There have been rumours of this for some time but it appears now it's a done deal, as former X Factor winner Shayne Ward has joined the cast of Coronation Street with a one-year contract.
It may not be the glittering career in music he had originally hoped for, but as a Manchester native, Ward has described this as a 'dream come true'.
He said in a statement: "On hearing the news I had been offered the part on the show I was in total disbelief. It still hasn't sunk it.
"Shayne Ward the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show - it is an absolute dream come true. I'm excited to walk down those famous cobbles.
"My family and friends know just how much this means to me and I cannot wait to do them all proud. 2015 has been a great year for me so far and I look forward to joining the Coronation Street family."
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Shayne is set to play a distant cousin of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh... who funnily enough was also the product of a talent competition) called Aidan. He grew up in the same estate as Michelle and Carla, and is set to arrive on the cobbles when he hears Carla is having problems at the factory.
He's set to be quite the charmer too with soap boss Stuart Blackburn saying; ”When Shayne came in and auditioned we knew he was up against some very stiff competition. But he blew us away from the very get go delivering a charm and a swagger that is perfect for the character. I can't wait to see him in action!”
He will be the first of three from the Connor clan that are set to arrive on the cobbles this year as he will be followed in the coming months by his dad and sister.
Shayne is set to start filming next month so should be on our screens by mid-summer.
I'm so happy right now. Keeping this a secret was tough. OMG....I'm gonna be on 'CORONATION STREET' Aaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhh #AidanConnor
— Shayne Ward (@shayneTward) May 12, 2015
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Pop singers have joined soaps before (remember Keith Duffy's go in the Rovers Return?) but we can't say we saw this one coming. How about you?
