List of Coronation Street characters (2018)
Coronation Street is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters introduced in 2018, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by series producer Kate Oates or her successor, Iain MacLeod. The first character to be introduced is Josh Tucker, the rapist of David Platt, in January. Gail Rodwell's clairvoyant Rosemary Piper, Liz McDonald's new love interest Mike Thornberry, school bully [|Tyler Jefferies] and Geoff Metcalfe, Tim Metcalfe's father, joined the show in March. April saw [|Emma Brooker], a new love interest for David, and Kayla Clifton, a character introduced to continue Bethany Platt's sexual exploitation storyline, make their first appearances, while the year's first birth, Susie Barlow, daughter of Aidan Connor and Eva Price, also took place this month. Mr Fitzgerald appeared in July. Sally Metcalfe's lawyer Paula Martin joined the cast in August, while Liz and Jim McDonald's fraudulent "daughter" Hannah Gilmore, Tyrone Dobbs' long-lost grandmother Evelyn Plummer and Tyler's mother [|Vicky] Jefferies were introduced in September. Elsa Tilsley, Nick Tilsley's secret wife, joined the cast in November.
Josh Tucker
Josh Tucker, played by Ryan Clayton, made his first appearance on 26 January 2018. Details about the character were announced in early December 2017. Clayton's casting was announced on 16 January 2018. In July 2018, Clayton was longlisted for the "Best Bad Boy" award at the Inside Soap Awards. He did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist. Clayton filmed his final scenes later in the year and Josh departs in episode 9575, first broadcast on 1 October 2018.In July 2019, it was announced that Clayton had reprised his role as Josh, who would return for a story with David. He returns for a guest stint and the character is stabbed as part of the story. David becomes the prime suspect for the stabbing and Shepherd admitted that the scripts were vague as to whether David is responsible, so the outcome is unknown. The character returned in the episode broadcast on 18 October 2019 when David spots him in a prison hospital awaiting treatment. Another prisoner then explains that Josh is in prison for drugging and raping someone, like he had to David.
When a vacancy arises at Webster's Autocentre, following the death of their mechanic Luke Britton, Josh approaches co-owner Tyrone Dobbs and asks if he needs to fix anything in order to prove he is worthy of the job. After a brief interview, despite querying about the number of different towns and garages he has worked in, Tyrone agrees to give Josh the job. Josh also impresses Tyrone by suggesting that they and other street residents should remember Luke by hosting a charity boxing match in his honour.
Over the following months, Josh befriends David and the pair often hang out and go drinking together. This initially causes problems in David's relationship with his girlfriend, Shona Ramsey. However, Shona eventually accepts their friendship. When Shona, David and Josh are drinking in the pub with some of their neighbours, Shona comments on the chemistry between Josh and Alya Nazir. David dismisses this idea leading Shona to tease him about wanting Josh all to himself. Josh overhears this and becomes more flirtatious with David.
In March, Josh spikes David's drink with GHB during a night out. He takes David back to his flat and rapes him. David awakens in Josh's bed and realises with horror what happened to him. When Josh turns up at his house the next day, David confronts him but Josh manipulates David by claiming that they got drunk and had a consensual one-night stand. David's relationship with Shona suffers as a result of his secret rape trauma and he breaks up with her. Josh asks David if he ended his relationship because of their "one night stand" but an angry David tells Josh he is delusional and sick in the head if he thinks David ended his relationship because he wants to get together with him.
When Tyrone pulls out of the charity boxing match, David volunteers to fight his sister Sarah Platt's boyfriend Gary Windass in his place despite his epilepsy ruling him out. Josh is refereeing the fight and taunts David during the break. David snaps and brutally beats up Gary in front of the shocked crowd. Josh does not bother to stop the fight. Gary is rushed to hospital where he recovers. Gary thinks David is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of witnessing his wife Kylie's murder two years previously.
David is arrested for ABH but released on bail. David has a one-night stand with new trainee hairdresser, Emma Brooker and moves her into his house. However, after his neighbour Aidan Connor commits suicide, David admits to Shona that Josh raped him. David is arrested for failing to turn up at court and Shona confronts Josh who continues to pretend he and David had a consensual one night stand. Josh arrives at Alya's house with flowers and charms her into bed to give himself a cover story in case David and Shona report him to the police.
Josh returns a month later when it is revealed that David had been following him to try and stop him from raping someone else. Billy Mayhew finds David and tells him to go home. However, once David leaves, Billy tells Ethan that Josh is a rapist. It transpires that Josh was beaten up by Ethan after he found GHB in his pocket.
Josh is left temporarily blind in the hospital due to the attack. David is happy at Josh's suffering but Billy is wracked with guilt over his role. Billy tries to get Josh to admit his sins but fails. Josh is discharged from hospital in September 2018 and turns up at Billy's flat as he has nowhere to go. Billy reluctantly allows Josh to stay warning him to keep a low profile. Alya discovers that Josh is living at Billy's and tells David, who tells Billy that Josh also raped others so Billy throws Josh out.
In October 2018, Josh apologises for spiking David but is reluctant to admit to rape, giving half-truths. David bundles Josh into a car. Driving Josh to an alleyway, David tells him that he has driven him to the police station and demands him to hand himself to the police. Josh, terrified, pleads to David not to destroy his life, saying he would not cope in jail. He goes on to say he would be branded a rapist and likely to be put on a register. This satisfies David enough to reveal they are nowhere near a police station. Having gotten closure despite Josh not directly admitting to the rape, David drives off, leaving Josh behind.
After David was sentenced to 4 months in prison for fraud, he needed some painkillers, but as soon as he goes to the nurse, he pulls a distressed look when he witnesses Josh in the prison with multiple injuries. He was brutally beaten up by Terry Collier for being a rapist. It turns out Josh was sent here for getting caught raping someone and GHB, the sentence was unknown. David was left distressed.
As David's sentence was nearly over, a prison riot occurred because of overcrowding and Abe Crowley told David it was his chance to get revenge. But David protected Josh and went into a cell with him. David forces Josh to admit what he did, Josh admits he raped David and loads of other people, which left David infuriated.
Josh was later stabbed in prison with a pair of scissors. The police take David out of his cell and they charge him with attempted murder along with Abe and Tez.
David pleads not guilty along with the others, but he is refused bail despite his sentence being almost over. Josh lied to the police to frame David for stabbing him. The video showed josh with a scissor stab and David walking out with no traces of blood left on him but the police do not believe David.
David phones Billy Mayhew asking him to talk to Josh in the hospital because apparently they were friends and he listens to him. Billy tries to get contact but he fails.
Paul Foreman disguises himself as a nurse and forces Josh to admit he lied and how much this is affecting David with multiple counts of persuasion.
Josh finally admits to the police he lied, and that Abe and Tez stabbed him. It's unknown what happened but it presumed he was charged with perverting the course of justice.
After David got let out of prison, Billy tells him Josh was charged with another count of rape against him, leaving David relieved.
Josh went on trial for his rape on 3 January 2020, David was left nervous because Shona was not there to support him since she is in a coma, David manages to testify against Josh.
On 8 January 2020, Josh was found guilty of raping David and the other people and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Rosemary Piper
Rosemary Piper, played by Sophie Thompson, made her first appearance on 12 March 2018. The character and Thompson's casting details were announced on 18 January 2018. Rosemary is a psychic medium, who tells Audrey Roberts that she has been in contact with her late husband Alf Roberts. Audrey's daughter Gail is unconvinced, but Rosemary tells her that she has also received messages from Gail's former, deceased husbands, including Richard Hillman. Of Thompson's casting, a show spokesperson stated, "Sophie is perfect for the role of Rosemary and we are excited she is joining the cast and working alongside Helen and Sue. Gail and Audrey are convinced she is getting messages from Alf and Gail's husbands. It remains to be seen if she is all she claims to be."The character's storyline was nominated for "Most Bizarre Soap Storyline" at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; it came in ninth place with 2.5% of the total votes.
Rosemary first appears when she books a hair appointment at Audrey's Salon. She claims that a former client of Audrey's, who recently died, recommended the salon. It emerges that Rosemary is conspiring with Lewis Archer in a scheme against Gail, which Roy Cropper and Cathy Matthews become targets of too.
Tyler Jefferies
Tyler Jefferies, played by Will Barnett, made his first appearance on 22 March 2018. Tyler is a school friend of Simon Barlow who is involved in a gang. Barnett described Tyler as " has no respect for authority and just likes to cause trouble" and on his casting stated "I am super excited about my Corrie debut, we are having family and friends around to our house to celebrate this new chapter in my life." In December 2018, it was revealed that Tyler would become a teenage father with Simon's cousin Amy Barlow.Tyler and his gang become friends with Simon and have a negative effect on his behaviour. The gang mugs Audrey Roberts, which Simon later brags to Tyler about regarding his involvement. Tyler and his gang continue to loiter around the street. When Carla Connor advises Simon to leave the gang, Tyler threatens her. Tyler and Simon throw a brick through a car windscreen, steal alcohol from the local shop and play truant. Tyler is disgusted when Simon sends a text from Tyler's mobile to Summer Spellman suggesting that Tyler wants to date her. He warns him to never use his phone again. A few months later, Tyler and Simon discover that pensioner Flora McArdle has inherited a large sum of money and decide to rob her flat while she is out. As they do, Flora returns. Tyler knocks her unconscious. Simon confesses his and Tyler's involvement to the police, who arrest Tyler. After the confession, Tyler gives repeatedly threatens Simon and poisons the family dog, Eccles. Simon unsuccessfully testifies against Tyler in court, although Tyler receives a custodial sentence after posting a video online bragging about getting away with his crimes and insulting the judge. Tyler's friends continue to harass Simon until Simon's father Peter Barlow speaks to Tyler's mother, Vicky about it.
Mike Thornberry
Mike Thornberry, portrayed by Louis Emerick, made his first appearance on 28 March 2018. The character and Emerick's casting details were announced on 27 January 2018. Emerick began filming on 31 January. Mike is a love interest for Liz McDonald and a former school teacher of Liz's son, Steve McDonald. Emerick signed a three-month contract with Coronation Street. Emerick expressed his delight at joining the show. He commented, "To say I'm chuffed is the biggest understatement ever!" Emerick previously appeared in the soap in 1986 as a delivery man.Mike arrives to ask Steve for a job at his taxi firm, StreetCars, which he agrees to. Alison Slade of What's on TV reported that Steve thinks that "there's some fun to be had in being his teacher's boss." Mike tries to win the attraction of Liz, which Steve dislikes. On 24 April 2018, it was confirmed that his contract would not be renewed at its conclusion, but he had not finished filming yet. When the announcement received criticism, Emerick defended the news, stating that he was aware of the length of his contract when he joined. He confirmed that he would not be killed off. Mike made his final appearance on 29 June 2018 after his relationship with Liz. On 22 August, it was announced that Emerick would return to the series in December, following a positive response to his character during his initial stint. Chris Edwards of Digital Spy reported that Mike returns because he has "unfinished business" with Liz.
Geoff Metcalfe
Geoff Metcalfe, portrayed by Ian Bartholomew, made his first appearance on 28 March 2018. The character was announced on 22 March 2018, while Bartholomew's casting details were announced after the episode's transmission. Lindsay revealed that Geoff would already have relatives on the show, but did not confirm who they were. After the broadcast of his first episode, Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy wondered whether he could be related to established character Tim Metcalfe.Tim sends Faye to live with Geoff because he fears for her safety with Pat Phelan creating trouble for Faye's family. On 30 March, it was revealed that Geoff is the father of Tim when he visited Tim's wife, Sally Metcalfe and Tim's daughter, Faye Windass. Producers kept Geoff's identity a secret until the episode's transmission.
Geoff was introduced as a love interest for Audrey Roberts and the DJ at Weatherfield General's radio station. Duncan Lindsay of the Metro described Geoff as "dashing". Geoff meets Audrey and Rita Tanner at the hospital after Audrey is admitted to the hospital and they mistake Geoff for a doctor. Geoff dedicates a song on his radio station to Audrey and he asks Audrey to join him on his radio show. Lindsay reported that Geoff and Audrey would "have a laugh together" after she becomes locked in the radio studio.
In 2019, Geoff began controlling his wife Yasmeen. In 2020, Yasmeen eventually fights back and hits Geoff over the head with a wine bottle before stabbing him in the neck with it. Geoff survives and claims to others that Yasmeen was the abuser in their relationship.
On the 6 May 2020 it was announced that Geoff would be leaving the soap towards the end of the year at the conclusion of the abuse storyline.
Emma Brooker
Emma Brooker, portrayed by Alexandra Mardell, made her first appearance on 20 April 2018.Kayla Clifton
Kayla Clifton, portrayed by Mollie Winnard, made her first appearance on 27 April 2018. The character and Winnard's casting details were announced on 21 March 2018. Kayla is an employee at Zeedan Nazir's restaurant, Speed Daal. Alison Slade of What's on TV reported that Kayla would create problems for Bethany Platt and Craig Tinker. On 27 July 2018, it was confirmed that Winnard had made her final appearance as Kayla. A show spokesperson stated that Kayla could return in the future though. In October 2018, Winnard won the "Best Bad Girl" accolade for her role as Kayla at the Inside Soap Awards. For her portrayal of Kayla, Winnard was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; she came in eleventh place with 2.1% of the total votes.On 6 May 2018, it was reported that Kayla is the daughter of Neil Clifton, who was involved in Bethany's grooming storyline in 2017. Kayla keeps her identity a secret, suggesting that she could seek revenge on Bethany and Craig, who helped convict Neil. Kayla gives Craig her phone number, upsetting Bethany. It was reported that Bethany would suffer flashbacks of her encounters with Neil and would struggle to move on after being faced with "a daily reminder of the horror of what she's been through."
Susie Price
Susie Price made her first appearance on 30 April 2018. She is portrayed by two sets of twins, girls Lexi and Liberty and boys Eddison and Isaac. Susie is the daughter of Eva Price and Aidan Connor, although Toyah Battersby agrees to raise her after Eva decides she does not want a child. On Toyah's plan to raise Eva's baby, Taylor said it "seems to come out of the blue" in a "split second", with Toyah figuring out how it can work, but it is "tiptoed around in previous conversations." Tyldesley and Taylor spent eight hours filming the labour scenes. Tyldesley used her own experiences to portray the scenes and said that she "felt like I'd given birth". Tyldesley explained that Eva is scared when she goes into labour alone and after Susie is born, she tries to avoid bonding with her at risk of establishing a connection with her. However, Tyldesley pointed out that when Eva holds Susie, she "fall in love with her".When the surrogate mother carrying a baby for Toyah and Peter Barlow miscarries, Eva agrees to hand her unborn daughter to Toyah, under the pretence that the baby is the surrogate's. Eva gives birth in a cottage in Lymm with the help of Toyah and the baby is named Susie after Peter's late twin sister, Susan Barlow. Toyah finds pictures that Eva had taken with Susie, but Eva insists Toyah is her mother and Toyah later returns to Weatherfield with Susie.
Paul Foreman
Apollo "Paul" Foreman, portrayed by Peter Ash, initially appeared for a few episodes in May 2018, before returning on 1 January 2019. Paul was initially introduced as the cellmate of David Platt while he is in prison for attacking Gary Windass. On his return, it was revealed he is the twin brother of Gemma Winter.Paul is first seen greeting David in prison who was reluctant to share with another man following his ordeal with Josh Tucker. David warned Paul to stay away from him and later lashed out and pinned him to a wall as Paul gently tried to wake him up. David later apologised to Paul and admitted that he could do with a mate inside, but Paul informed him that there were no 'mates' in prison and that he would have to learn to fend for himself.
On New Year's Day 2019, Paul arrives in Weatherfield and asks for help from David in finding him a job. David puts him in contact with Billy Mayhew who helps him get a job with Carla Connor at Underworld.
Paul is in Underworld protesting when the roof collapses. Paul survives however.
Mr Fitzgerald
Mr Fitzgerald, portrayed by Adam Weafer, appeared in two episodes first broadcast on 16 July 2018. Mikie O'Loughlin of RSVP Live reported on 28 June 2018 that Weafer would guest star in the show as a teacher. On the role, Weafer told Siobhan O'Connor of the Irish Mirror, "It's only a couple of episodes and it's got a mad ending to it." The actor was invited to audition for the role and was surprised to discover he was successful. Weafer filmed for the role across one week and enjoyed the process. He had hoped to reprise the role in the future and opined that it would be good to introduce a new Irish character to the soap opera. Dianne Bourne of the Manchester Evening News described the character as "dodgy" and said that he "caused a stir among viewers".Mr Fitzgerald is a teacher at local secondary school, Weatherfield High School. He drops off a van for repair at mechanics garage, Webster's Autos. Mechanic Abi Franklin discovers drugs in the glove compartment of the van and informs the police. They arrive at the garage as Mr Fitzgerald comes to collect the van; he is arrested for drug possession.
Paula Martin
Paula Martin, portrayed by Stirling Gallacher, made her first appearance on 17 August 2018. The character was originally called Paula Cunliffe, although this was later changed. At the time of the announcement, Gallacher had already begun filming. Paula is billed as a "hugely successful lawyer" and a childhood friend of Sally Metcalfe and Gina Seddon. Paula is introduced when Sally asks for her help after being conned by a fraudster. Dynevor explained that Sally disliked Paula as a child and bullied her because she was "popular" and "the real pretty girl". She added that Paula would get along with Sally and Gina when they reunite and that they would be seen "laughing, getting drunk and reminiscing about old times". Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy liked Paula's introduction and described her first scenes as "hilariously snobby". Dynevor told Kilkelly that when Paula becomes romantically involved with Sophie, her friendship with Sally is ruined.At New Year’s Eve 2019, Paula sleeps with Tracy Barlow.
Hannah Gilmore
Hannah Gilmore, portrayed by Hannah Ellis Ryan, made her first appearance in the episode first broadcast on 7 September 2018. The character was first referenced in January 1992 when she was born prematurely off-screen to Liz McDonald and Jim McDonald and died shortly afterwards. It was announced on 16 July 2018 that the character would appear in the series, twenty-six years after her supposed death. It was reported that Liz would discover that there had been an error made at the hospital and that Katie had survived, before being adopted and moved to Australia. Then, when she was 18, Katie began looking for her parents, finding Jim through his military records. The twist will "turn Liz's world upside down" as she struggles to cope with the news.The casting of Australian actress Ellis Ryan was announced on 18 July. On her casting, a show spokesperson commented, "They've cleverly cast the role of Jim and Liz's daughter to a beautiful woman in the hope of making her the street's new resident fox." The introduction of Hannah was criticised by fans, who disliked that producers were rewriting the show's history. On 27 July, it was revealed that the character would be called Hannah, not Katie, having had her name changed after being adopted.
Episodes following the character's first appearance reveal that Hannah is not Katie McDonald and is working with Jim to scam Liz and their son, Steve McDonald. Lawson explained that Hannah visited him in prison and wanted to care for him, which Jim appreciated as he felt "abandoned". He added that their relationship is "a spooky one". The actor revealed that Hannah is leading the scam and Jim regrets the plan as soon as he sees Liz again. He also predicted that the storyline would be emotional. Justin Harp of Digital Spy described Hannah and Jim's relationship as "disgusting".
The character's storyline won the accolade for "Most Bizarre Soap Storyline" at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards.
Hannah first appears when she meets with Jim McDonald. Liz and Jim meet for dinner, where he explains that a woman traced him through his Army records and revealed herself to be their daughter Katie. Jim then introduces Hannah to Liz as their daughter; Liz is shaken and tells Hannah to leave. Jim explains that there was a mix-up with the babies at the hospital and Katie was swapped with the baby of an Australian couple; Jim hands Liz the results of a DNA test and a photo of Hannah. In a conversation between Hannah and Jim, it emerges that they are in a relationship and they are planning to scam Liz and Steve as revenge for letting Jim reside in prison. In December 2018, she and Jim are arrested as a result of their scam, However, due to a lack of evidence and the fact that Liz handed her money over willingly they could not be charged and so were allowed to walk free.
Evelyn Plummer
Evelyn Plummer, portrayed by Maureen Lipman, made her first appearance on 12 September 2018. The character and Lipman's casting details were announced on 3 August 2018. Evelyn is introduced as the grandmother of established character Tyrone Dobbs. The character is billed as an "outspoken battleaxe" and a "nuisance". Producer Iain MacLeod described her as "eye-wateringly withering", while Lipman described the character as a "nasty" person and a "monster". The actress also called Evelyn "unpleasant and mean" and a "stroppy cow". Chris Riches of the Daily Express reported that Evelyn would "ruffle a few feathers on the Street". Lipman had previously appeared in the soap as Lillian Spencer in 2002. The actress decided to join the cast after receiving a "sign" from her dead husband, former Coronation Street writer Jack Rosenthal, that she should accept the role of Evelyn.Evelyn arrives after Tyrone researches his family history following the death of his mother, Jackie Dobbs. Evelyn then moves into Tyrone and his partner Fiz Stape's house, " no time in making herself comfortable." MacLeod said that he was "beyond thrilled" to introduce the character and believed that she would "add a fresh dollop of northern humour to the show as she turns Tyrone and Fiz's lives upside down". Advanced spoilers for the character's introduction explained that after rejecting Tyrone, he discovers that she is being evicted and has nowhere to stay. She visits Weatherfield and after conning Dev Alahan and spending time in the Rovers Return Inn pub, she agrees to move into Tyrone and Fiz's home.
In an interview with Claire Crick of What's on TV, Lipman revealed that Evelyn would clash with Tyrone's partner, Fiz, leading to McAlpine's temporary exit from the show. The actress explained that Evelyn's "boorish behaviour" would cause Fiz to leave. Lipman also spoke about Evelyn's relationship with Tyrone, stating that it was "prickly". Tyrone is Evelyn's only remaining family member and he helps her when she has nobody else, but she refuses to appreciate his efforts. Lipman commented, "Tyrone's a darling and she just comes along and wrecks everything." Despite Evelyn's brash manner, Lipman believed that her character was redeemable and hoped that writers would include some kinder traits in Evelyn.
Vicky Jefferies
Vicky Jefferies, portrayed by Kerri Quinn, made her first appearance on 17 September 2018. Vicky is introduced as the mother of Tyler Jefferies, a young gang leader. Vicky features in a storyline with Peter Barlow following a rivalry between Tyler and Peter's son, Simon Barlow. Quinn told Ivan Little of the Belfast Telegraph that Vicky would "kick up a storm" when she appears. Vicky will appear in 10 episodes with the possibility to extend this. Producers asked Quinn to keep her Belfast accent for the role. Quinn temporarily moved to Manchester, where the show is filmed, from Northern Ireland to film for the role. Quinn was offered the role after she impressed producers during several meetings for another character which she did not get.Elsa Tilsley
Elsa Tilsley, portrayed by Kelly Harrison, made her first appearance on 9 November 2018. The character and Harrison's casting details were announced on 30 October 2018. She is introduced as the secret wife of Nick Tilsley.Elsa comes to Weatherfield looking for Nick after he claimed that his mother, Gail Rodwell was seriously ill. Upon finding her, Nick tells her he wants a divorce. Elsa later sees Carla Connor in Nick's car and accuses her of having an affair with him. Carla tells Elsa that she is simply Nick's business partner and he has invested in her company Underworld. She finds out that Nick has been sleeping with Leanne Battersby and as Elsa wants revenge, Carla offers her Nick's share of Underworld.
Elsa later agrees to divorce Nick as long as he returns all of the money he stole. Nick returns her money after he robs his own grandmother, Audrey Roberts. However, after she sees an online post by Leanne showing a piece of jewellery that Nick had bought her, she returns to Weatherfield and puts their divorce on hold.