As Jordan Tweddle awaits his first appearance on Coronation Street next week – we’re taking a look back at the other Cumbrians who’ve hit the Cobbles.
From small roles to big roles and everything in between, there’s been no shortage of Cumbrian actors appearing on the soap.
The county’s landscapes have also featured heavily in the show, with filming taking place in the past at locations such as Whitehaven Harbour, Honister, Windermere and Ullswater. As a result, Cumbrians have also been able to star as extras and stunt doubles.
We decided to put together a list of the Cumbrian actors who’ve appeared on the show over the 60 years it has been running.
Think we’ve missed someone? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected]
David Hill – schoolboy Tony Parsons
Originally from Stanwix near Carlisle, David played the role of Tony Parsons from 1970 to 1971.
The youngster was cast on the show for his musical talent and he played the part of Ena Sharples’ musical protégé.
His character had previously broken into the Victoria Street Mission but Ena goes on to decide to take him under her wing after spotting his talent for playing the harmonium.
He eventually gets a scholarship at a music college over his eight appearances on the show.
A record under the name ‘Ena Sharples Presents The lad From Coronation Street’ was also released in 1970 and featured several harmonium song covers by David.
On the back of the record a quote from David at the time reads: “I like Coronation Street and know the characters well, but I have no plans to pursue a TV career. I want to teach the organ.”
Russell Dixon – Dave Barnes, councillor Harry Potts and Henry Wilkins
Playing three different characters over his career – Barrow-born Russell was cast first as Dave Barnes from 1978 to 1979, a petty criminal who got into a confrontation with Ken Barlow after he thought he was cheating with his wife Karen.
He then went on to play corrupt councillor and school caretaker Harry Potts from 1992 to 1995. His character made an enemy of Alf Roberts and Derek Wilton.
Finally, Russell appeared as another councillor Henry Wilkins in 2013. The character was the friend of the late Alf Roberts and ended up going on a few dates with Audrey Roberts.
Russell went on to land roles in other television shows including Emmerdale, Heartbeat, EastEnders, The Bill and feature fills including The Emperor’s New Clothes and Gangster Granny, starring David Walliams.
Thanks to reader Allan Boyle for sending us this one – who remembers Russell from Barrow County Technical School for boys, known as The Tech.
Angela Lonsdale – Emma Taylor
Hailing from Penrith, Angela played the big role of Emma Taylor from the year 2000 to 2003.
Starring as a police sergeant, she helped solve the case when corrupt DC Simon Cavanagh stalked Colette Graham and Curly Watts.
Eventually, Angela’s character ended up marrying Curly and moving to Newcastle upon Tyne after being promoted to inspector following various story twists and turns.
Dubbed a Coronation Street legend by The Sun, Angela enjoyed huge fame on the show and has since starred in various television programmes including The Bill, Hollyoaks and more.
Emma Rydal – Maz O’Loughlin
Emma, from Cockermouth, played the role of Maz O’Loughlin in 2003 for 14 episodes.
Her character fed cannabis-laced chocolate cake to Jack and Vera Duckworth as well as appearing in the film East is East, which won a BAFTA award.
Emma still acts and also writes today and has appeared in several other television shows including Hollyoaks, Midsomer Murders, Emmerdale and Doctors.
David MacCreedy – DS Scott and Pat Phelan’s friend Tom
Born in Workington, David played the role of DS Scott in 2007 and then returned to the programme in 2017 to play Pat Phelan’s friend Tom.
His police character was the leading detective investigating the death of Polish worker Kasia Barowicz.
David also had roles in multiple shows including The Bill, Casualty, East Enders, Shameless and Heartbeat and he also appeared in feature films including Captives, Up ‘n’ Under and Kinky Boots as well as All Quiet on the Preston Front.
He is still acting now and recently had a role in Three Day Millionaire – a 2022 film.
Toby Gaffney – barrister Elliot Newell
A more recent edition to the Coronation Street universe, Toby, from Cockermouth, played the role of barrister Elliot Newell in 2020.
His character helped Leanne Batterbsy and Steve McDonald in the courtroom to save their son Oliver’s life who had been diagnosed with a terminal mitochondrial disease.
He has also appeared on other television shows including The Bill, East Enders and Heartbeat and had a role in the film Supernova, starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci.
Honourable mentions
In 2016 six actors from a Carlisle casting agency were given the roles of police officers when filming took place in Whitehaven for the episodes sealing the fate of villain Pat Phelan.
Allan Prescott, a member of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team also acted as a stunt double for Liam Connor – a character who fell from a cliff at Honister during a getaway with his on-screen girlfriend Maria Sutherland.
