List of ''Coronation Street'' characters (2016)

Coronation Street is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters introduced in 2016, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn, or his successor Kate Oates. Marta Zarek arrived in February, igniting a child slavery storyline, as did Alya Nazir's best friend, Rana Habeeb. In March, Freddie Smith was introduced as a new friend for Kylie Platt. He was followed by the birth of Callum Logan and Sarah Platt's son, Harry, as well as Michelle Connor's childhood lover, Will Chatterton. Pablo Duarte made his first appearance in April. July saw the introduction of Clayton Hibbs, followed by Vinny Ashford and Sonia Rahman in August. Darryl Perkins was introduced in September as the father of Craig Tinker.

Marta Zarek

Marta Zarek
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Edyta Budnik
First appearance	Episode 8833 5 February 2016
Last appearance	Episode 8865 21 March 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Former; recurring

Marta Zarek,^[1] played by Edyta Budnik, made her first on-screen appearance on 5 February 2016.^[2] The character and casting was announced on 29 January 2016.^[3] Marta will be being introduced as part of a modern slavery storyline.^[3] Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) finds Marta hiding at the Underworld factory on Coronation Street and Marta tells her that she has been forced into slavery by Richie (James Midgley) and Julia O'Driscoll (Malgorzata Klara), Underworld's new clients.^[3] She also explains that she cannot escape as she is worried about her family's safety back in Poland.^[3] Mark Jefferies of the Daily Mirror reported that producers consulted experts to ensure the storyline would be accurate.^[3] A spokesperson commented, "Obviously, Coronation Street tries to tackle difficult subjects and has done storylines about serious illnesses and violence before. But this is the first time slavery has appeared."^[3]

Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward) and Eva went to a party at the O'Driscolls, driving there in the Underworld van. Marta saw her chance of escape and hid in the back of the vehicle, which took her to Weatherfield. Once there, she bedded down in the factory hoping to make herself inconspicuous but desperation caused her to steal from the staff's belongings, making them believe that there was a thief among them. Eva found her in the factory and seeing that she was terrified, Eva took pity on her and started to bring her food. Marta told her about her ordeal - though not naming the O'Driscolls - and revealed how her family back home were being threatened by them. She was almost found by Kirk Sutherland whose claims of noises from the back of the factory were being ignored by everyone but before she could be found, she fled through the assembled group, wearing Sean Tully's new coat and pushing over Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston) in her desperation to escape.

Marta disappeared into the streets, living rough but came back after several weeks because she was ill and needed help. She was given shelter at 18a Victoria Street but refused medical attention and again attempted to abscond. This time, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) helped Eva stop her from leaving and she told them her full story and the identity of her persecutors. Eva vowed to help the girl who told them that the O'Driscolls had her passport. Going to another dinner party at the O'Driscolls with Aidan, Eva tried to find the document but was caught and sacked after the O'Driscolls claimed that the girl had stolen from them and been fired. Marta did not help by leaving at St. Mary's Rectory and stealing £20 from Billy and his mobile phone. Using the tracker app, Billy and Eva found Marta and demanded some answers. Billy took her back to the O'Driscolls where Julia sweetly greeted the girl and took her inside, firmly shutting him out. A few days later, Billy and Eva checked on Marta and were told that she had gone home but as they were leaving, Eva swore that she saw Marta at an upstairs window. Aidan's suspicions were aroused when he visited and saw Julia padlocking a bedroom door. Billy and Eva tried to rescue Marta when the O'Driscolls were at a trade fair, breaking into the house and found Marta locked in the bedroom but were caught when the O'Driscolls returned early. Richie assaulted Billy and Eva but they were rescued by Aidan who had followed them there. The police were called and almost everyone was arrested but the O'Driscolls were the only ones prosecuted, for offences under section 1 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. A few days later, a happy and smartened-up Marta was brought into the Rovers by Aidan to say goodbye and "thank you" to Eva before she returned home to her family.

Rana Nazir

Rana Nazir
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Bhavna Limbachia
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 8842 19 February 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Other names	Rana Habeeb
Occupation	Nurse
Home	6 Coronation Street
Family Father Hassan Habeeb Mother Saira Habeeb Husband Zeedan Nazir (2016–)

Rana Nazir (also Habeeb)^[4] played by Bhavna Limbachia, made her first on-screen appearance on 19 February 2016.^[5] The character and casting was announced on 8 January.^[5] Of her casting, Limbachia commented "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the show. Being a proud Northerner, it's a dream come true."^[5] Rana will be introduced as a love interest for Zeedan Nazir (Qasim Akhtar) and an old friend of his sister Alya (Sair Khan). Following a visit to catch up with Alya, Rana will find employment at the local medical centre.^[5] The show's series producer Stuart Blackburn described Rana as "sharp, funny, utterly gorgeous and not a little manipulative."^[5]

Rana first appears having a meal with Alya in the bistro. Alya's brother, Zeedan, becomes attracted to her, whilst Rana flirts with him as well as Andy Carver (Oliver Farnworth). She then leaves and Alya's grandparents, Sharif (Marc Anwar) and Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King), ask her to return soon as she has brought a lot of happiness back into Alya's life, as her father, Kal Nazir (Jimi Mistry), died the previous year and she has recently split from her fiancé, Gary Windass (Mikey North). Rana is desperate to have sex with Zeedan, however he prefers to wait until after marriage, which puts an immense strain on their relationship and they break up and reconcile regularly over this. They agree to take their relationship slowly, however Zeedan becomes easily jealous when she talks to other men. After Zeedan engages in an argument with Sharif, he and Rana have a heart-to-heart, which culminates in Zeedan drastically proposing to Rana, leading to her running off. Later, Zeedan asks Rana to forget his proposal, however she reveals that she wants to marry him, with the couple sealing their engagement with a kiss.

Rana supports Zeedan when it is revealed that Sharif has been having an affair with a woman named Sonia Rahman (Sudha Bhuchar). However, this forces Zeedan to question his beliefs in marriage, and after an awkward meal with Rana's parents, breaks off their engagement. Rana is crushed and is adamant that this is the end of her relationship with Zeedan, however Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) helps reconcile the pair. Zeedan and Rana marry immediately after they reconcile to seal their love for one another, with Rana's parents, Yasmeen, Leanne and Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) witnessing the ceremony.

Zeedan is keen to start a family, but Rana is less certain. Not wanting to upset her husband, Rana secretly begins taking the contraceptive pill. With Zeedan refusing to talk to Alya after learning she knew of Sharif's affair, Rana tries to act as peacemaker. She initially succeeds, but when the gym where Zeedan works - part-owned by Sharif - goes under due to Sharif embezzling money to give it to Alya, he makes it clear he can't forgive his sister. Upset to see her family not getting along, Yasmeen adds to the pressure on Rana to have a child, hoping it will bring everyone together. However, Rana snaps and reveals she isn't ready for children yet after Yasmeen buys her an ovulation predictor kit.

Lauren

Lauren
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Shannon Flynn
First appearance	Episode 8852 4 March 2016
Last appearance	Episode 9003 30 September 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Former; recurring
Family Father Phil Mother Lauren's Mum

Lauren,^[4] played by Shannon Flynn, made her first on-screen appearance on 4 March 2016. Lauren and Shelley bully Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) at school, along with some others. Lauren makes remarks about Bethany and her mother Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) as well as pulling her hair. Lauren and Shelley, send cruel messages to Bethany online. Lauren, Shelley and the others follow Bethany home, but Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) intervenes and forces them to leave. When Sarah learns of Bethany's bullying, she visits Lauren at her home and confronts both Lauren and her mother (Lisa Moore). Lauren and her friends steal Bethany's phone and on another occasion, they insult Bethany's brother, Harry. Lauren apologises to Bethany, but she realises it was a trick when Lauren and her gang taunt Bethany about Sarah's mental health, but leave when Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) arrives.

Later in 2016, Lauren hassles Bethany at the local gym, causing Bethany to lash out at her. The gym's manager and Anna's son, Gary Windass (Mikey North) appears and forces Lauren to leave. During a meeting at the school, Lauren and Bethany are suspended after Lauren tricked their headmaster into thinking that Bethany was bullying her. Lauren later hassled Bethany at her great-grandmother Audrey Roberts' (Sue Nicholls) salon, but Bethany's uncle David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) offers to bury the hatchet by giving Lauren a free haircut. After sending Bethany out to get coffee, David hacks off Lauren's hair and threatens to cut her throat if she hurts Bethany again, causing Lauren to flee the salon. Lauren later calls the police on David, but he lies that Lauren changed her mind on her haircut halfway through, with his story being reinforced by Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell). Lauren is later expelled from school after several other girls in Bethany's year group come forward and admit that Lauren has been terrorising them, too, leading to Bethany being praised by the headmaster. However, Lauren's father, Phil (James Doherty), later beats up David for hacking off Lauren's hair.

Freddie Smith

Freddie Smith
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Derek Griffiths
Duration	2016–2017
First appearance	Episode 8857 11 March 2016
Last appearance	Episode 9148 21 April 2017
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Former; regular
Profile
Occupation	Mechanic
Family Wife Sadie Smith (until 2016)

Freddie Smith, played by Derek Griffiths, made his first on-screen appearance on 11 March 2016.^[6] Griffiths auditioned for the role, and the character and his casting was announced on 16 December 2015.^[6] Freddie was introduced as "an unlikely new friend" for established character Kylie Platt (Paula Lane). Freddie's wife, who was a client of Kylie's, died shortly before his on-screen debut.^[6] His friendship with Kylie will lead him to be accepted into a "surrogate community" on the Street as the other residents get to know him.^[6] In March 2017, Griffiths left the show after a year, making his final on-screen appearance on 21 April 2017.

Freddie is a widower of his late wife Sadie, an old and valued customer of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls)' salon. When Sadie died unexpectedly, Freddie asked for Kylie to do her nails for the funeral. Not knowing this was the reason for the appointment, when she arrived at his home she was horrified to see his wife's dead body lying in her coffin in the living room. After running out of the house, he speaks to Kylie, who then convinces her to do Sadie's nails. In April, Freddie returns and is invited to Kylie's nephew Harry Platt's christening. He then takes a shine to Audrey, and flirts with her, however she rejects him, but says they can always be friends. He later becomes friends with Audrey's lover Ken Barlow (William Roache). The following month, Kylie asks local mechanic Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) to give Freddie a job there, and tells him all of the things that he has been through for the past few months. Kevin later agrees to offer Freddie a job, and Freddie accepts Kevin's offer.

In July, Freddie tells Ken that he should invite Audrey to a musical theatre production. After seeing Freddie and Audrey together holding hands in the pub, he tells Audrey that he is going to the performance alone. Freddie later starts drinking with Audrey in the pub regularly, and sees Kylie buying champagne to celebrate her and her husband David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) emigrating to Barbados. Freddie is left distraught when Kylie is stabbed and killed in the street.

Harry Platt

Harry Platt
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Woody (2016) Pixie and Presley Sellars (2016–2017) Freddie and Isaac (2017–)
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 8865 21 March 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Present; recurring
Profile
Home	8 Victoria Court (2016–)
Family Father Callum Logan Mother Sarah Platt Half-brothers Billy Platt Max Turner Half-sisters Bethany Platt Grandmothers Gail McIntyre Marion Logan Uncles David Platt Nick Tilsley First cousins Lily Platt Other relatives Audrey Roberts

Harry Platt made his first on-screen appearance on 21 March 2016.^[7][8] He was played by twin girls Pixie and Presley and a third baby, Woody, in 2016.^[9] Twins Freddie and Isaac took over the role in 2017.^[10] He is the son of Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) and Callum Logan (Sean Ward) and the half-brother of Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), Billy Platt and Max Turner (Harry McDermott). He is born five weeks early by caesarean section when Sarah goes into labour in Tracy Barlow's (Kate Ford) florist shop. O'Brien said Sarah would be "in massive denial" when she goes in labour and initially refuses to have a caesarean because her son Billy died during the procedure.^[11] She believes a natural birth will be better for the baby. O'Brien continued, "She's just got it in her head that something is going to go wrong. It's almost like a defence mechanism. I think she feels that if something does go wrong she's preparing herself."^[11] O'Brien also said Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) would help Sarah through the birth and remind her that the baby is not Billy. When Callum's mother Marion Logan (Susan Cookson) turns up at the hospital, Sarah does not want her there and becomes "very territorial over the baby".^[11] O'Brien added that the baby is a constant reminder that Callum's death is not going to go away.^[11]

Sarah is accidentally struck by Tim Metcalfe's (Joe Duttine) van and is taken to hospital, where she is told that she is four months pregnant by Callum. Sarah plans to have an abortion, but is talked out of it by her sister-in-law, Kylie Platt (Paula Lane). Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) takes Sarah to the florist to relax after shopping, but as Todd reminisces about Billy, Sarah goes into labour, which annoys Tracy. At the hospital, the doctor wants Sarah to have a caesarean section, but Sarah refuses. Todd persuades Sarah and Sarah agrees to a caesarean section and her son is later born. When Marion Logan (Susan Cookson) arrives at the hospital after being told about Sarah's pregnancy by Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell), Sarah refuses to let her meet her grandson. Sarah chooses Harry for his name from one of Bethany's suggestions. Harry and Sarah are picked up from the hospital by Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and Sarah feels that the others did not want to because of who Harry's father is. Harry is christened with Sarah's brother Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), Nick's fiancée Carla Connor (Alison King) and Todd as godparents. After Callum's corpse is found under Gail's annexe, Sarah starts behaving irrationally and the family realise she is suffering from mental health problems. Sarah changes the house locks and barricades herself in with Harry. When Sarah is taken to hospital, Harry is left in Kylie's care, but Sarah gets a place in a mother and baby unit. Sarah decides to leave the unit when Kylie is stabbed and dies, but Bethany persuades Sarah to stay for her and Harry's sake. Sarah discharges herself from the unit and returns home.

Will Chatterton

Will Chatterton
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Leon Ockenden
Duration	2016, 2017-
First appearance	Episode 8870 28 March 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn (2016) Kate Oates (2017)
Classification	Present; recurring
Profile
Occupation	Businessman

Will Chatterton, played by Leon Ockenden, made his first on-screen appearance on 28 March 2016.^[12] The character and Ockenden's casting was announced on 8 February.^[13] His character is introduced as a former boyfriend of Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh). He comes to Weatherfield to book Michelle as his wedding planner.^[13]

Will's fiancée Saskia hired Michelle to plan their wedding. Michelle was surprised to see Will again after so long and the pair were left to plan the wedding alone after Saskia went away on business and with Michelle's husband Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) away in Spain. Michelle, feeling abandoned, quickly developed feelings for her ex. Steve's mother Liz (Beverley Callard) became suspicious that Will and Michelle were having an affair, noticing the somewhat romantic meals they were having. Michelle tried to avoid Will by getting Sean Tully to plan the wedding for her, but with Steve's continued absence and Will also developing feelings, it became increasingly difficult for her to deny her feelings for him. Michelle went round to Will's house one night and after kissing passionately, they went upstairs for sex but Michelle refused at the last minute, thinking of her marriage to Steve. Will later told Michelle that he had broken up with Saskia for her, but by this point, Michelle knew that Steve was the one she wanted and refused to continue her affair with Will.

Over a month later, Will arrived at the Rovers and was greeted by Michelle's stepdaughter Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney). Amy deduced that something suspicious had been going on after overhearing a conversation between Sean and Michelle. Amy blackmailed Michelle over her affair with Will. A few days later, Saskia barged into the pub with Will and told Steve of the affair but Steve subsequently told them both to leave.

Pablo Duarte

Pablo Duarte
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Shai Matheson
First appearance	Episode 8881 13 April 2016
Last appearance	Episode 8882 15 April 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Former; guest
Family Wife Maria Connor (2016–) Stepsons Liam Connor Jr. (2016–)

Pablo Duarte, played by Shai Matheson, made his first on-screen appearance on 13 April 2016.^[14] The character and casting was announced on 3 April 2016 as the secret husband of established character Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie).^[14] Upon his arrival, Pablo made an enemy out of Maria's boyfriend Luke Britton (Dean Fagan).^[14] He appeared following Maria's return to the Cobbles.^[14] Pablo, an Argentinian, married Maria in a marriage of convenience in Cyprus to secure the right to move to the United Kingdom, and assured Luke he had no romantic designs on Maria because he was gay. The character left the show on 17 April, five days after his debut, and appeared in three episodes.

While staying in Cyprus helping her mother, Maria met Pablo at the local hairdressing salon and they ended up marrying - not because of their love for each other but instead so Pablo could hide the fact he was gay. The couple flew into England on separate flights so when Maria arrived at Manchester Airport, Pablo would not be spotted with her by her true love, Luke Britton (Dean Fagan). Shortly after their arrival they met up. Luke went after Maria, eager to give her a bouquet of flowers, but was heartbroken to see her having a good time in another man's company. Luke kicked off at Maria, but despite her explanation as why she'd married Pablo, Luke stormed out of the establishment. Later, Maria tried to explain to Luke yet again but instead this time Pablo kicked off at Luke calling him a "Drama Queen" and then stormed out. A few days later, Pablo met with Maria and Luke one final time to tell them he was moving to London. Despite Pablo's departure Luke still felt unsure about dating a married woman. Later on Maria publicly embarrassed herself to prove her true love for him. A few months later, Pablo's solicitor advised him that in order for him to stay in the UK, she had to see Pablo and Maria together. Maria rushed to London soon after receiving word of Pablo's situation.

Clayton Hibbs

Clayton Hibbs
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Callum Harrison
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 8940 8 July 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn (2016) Kate Oates (2017)
Classification	Present; recurring
Profile
Home	Prison
Family Father Dane Hibbs Mother Shona Ramsey Half-brothers Macca Hibbs

Clayton Hibbs, played by Callum Harrison, made his first on-screen appearance on 8 July 2016.^[15] His character is the half-brother of Macca Hibbs (Gareth Berliner), and an old friend of Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) and Callum Logan (Sean Ward). The purpose of the character's creation was to kill-off established character Kylie Platt (Paula Lane).

Clayton and Macca start harassing Gemma at her job at the Prima Doner kebab shop, demanding free kebabs. They do this for several days before being chased off by the manager, Chesney Brown (Sam Aston). Clayton returns and attempts to give Gemma fraudulent bank notes, but after Chesney takes the blame for her after the first time this happens, Gemma refuses to take them again and forces Clayton out of the shop. He returns later that day, demanding Gemma open the till and when she puts up a fight, he knocks her unconscious. Gemma's friend, Kylie, tries to help Gemma but Clayton stabs her in the chest and flees the scene. Kylie later dies from her injuries and Clayton threatens Gemma to stay quiet and to keep Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), who witnessed the event, quiet as well. Kylie's widowed husband, David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd), overhears Clayton threatening Gemma and chases him with a steel pipe. He pins Clayton to the floor and almost bludgeons him with the pipe but Clayton manages to escape again. After this, Gemma and Craig decide to give statements to the police, and Clayton is arrested a few days later.

Clayton stands trial at Weatherfield Crown Court and is found guilty of Kylie's murder and is sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 15 years. On the day of the trial, David attempts to drive his car into the prison van, to kill Clayton, but crashes his car at the end of the street to avoid hitting his daughter Lily (Brooke Malonie). The car explodes and Anna Windass' (Debbie Rush) legs are badly burnt. Months later, Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding) visits Clayton in prison, where it emerges that she is his mother. Shona tells Clayton the grief she has brought on the Platt family. Shona tells David's mother, Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth) that she is Clayton's mother and that Clayton chose to live with his father, believing that he would not be in prison if she looked after him. Gail agrees not to tell anyone about Shona and Clayton in exchange for her not telling the police about David and the car crash.

Vinny Ashford

Vinny Ashford
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Ian Kelsey
First appearance	Episode 8961 5 August 2016
Last appearance	Episode 9039 21 November 2016
Introduced by	Stuart Blackburn
Classification	Former; recurring
Profile
Occupation	Con artist Businessman

Vincent "Vinny" Ashford,^[16] played by Ian Kelsey, made his first on-screen appearance on 5 August 2016. The character and Kelsey's casting was announced on 17 June 2016.^[17] Vinny is a property developer, who teams up with his old friend Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).^[18] Vinny was billed as the show's newest villain.^[17]

Vinny turned up to tell Phelan about his flat development plan and find out whether he was interested in investing. Later that day the pair met to discuss the financial aspects of the project. Phelan assured Vinny that he would be able to get his hands on money but it would take some time - in reality, Phelan's plan was to get Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) to agree to invest £65,000 of her son Jason's money in the scheme. Vinny then revealed the truth: the flats weren't actually going to be built and his plan was just an attempt to con people out of the money they would be putting up front for deposits. Following this admittance, Phelan agreed to help Vinny put his scheme into practice.

Later in the month, Vinny called round unannounced - on the same day that Eileen was due back from visiting Jason (Ryan Thomas) in Thailand. After Phelan tried to stall once more, Vinny eventually realised that the investment capital wasn't actually his own money in the first place and warned Phelan that the clock was ticking since there were plenty of others lined up to invest. However, it turned out that Jason had looked over the details and decided to invest his £65,000 in the development. Phelan phoned Vinny to confirm that it was now "all systems go" and told him that he'd get the money as soon as it had cleared through the bank.

Sonia Rahman

Sonia Rahman
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Sudha Bhuchar
First appearance	Episode 8973 22 August 2016
Last appearance	Episode 9032 10 November 2016
Introduced by	Kate Oates
Classification	Former; recurring
Profile
Residence	6 Coronation Street
Family Husband Tariq Rahman

Sonia Rahman, played by Sudha Bhuchar, made her first on-screen appearance on 22 August 2016. The character and casting was announced on 16 August 2016, and will be involved in a storyline with established character Sharif Nazir (Marc Anwar).^[19] The character departed on 10 November 2016 at the conclusion of her storyline.

Sonia arrives whilst Sharif and his wife Yasmeen (Shelley King) are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. She reveals that her husband kicked her out when he becomes suspicious of her. As Yasmeen offers her to stay until she gets back on her feet, Sharif personally disagrees, but does not share this with Yasmeen, but does tell Sonia. It is later discovered that Sonia and Sharif have been having an affair for seven years, and that her husband suspected it, leading to him kicking her out. While Yasmeen is out one day, Sharif gives into temptation and has sex with Sonia again, but after Sonia insults Yasmeen to him, Sharif snaps at her. He later apologises, and their intimacy is noticed by his granddaughter, Alya (Sair Khan). Sharif admits the affair to Alya, with her becoming increasingly hostile towards Sonia. Yasmeen soon comes to the conclusion that she and Sharif will purchase a flat for Sonia in order for her to live in before getting herself sorted. However, Alya puts a stop to this when she blackmails Sharif for £14,000 in order for her to remain silent about his affair with Sonia. Now struggling financially due to Alya's blackmail, Sharif asks Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) whether Sonia can stay in the flat above his corner shop, frustrating Sonia as she wanted a "love nest" for her and Sharif.

When Sonia later calls round to confront Sharif about this, they recall their long-lasting affair before leaving again, however they are unaware that they have been overheard by Yasmeen. At Sharif and Yasmeen's grandson Zeedan's (Qasim Akhtar) engagement party to Rana Habeeb (Bhavna Limbachia), Yasmeen exposes Sharif and Sonia's affair to their family and party guests, before asking everybody to leave. She then kicks Sonia out, before she confronts Sharif. When Zeedan and Alya return, Sharif reveals that Alya blackmailed him with this information, hurting Yasmeen as she was the person who she confided in after discovering the affair. Yasmeen then kicks Sharif and Alya out, and Sharif leaves Weatherfield without informing his family or Sonia. When Sonia later bumps into Zeedan, he angrily exclaims how she has destroyed their family, and that Sharif has gone and will never return. This devastates Sonia, who herself decides to pack up and depart Weatherfield. However, Dev is furious to discover that Sharif has fled and demands the £14,000 he took from their business to pay Alya from Sonia, however she bluntly explains that she has not got any money. As her taxi arrives, Sonia attempts one last time to repair her friendship with Yasmeen, however after she explains how much she loved Sharif, Yasmeen angrily slaps Sonia and orders her to leave Weatherfield and never return.

Seb Franklin

Seb Franklin
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Harry Visinoni
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 9010 10 October 2016
Introduced by	Kate Oates
Classification	Present; recurring
Profile
Occupation	Building assistant

Sebastian "Seb" Franklin, played by Harry Visinoni, made his first on-screen appearance on 10 October 2016.

Seb is the boyfriend of Faye Windass (Ellie Leach), invites Seb over as she is babysitting Izzy Armstrong's (Cherylee Houston) son, Jake Windass (Seth and Theo Wild). The couple are caught kissing by Faye's adoptive mother, Anna Windass (Debbie Rush), who rages at Faye, fearful of Faye falling pregnant again, after she gave birth to Miley Windass the previous year. A few days later, Faye meets up with Seb, apologising for Anna's actions and they go for a meal at the bistro with the family and Seb turns up with an expensive top as a present. Faye's father, Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) and Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent), join them for the meal. Once the meal finishes, Faye sees Seb off on the bus back home. He forms an unlikely friend ship with Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre), after stealing a drill from his back garden. A few months later he is arrested after punching Faye's ex-boyfriend Jackson Hodge (Rhys Cadman).

Shona Ramsey

Shona Ramsey
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Julia Goulding
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 9059 16 December 2016
Introduced by	Kate Oates
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Occupation	Waitress
Home	11 Coronation Street
Family Sons Clayton Hibbs

Shona Ramsey, played by Julia Goulding, made her first on-screen appearance on 16 December 2016. The character was involved in a storyline with established characters Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).

Shona meets David in a nightclub and starts to flirt with him, but when he leaves, Shona steals his wallet and is not seen again. Billy comes across Shona in the church on Christmas Day 2016 where Shona reveals her story. Billy takes her back to No. 11 where she shares good. Billy begins to take Shona under his wing which makes him want to return to the church. She starts to live with Billy and his boyfriend Todd Grimshaw's (Bruno Langley) mother Eileen Grimshaw's (Sue Cleaver) house and is persuaded by Billy to return Davids wallet to his house which leaves him surprised. Shona begins working for Roy Cropper (David Neilson) at his café.

Shona overhears David's mother Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth) and half-sister Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) talk about money that David inherited and gave to Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) as he was responsible for causing Anna's burns in a horrific car accident the previous year. Shona threatens to tell to the police the truth. Shona goes to the prison to visit David's wife Kylie Platt's (Paula Lane) killer, Clayton Hibbs (Callum Harrison), where it transpires that she is his mother. Shona tells Clayton the grief she has brought on the Platt family. Shona reveals to Gail that she is Clayton's mother and that Clayton chose to live with his father, believing that he would not be in prison if she looked after him. Gail agrees not to tell anyone about Shona and Clayton in exchange for her not telling the police about David who tries kissing her after he gets drunk. Gail tries paying for Shona to leave the street however she doesn't after seeing how upset Roy would be without her. After finding out Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) is David's niece Bethany Platt's (Lucy Fallon) fiancée, she goes round to his tanning salon and warns her to stay away from her knowing he is a sex trafficker after being involved with him before. Nathan then orders for someone to beat Shona and as she is trying to phone the police about Nathan she is brutally attacked by three men and left for dead. After being found by Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) she is rushed to hospital but discharges herself to help Bethany after hearing Craig talking about how he was on his way to help her and goes to David to warn him that Bethany is in trouble. In hospital she is visited by David and they kiss however the next day when he finds her at Kylie's grave she tells him the truth about Clayton being her son and he tells her to leave the street which she does.

Shona returns on the anniversary of Kylie's death, attempting to find young girls who Nathan had previously abused to help Bethany's case against him.

Nathan Curtis

Nathan Curtis
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Christopher Harper
Duration	2016–2017
First appearance	Episode 9065 25 December 2016
Introduced by	Kate Oates
Classification	Present; regular (departing)
Profile
Occupation	Pimp

Nathan Curtis, played by Christopher Harper, was introduced on 25 December 2016 as the ex-boyfriend of new character Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding) and as a love interest for 16-year-old Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon). In late 2016, it was announced that Bethany was to find herself the victim of a sex ring with Nathan as the main perpetrator.^[20] A spokesperson said: "This storyline was not undertaken lightly, it was the subject of major discussions among the show's writers and bosses. But in the end they agreed that, while controversial, it was very important."^[20]

Nathan kicks out Shona, making her homeless with vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) taking her in. Nathan follows Shona to Billy and his boyfriend Todd Grimshaw's (Bruno Langley) house on Christmas Day and later rescues 16-year-old Bethany Platt when she collapses from an overdose of diet pills in the ginnel. He rushes Bethany to hospital with the help of Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall). After she thanks him, Bethany starts creating hairstyle tutorial videos with Nathan. She becomes smitten when he hints at a sexual attraction to her. Bethany's tutorial videos become popular online, though she is unaware that Nathan has made his assistant Mel Maguire (Sonia Ibrahim) boost the views and post comments. When Bethany makes a video without Nathan's help, Mel floods the video with negative comments. On Nathan's instructions, Mel also persuades Bethany to get a contraceptive implant.

Nathan is arrested on suspicion of abducting a teenage girl and asks Bethany for an alibi. When she refuses but learns he is innocent, he pretends to give her the cold shoulder then instructs Mel to take her on a drunken night out. Nathan picks up an intoxicated Bethany, despite protests from Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia), and takes her to his flat. As part of his plan, Bethany asks to sleep with him which he agrees to. He later tells a person on the phone that she is "special". Nathan is arrested for assault and Mel persuades Bethany to provide a false alibi. Nathan later meets Bethany's mother Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) and Sarah's boyfriend Gary Windass (Mikey North). Sarah and Gary become concerned when they realise that Nathan is much older than Bethany, but decide not to interfere. Sarah is further alarmed when she visits the flat one evening and finds Bethany has been drinking. They argue but Bethany passes out so Sarah calls Gary to come and collect them before taking her home.

In June 2017, during a party, Nathan has Bethany sleep with three men. He is later informed by Neil that the police are going to raid the flat, resulting in Nathan having to clear the flat of the guests. However, the police arrive and arrest Nathan for GBH and for grooming Bethany. As he is taken away, Nathan tells Bethany that he loves her. Nathan is arrested again and as the police take him away, Nathan calls Bethany a "stupid, ungrateful bitch". At the police station, Nathan's friend Neil threatens Bethany and her family should she reveal his identity.

As there was not enough evidence to convict Nathan, he was released in July 2017, but he was eventully charged and imprisoned once again later in the month along with Neil Clifton (Ben Cartwright) after Bethany revealed her ordeal at the hands of Neil.

Jude Appleton

Jude Appleton
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Paddy Wallace
Duration	2016–
First appearance	Episode 9065 25 December 2016
Introduced by	Kate Oates
Classification	Former; guest (returning)
Profile
Occupation	Marine biologist
Home	South Africa
Family Mother Mary Taylor Wife Angie Appelton Grandmothers Maureen Taylor

Jude Appleton, played by Paddy Wallace, was introduced on 25 December 2016 as Mary Taylor's (Patti Clare) long-lost son. Her mother insisted that Mary give him up for adoption as he was the result of Mary being raped by a man whose children she used to babysit. He arrives on Christmas Day 2016 and takes a shine to Mary and reveals that he is a marine biologist working in South Africa. When he begins asking questions about his father, Mary tells him that he was the result of a teenage romance between her and a fellow classmate. Jude then asks Mary to move to South Africa with him, where his wife is heavily pregnant with his child and Mary's grandchild. She initially agrees, but after seeing how upset the locals are at her departure, she decides to remain in Weatherfield after leaving on positive terms with Jude.

Others

Character	Date(s)	Actor	Circumstances
Lee	15 January	Aaron Cobham	Lee was an old schoolfriend of Jamie Bowman (James Anderton), an ex-boyfriend of Steph Britton (Tisha Merry) who was arrested on a charge of posting private and sexual images online of her, aka revenge porn. Steph, her brother Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) and her boyfriend Andy Carver (Oliver Farnworth) thought that was the end of the matter but Luke was surprised to discover that Jamie had been bailed and was working at the upmarket bar in Manchester where Lee had obtained him the job. Luke had known the two lads at school and described the twosome as "dumb and dumber".
Bridget Finch	29 January	Carol Harvey[21]	After Bridget learns that her husband Brendan Finch (Ted Robbins) has been having an affair with Mary Taylor (Patti Clare), she comes to The Rovers Return Inn to confront Mary. Bridget informs her that it is not the first time Brendan has had an affair and then slaps her. Brendan denies all knowledge of the affair, saying Mary is just a fan. He then leaves with Bridget.
Tom Finlay[1]	5–12 February	Daniel Casey[22]	While drinking in The Bistro, Tom notices and flirts with Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), before giving her his phone number.
Shelley	4 March – 4 July	Natalie Davies[23]	Lauren and Shelley bully Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) at school, along with some others. Lauren makes remarks about Bethany and her mother Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) as well as pulling her hair. Lauren and Shelley send cruel messages to Bethany online. Lauren, Shelley and the others follow Bethany home, but Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) intervenes and forces them to leave. When Sarah learns of Bethany's bullying, she visits Lauren at her home and confronts both Lauren and her mother (Lisa Moore). Lauren and her friends steal Bethany's phone and on another occasion, they insult Bethany's brother, Harry. Lauren apologises to Bethany, but she realises it was a trick when Lauren and her gang taunt Bethany about Sarah's mental health.
Saskia Larson	28 March – 6 June	Leandra Ashton	Saskia Larson was the fiancée of Will Chatterton (Leon Ockenden). She hired Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) to plan her wedding, unaware that Michelle dated Will when they were in their early teens. Saskia went away on business, leaving the planning up to Michelle and Will. Will and Michelle started an affair while their respective partners were away. When Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) had returned from Spain, Saskia barged into The Rovers Return Inn with Will and announced to Steve that Michelle and Will had been having an affair. Steve ordered them to leave.
Lauren's Mum	9 March – 7 September	Lisa Moore[23]	When Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) discovers that her daughter Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) has been bullied, she visits Lauren's (Shannon Flynn) home to confront her. Sarah warns Lauren's mother to keep Lauren away from Bethany. She and Lauren later appear at the Platt household, demanding justice when Bethany's uncle, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), throws Lauren's schoolbag into the road. She later supports Lauren at a school meeting between her and Bethany, who is supported by Sarah, but after getting into a vicious argument with Sarah insulting both of them, it results in both Bethany and Lauren being suspended from Weatherfield High. However, later on in September, Lauren is expelled for bullying both Bethany and some other girls in the school.
Sam Trenton	4–18 April	Joseph Taylor	When Chris Trenton takes a liking to Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard), his son Sam sticks with Liz's granddaughter Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) and they go to music class together. However, Amy later reveals to her stepmother Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) that she and Sam have "broken up".
Darryl Perkins	14 September	Paul Loughran	The character and Loughran's casting were announced on 24 August 2016.[24] Darryl is Craig Tinker's (Colson Smith) estranged father, who has been in and out of prison. Craig receives a letter from Darryl asking Craig to visit him in prison. During the visit, Craig reveals that he has a stepfather, Kirk Sutherland (Andrew Whyment) who his mother Beth Tinker (Lisa George) is married to. However Darryl then reveals that Beth is still married to him; making her a bigamist.
Phil	30 September – 3 October	James Doherty	Phil is the father of Lauren (Shannon Flynn). Shortly after Lauren's expulsion, he arrives at Weatherfield High and demands that Mr. Griffin (Roger Moorlidge) expel Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) and claims that Lauren is the victim of bullying despite reports to the contrary. Mr. Griffin threatens to call the police if Phil and Lauren do not leave the premises. Enraged, Phil complies. Several days later, Phil follows Bethany's uncle David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) to The Dog & Gun pub and violently assaults him in the car park as revenge for his cutting Lauren's hair and threatening to slit her throat.
Tommy Orpington	3–7 October	Matt Milburn	The character and Milburn's casting were announced on 27 September 2016.[25] The actor appeared in four episodes.[25] Tommy is a local football star who hires Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) to plan and oversee his wedding.[25] He befriends Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine), Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) and Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall), who all fight for his attention.[25]
DS MacKinnon	2 November–	Sandra Huggett	MacKinnon investigates Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) after suspicions arose over the disappearance of her flat mate Caz Hammond (Rhea Bailey). Believing that Caz has been murdered and Maria is the culprit, MacKinnon has her arrested. However, it later emerges that Caz is alive and is framing Maria in an act of revenge for being evicted from 2a Coronation Street. Despite being released on the charge of murder, Maria is arrested again due to the fact that she revealed to MacKinnon during an interview that she had organised a sham marriage between herself and Pablo Duarte (Shai Matheson) in order to grant him residence in the country. Maria is ordered to serve a twelve month custodial sentence, but ends up serving a couple of months before she is released on a tag. MacKinnon is the lead officer investigating an attack on Ken Barlow (William Roache). MacKinnon suspects that someone close to Ken was behind the attack and calls for an interview with all of Ken's closest relatives, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). However, while investigating the family, MacKinnon is led to believe that the attacker was Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre) due to countless reports of him and Ken arguing over the building work going on at 1 Coronation Street. MacKinnon releases Pat after Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley) provides CCTV footage of Phelan's whereabouts at the time that Ken was attacked.
Toby Chapman	26 December 2016 – 27 March 2017	Andrew Dowbiggin[26]	Toby is Toyah Battersby's (Georgia Taylor) husband, who arrives to confront her about their marriage breakdown, unaware that Toyah has been having an affair with her stepsister, Leanne Battersby's (Jane Danson) ex-husband, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne). Toby returns and tells Peter that Toyah is trying for a baby through IVF treatment.

References

External links

• Cast and characters at itv.com
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database