Legendary children's television presenter Derek Griffiths is joining the cast of Coronation Street in the New Year, stepping into the role of retired mechanic Freddie.
Derek Griffiths
The pensioner will strike up an unlikely on-screen friendship with Kylie Platt following the death of his wife, and one of Kylie's beauty clients.
Riding onto the cobbles in March, he'll find a surrogate community on the Street and new friends through Kylie.
Chatting about joining the soap, Derek said: "I remember being a young boy and watching Violet Carson on Coronation Street. She was a brilliant character that people loved to hate and later when I became an actor and played the villain in many pantomimes, those are qualities I would bring to the role.
"When I came for my audition one of the first things I saw was a huge photo of Violet Carson on the wall. I am very much looking forward to walking in those hallowed footsteps."
Stuart Blackburn, Coronation Street producer added: "I was utterly delighted when Derek accepted this role and I cannot wait to work with him and see him on the Cobbles, it really will be a happy New Year!"
Tagged in Coronation Street