NATALIE ANDERSON JOINS THE CAST OF CORONATION STREET

Just when Todd (Gareth Pierce) thought he’d finally got his dream man, tonight’s Coronation Street saw both Todd and the viewers stunned as new flame Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) appeared with his wife by his side!

Todd’s been wondering why Theo keeps blowing hot and cold but when he arrived at the undertakers with his wife, to organise her mum’s funeral, Todd got all the answers he needed.

As Theo desperately tried to explain, admitting he’s been married for nineteen years but has known all his life that he’s gay, Todd was floored. Will Todd be prepared to listen or will he be calling time on their relationship before it’s even got started?

Theo’s wife Danielle is being played by ex Emmerdale and The Royal actress Natalie Anderson, who was more recently seen in Netflix drama Fool Me Once. Tonight marked her first appearance in the guest role on the cobbles where it became clear that Danielle also knows nothing of Theo’s double life.

Can Theo keep his sexuality hidden from his wife or will Todd out scaffolder Theo for his lies? And has Theo got any more skeletons in his closet?

On the character of Danielle, Natalie said: “Danielle is such a brilliant character! I’m so thrilled to be playing her. She’s a deeply layered woman and it’s been wonderful to explore some of those layers as I’ve gone on this journey with her. She’s also a bit of a shapeshifter so you never really know what you’re going to get and I’ve absolutely loved playing that, there’s lots of surprises with her!”

Explaining how it feels to be joining Coronation Street Natalie revealed: “I’m delighted and honoured to be stepping on to the cobbles. Coronation Street is an institution and especially if you’re a northerner like me, it’s part of the fabric of our upbringing...

"I’m not going to lie, I did have a little tear when I started as I felt an immense sense of pride walking around the sets where so many incredible actors and characters have gone before. It’s also lovely to be working with ITV who I’ve spent so many years with throughout my career, it’s been wonderful to see so many familiar faces. I’m having the loveliest time!"

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Fridays on ITV1 and ITVX.