Coronation Street star Paddy Bever has landed an exciting new role, after departing the soap last March. The actor, who played Max Turner, is swapping Weatherfield for the West End, as he joins the cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
Bever will be taking over the lead role of Henry Creel in the London stage production, which debuted back in 2023. The part was first played by Hope Street’s Louis McCartney until 2024, followed by Emmerdale’s Louis Healy.
Based on the hugely popular Netflix series, Stranger Things: The First Shadow tells the origin story of the sinister Henry Creel aka Vecna. The play takes fans back to 1959 when the Creel family arrive in Hawkins, and explores how young Henry grappled with his disturbing powers.
ITV
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Bever’s casting was confirmed via the show’s official Instagram account which confirmed: “Class, we have a new student coming to Hawkins High…”
“Paddy Bever joins #STOnStage as Henry Creel from 12 June,” the caption continued, alongside a photo of the star in character as the villain.
The comment section was filled with congratulatory messages from excited fans, as well as Bever’s Corrie co-stars Sydney Martin (Betsy Swain), Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) and his on-screen dad Jack P Shepherd (David Platt).
“Paddy !!!! I’m gunna have to come back down and watch again. Congratulations this is just amazing,” wrote Jude Riordan (Sam Blakeman), with Lucy Fallon (Bethany Platt) adding: “so buzzing for u paddy.”
Joseph Scanlon//ITV
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“Yayyyyy Paddy!!!! I’m so chuffed for you. Brilliant news!! Bravo you!!! Good things come to those who wait (and work hard) xxx” gushed Tony Maudsley (George Shuttleworth).
“Oh Paddy!! This is the most brilliant news. Congratulations darling xx,” said Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby), while Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) wrote: “This is what we need to see Paddy! Excellent news.”
Bever will make his debut in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on 12 June at the Phoenix Theatre in London.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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