ITV unveils new family for Coronation Street

The Baileys will soon be making their presence felt on the cobbles…

The family comprises of Dad Edison, known as Ed, Mum Aggie, both in their 50s, and their two sons Michael and James.

Debuting in Weatherfield this spring, early June to be precise, the family will take up residence in no.3 after acquiring the house from Norris. Edison and Michael have also bought the builders yard from the Grimshaws.

Edison’s a former property developer who has moved into the building trade; he works hard but also knows how to play hard. Pharmacy assistant Aggie is friendly, fun and outrageous in equal measures. Although Edison grumbles about his wife, he’s still deeply in love with her.

At 27, Michael is the elder of their two sons – a man full of big ideas and get-rich-quick schemes. He relies on his cheeky-chappy charm and is endlessly optimistic, especially in his relationships which haven’t always worked out for him in the past. Michael’s the apple of Aggie’s eye and fiercely protective of his younger brother, though James may be the more mature of the pair.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old James is his father’s pride and joy, a gifted footballer who’s already playing for Weatherfield County. He’s good-looking but more brooding than Michael and can need coaxing out of his shell. He’s as dedicated to his dreams as Michael is to his but more quiet, modest and hard-working. James is living with a secret he’s scared to share, how will his family and team mates react when they find out James is gay?

Actor Trevor Michael Georges, best known for his work on Swap, Noughts & Crosses and Holby City, will play Edison.

“I have never allowed myself to imagine being part of such a massive icon in television history. I grew up with Ena Sharples, Stan and Hilda Ogden and Elsie Tanner. As did my family, my neighbourhood and the entire country. To look at a script where Edison Bailey (my character) is chatting away with Ken Barlow couldn’t be any more humbling…and a bit scary.” – Trevor

Lorna Laidlaw, whose recent credits include the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz at Birmingham Rep and an eight year stint in BBC Birmingham saga Doctors both as the indomitable Mrs Tembe and directing, has landed the part of family matriarch Aggie.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this iconic show. I have grown up watching Coronation Street. It’s the meat and two veg of the nation’s soap diet. A staple, that has been apart of my family for more years than I care to remember. I’ve got my knife and fork at the ready…lets tuck in!” – Lorna Laidlaw

Oldest son Michael will be played by Ryan Russell who is best known for his role as a presenter in the CBeebies House.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to join the team at Coronation Street! It’s truly a blessing and a privilege to join such an iconic show. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of exploring Michael and working with the rest of the cast!” – Ryan Russell

Nathan Graham plays James, he is joining the show after appearing in Dreamgirls and Miss Saigon in the West End.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity to join Coronation Street and be a part of this show. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Bailey family and excited to explore the difficulties James may face along the way.” – Nathan Graham

The Baileys soon make themselves at home in Weatherfield and while initially they may rub a few people up the wrong way it’s not long before they’re firm favourites in the community.

“I am really excited to introduce this new family – the audience is going to love them! They’re funny, warm and will pull together through thick and thin as we play out the stories we’ve got lined up for them.

 

“Parents Edison and Aggie are soulmates who, underneath the banter, will stick up for each other and defend their boys when the going gets tough. Eldest son Michael is an exuberant, loveable dreamer with a huge heart and is the glue that holds the family together. James is Michael’s younger brother and best mate, who is a sensitive lad with a secret that he fears will throw his family into turmoil and impact on his career.

 

“The four actors we’ve cast are all individually brilliant but together they have a truly incredible chemistry. I can’t wait for them to hit the screen!” – Producer Iain MacLeod