Coronation Street casts Cathy’s nephew

Coronation Street has cast Liam Bairstow, an actor with Down’s syndrome, to play the nephew of Cathy Matthews (Melanie Hill).

Mind the Gap’s Senior Producer Lisa Mallaghan says: “We spotted an opportunity for our actors to apply to an ITV workshop called Breaking Through, aimed at experienced actors with disabilities”.

“He’s going to be coming in as Cathy’s nephew”.

“This isn’t some politically correct thing”.

“It was recognising that they get so few auditions and we found a young guy there called Liam Bairstow“.

The 26-year-old star was discovered after he took part in ITV’s Breakthing Through Talent disability workshop. “The cast have really enjoyed working with him”.

Liam joined Mind the Gap’s Making Theatre course in 2009 and has appeared in many professional productions, including a national tour of Treasure Island and worldwide work in Ireland and France.

In an interview for the theatre group’s website, he said he had always wanted to act on TV, choosing Emmerdale as his soap of choice rather than Coronation Street.

He said: ‘It’s been a really tough one for us to do, because the memory of Hayley is still so fresh, and yes we want Roy to be happy.

Another typed: “This is fantastic news!”

Other exciting new developments to the show were revealed under the hashtag, including a saucy love triangle storyline for Mary Taylor – who’s set to have an affair!

Shayne Ward is also joining Coronation Street – watch him talk about it below!