Key Highlights
- Aaron McCusker, a Northern Irish actor, has joined the cast of “Coronation Street” as Ben Driscoll.
- Mrs. McCusker laid down an ultimatum for her husband to join the soap opera.
- The role of landlord of the Rovers is seen as a significant opportunity for the actor’s career.
- McCusker had previously auditioned for “Coronation Street” six times without success.
New Face on the Cobbles: Aaron McCusker Joins Coronation Street
Aaron McCusker, a 46-year-old actor from Northern Ireland, has made his much-anticipated debut on “Coronation Street,” one of the UK’s longest-running soap operas. The news was exclusively revealed by The Sun, with McCusker taking on the role of Ben Driscoll, Eva Price’s new partner.
Wife’s Ultimatum
Mrs. McCusker played a pivotal role in her husband’s career move, issuing an ultimatum for him to return home and secure full-time employment with “Coronation Street.” In an interview with The Sun, Aaron shared his thoughts on the matter: “The last job I was doing I went nine weeks without seeing my wife and kids. So I was chuffed that I was going to be in basically a full time job, just to be able to say I’m home and I’m staying home and I can drive in to work.”
Previous Auditions and Career Trajectory
Aaron McCusker’s journey to “Coronation Street” has been marked by multiple auditions. He revealed that he had auditioned for the show six times before, without securing a regular role. His agent’s words provided a glimmer of hope: “It didn’t go your way, they really, really loved you but they want you for something bigger.” This turned out to be true as McCusker landed the significant role of landlord of the Rovers.
McCusker’s acting career has seen him take on diverse roles in various productions.
He is best known for his performances in “Shameless” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” where he played Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend, Jim Hutton. His casting as Ben Driscoll is set to bring a new dimension to the show’s storyline.
Return of Eva Price
The return of actress Catherine Tyldesley as Eva Price adds excitement to “Coronation Street.” According to Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks, the addition of actors like McCusker and Tyldesley is expected to bring significant drama and “big secrets” to the show. The Driscoll family will consist of Maggie, played by Pauline McLynn, who is returning from her previous role in the soap.
McCusker expressed his excitement about this new opportunity: “I got very excited because I’ve auditioned for Corrie before, this was my sixth time. It wasn’t always for a lead role, I think the last time was 14 episodes.
When they phoned me with this and I knew it was to be landlord of the Rovers, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”
With his wife’s support and the promise of a more stable career in Manchester, Aaron McCusker is set to become a familiar face on “Coronation Street,” bringing his rich experience and talent to the show. Fans can look forward to seeing Ben Driscoll soon as the new season unfolds.
