Shayne Ward joins the cast of Coronation Street

It’s good news for Coronation Street fans: a new bit of eye-candy is about to hit the cobbles in the form of former X Factor star Shayne Ward.

The 30-year-old star is set to join the cast of ITV’s flagship soap as Aidan Conner, a distant cousin of Michelle who grew up on the same estate as her and Carla.

Described as “good-looking and charming”, show bosses have teased that Aidan’s arrival “will set female hearts aflutter”, and that he’ll quickly make an enemy of Tracy Barlow’s ex-hubbie Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill).

Shayne, who begins filming for the role next month ahead of his onscreen debut in August, said: “On hearing the news I had been offered the part on the show I was in total disbelief. It still hasn’t sunk it. Shayne Ward the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show – it is an absolute dream come true. I’m excited to walk down those famous cobbles.

“My family and friends know just how much this means to me and I cannot wait to do them all proud. 2015 has been a great year for me so far and I look forward to joining the Coronation Street family.”

The No Promises singer – who admitted to Attitude earlier this year that after all these years he still gets called gay “all the time” – added on Twitter that keeping the news of his casting “was tough”, but that he’s “so happy” to be making the move to Weatherfield. The star released his fourth studio album, Closer, last month (April).

I’m so happy right now. Keeping this a secret was tough. OMG….I’m gonna be on ‘CORONATION STREET’ Aaaaarrrrrgggggghhhhhh #AidanConnor

— Shayne Ward (@shayneTward) May 12, 2015

The big name casting comes shortly after show bosses announced that ex-Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding will make a guest appearance in four episodes of the soap later this summer.

Of Shayne’s casting, executive producer Stuart Blackburn said: ”When Shayne came in and auditioned we knew he was up against some very stiff competition. But he blew us away from the very get go delivering a charm and a swagger that is perfect for the character. I can’t wait to see him in action!”

We can’t wait to see him in action either, Stu. And while we’re on the subject, let’s give ourselves a little reminder of exactly what that entails…

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