James Cartwright made his Coronation Street debut this year as Theo Silverton but it turns out he has a very famous father
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
09:52, 13 Dec 2025
Coronation Street Theo actor has real-life famous dad and fans will be floored(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street’s James Cartwright has a real-life famous father who fans will know well.
The actor joined the ITV soap this year playing Theo Silverton, the new love interest of Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) – and it didn’t take long for sparks to fly between the pair.
However, soon enough Theo’s true self and colours came to light as Theo has been manipulating Todd for months, in a bid to control every aspect of his life.
What’s more, the abuse has also escalated to physical violence. Recently though, terrified of what his partner is capable of, Todd set up hidden cameras in their home with a powerful social episode set to air next week.
James plays Theo on the ITV soap
Away from the ITV soap, Theo actor James is no stranger to appearing on TV screens, including a stint on the Tracy Beaker series playing Nathan. But it turns out showbiz runs in his family…
James’ father is the successful writer and dramatist Jim Cartwright. Jim has penned an extensive amount of work over the years, most notably the 1992 play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, which was turned into a movie in 1998 starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.
His father is a successful dramatist
Over the years, James has worked with his famous dad plenty of times. In 2009, he was cast in the West End revival of his dad’s play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, taking on the role of Billy.
And according to the father-and-son duo, James was the last of 30 hopefuls to audition for the play. Jim told The Guardian: “I was so proud. I forgot it was him.” James then admitted: “My dad is my best mate.”
James also recalled growing up with his famous father and recounted a time when he was seven years old and went to a matinee of the original Little Voice. He said: “At the cast picnic afterwards.
James has worked with his dad plenty of times(Image: ITV)
“I ate too much, stood on my head and was sick over Pete [Postlethwaite]. But seeing the play made me understand what Dad did. Until then, Dad was just Dad. He played football and scribbled.”
Fast forward to 2016 and Jim and James reunited for another play, a one-man show called Raz written by Jim and starring James. Talking about working with his dad again, James told The Times:’”His writing’s in my blood, it’s rich and beautiful. I know what he means instantly.”
Jim then added: “Aye, it’s a pleasure when we work together. But it’s not like we’re a theatrical dynasty, like the Redgraves or the Foxes. We’re more like Steptoe and Son.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX