It’s good news for Ryan Thomas fans – the former Coronation Street star is returning to Soapland.
But before anyone gets excited that it could mean Jason Grimshaw will be back in Weatherfield, he’s actually joining a completely different soap.
Ryan is heading to the other side of the world, as he has landed a part in Australian soap Neighbours.
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The 33-year-old will be playing a character called Raphael, according to the Mirror. It’s not known how long he has signed up for, but insiders are already expecting him to be a big hit.
“Ryan’s news may come as a bit of a surprise but people are confident he’ll make a big splash on Neighbours,” a source told The Mirror.
“He’ll bring his Corrie fans with him and earn a new legion of fans along the way.
“He is just waiting on his visa. Then he’ll be moving to Australia to film the show.”
There had been some speculation that Ryan would follow his brother Adam Thomas – who stars in Emmerdale – and enter the I’m A Celebrity jungle this November. He’s already taken part in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, although had viewers in stitches as he struggled to cope.
He’s already taken part in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, although had viewers in stitches as he struggled to cope… with cramp!
But there could still be time for that to happen, before he joins the soap.
A source close to the actor told The Sun online: “Ryan would be superb in the jungle and there has never been a family member following a family member into the outback ever in all the series.”
Not many British stars have made the move down under to star in the Aussie soaps. But plenty of Australian talent
But plenty of Australian talent has found their way from the shows to success in the UK, and even Hollywood.
Appearing on Neighbours started the careers of people like Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce, Holly Valance and Margot Robbie.
Appearing on Neighbours started the careers of people like Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce, Holly Valance and Margot Robbie.
And Ryan could be hoping some of that magic could rub off on him.
He quit the Street in June last year, after 16 years playing Jason Grimshaw. Joining the show when he was just 16, it was the only role he had ever had.
And after leaving, he spoke about wanting to try his luck in Hollywood and learn more about acting and the industry.
“Going to Hollywood is a dream so I’m going to see what happens. We can always dream,” he told The Sun.
“I’ve only ever had one job. I need to start from the bottom and start learning my craft. I want to be tested and taken out of my comfort zone. I need to do auditions and be rejected for roles – rejection is so much part and parcel of this business, but I’ve never experienced it.
“I need to do auditions and be rejected for roles – rejection is so much part and parcel of this business, but I’ve never experienced it.
“I’ve never been in an audition situation apart from when I was up for the role of Jason in Corrie, and I got that part just 15 minutes into that audition,” he explained.
“I feel that I need to find out what it’s like to be told I haven’t got a role I’ve gone for.”
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What a move down under will do for his love life remains to be seen. Ryan recently started dating TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, after meeting when they both took
Ryan recently started dating TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, after meeting when they both took part in Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls.
Things have been going well, with the couple sharing loved-up photos together on social media. Let’s hope absence makes the heart grow fonder…