – which this year celebrates its 65th year – has been a staple ‘must watch’ for generations of soap fans.
And, while many feel that the golden age has gone for the popular drama, Corrie bosses will be hoping the addition of Aaron as part of a new family will help give it a much-needed boost.
The Portadown man’s stint in the Rovers comes with the return of Catherine Tyldesley to the cobbles after a seven-year absence.
Tyldesley – who plays Eva Price – left Coronation Street with baby daughter Suzy. Now she is back for a fresh start with husband Ben Driscoll (McCusker) – who arrives along with his two sons.
Ben and Eva will take over as landlords.
And to add to the drama, Ben’s mother, Maggie – played by Pauline McLynn, famed for her role as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted – will bring another new face.
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said told ITVX: “We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow.
“The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees ups galore.
“To have actors of Catherine, Aaron and Pauline’s considerable calibre at the beating heart of this family is absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait for you to get to know and fall in love with them as much as we have already done.
“Strap yourselves in, it’s going to be an exciting and eventful ride.”
The Co Armagh man – who began his career in acting with the Phoenix Players in Portadown – will not have far to travel to film, as he now lives in Greater Manchester.
Aaron’s first scenes are due to air in October and here’s hoping for a long and productive run!
