Coronation Street casts award-winning TV star for massive Tim and Sally story

Sally and Tim Metcalfe are about to be thrust to the centre of the Coronation Street action – where they belong – and they will be joined by a very recognisable face from the world of TV and soap.

I can reveal that Nathan Sussex – perhaps best known to viewers as the vile sex offender Buster in Hollyoaks – has been cast in the show, as a relative of Tim’s (Joe Duttine).

While I won’t reveal the specifics of the storyline, it is a big one which will come with significant tests for Tim and wife Sally (Sally Dynevor), as previously alluded to by show producer Kate Brooks.

But hang fire before you panic! It’s not an affair story, neither of them are going to be misbehaving in that way, so you can put that fear to rest.

Nathan was utterly gripping as a villain in Hollyoaks, winning awards and accolades for his part in a football coach abuse saga which is still remembered as one of the Channel 4 soap’s most powerful of all time.

Metro worked closely with Hollyoaks on it and Nathan was always humbled, proud and passionate about taking on the role, which only fills me with enthusiasm for his Corrie debut.

But will he be a wrong ‘un on the cobbles? That remains to be seen – the actor has had roles in It’s A Sin, You and Believe Me among others, with all characters being vastly different.

‘Nathan’s casting is a coup for Coronation Street and an actor of his calibre won’t just be coming in for a C-story, put it that way,’ a source told me.

‘Working alongside Corrie legends Sally and Joe means it will be unmissable stuff, and it forms part of one of the show’s big summer storylines, also moving into autumn.

‘He’s already started filming and it won’t be long between first meeting him and seeing the crux of the story unfold.’

Fans can expect to see Nathan make his debut next month.

Previous indications suggest that Sally and Tim’s roles as foster parents will play a part, with boss Kate hinting earlier in the year: ‘There’s a massive story for Sally and Tim that comes to the to the fore, and it’s a story that tests them as people, test them as a couple, but tests them as foster parents as well.

‘It’s a bit of a curveball, and it comes from slightly left field, but absolutely upends their lives. It’s how they navigate that situation going forward.

‘Sally and Tim are so beloved, and I just adore them. And it’s seeing them in a slightly different position than what we’ve seen them in before. 

‘That story will also dovetail further down the line with a Christina story. Christina and George are a really great, strong couple in the show. It’s those friendships alive. There’s a connection there as well…’

As ever, Metro will keep you in the loop as it develops but when Kate says curveball, she isn’t exaggerating!