NATHAN SUSSEX JOINS CORONATION STREET AS TIM METCALFE'S COUSIN

Actor Nathan Sussex has made his Coronation Street debut this week, playing Richie Parkinson, a cousin of established character Tim Metcalfe. Sussex, previously known for his role as Buster Smith in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, joined the ITV show after his character's link to the cobbles was confirmed through spoilers. According to plot details, Tim is surprised to encounter Richie as a fare in the precinct, reuniting with his cousin after years apart.

Tim invites Richie over for drinks with friends whilst his wife Sally is away. As the pair reminisce about their childhood, Steve McDonald feels excluded from their conversation. After the other guests leave, Richie confides in Tim about his troubled marriage, and Tim offers him a place to stay for the night. Sussex shared photographs on social media before his arrival, posing outside the Rovers Return at the Salford-based set and writing to followers: "I couldn't walk down the cobbles and not get a piccy outside the Rovers. There's a new boy in Weatherfield very soon."

Sussex continued to post updates from the set, telling his followers "Home for a bit" alongside additional photographs. Former television presenter Carol Vorderman commented in support of his new role on social media. Sussex's followers also expressed their support publicly, with comments congratulating him on joining the long-running soap opera.