Swapping gloomy Weatherfield for sunny Erinsborough is a move that most people would take in a heartbeat – and new images showing Ryan Thomas on the set of Neighbours show he’s very happy with his decision.
The hunky ex-Corrie actor, 32, has been unveiled as the newest cast member in the decades-old Australian soap , and will play a “handsome devil” called Rafael Humphreys.
Fans of the smouldering actor will be happy to hear his new role will cover some pretty dark territory.
With a plot that will force him to “confront a difficult chapter from his past.”
Read more: Ryan Thomas and girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh enjoy day out with his daughter Scarlett
Ryan said: “I grew up watching Neighbours so to get the chance to join the cast is amazing.
“I was on holiday with my daughter when I got a phone call from my agent asking if I’d like to play this part.
“I spoke to the producer and found out more – it was very different from anything I’d played before – it was quite a deep, dark story, that really interested me.
“It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait to start filming.”
Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at Channel 5, said: “With his good looks and Corrie years under his belt, Ryan is the perfect handsome devil.
“His arrival in Erinsborough marks the start of darker times for a particular Ramsay Street favourite. Prepare to be gripped.”
Ryan’s first scenes are set to air in early 2018, which means fans of both soaps don’t have long to wait to see how he gets on Down Under.
Read more: Ex Corrie star Ryan Thomas shares hilarious photo during “babysitting duty”
He may be known as Rafael Humphreys now, but we’ll never forget him as Jason Grimshaw!