Emrhys Cooper's role in 'Coronation Street' is a "dream come true".
Emrhys Cooper is thrilled to be in Corrie
The 39-year-old actor moved to Los Angeles in 2008, where he worked on the likes of 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Mamma Mia!', but was delighted to return to the UK to portray Rowan Cunliffe in the soap because not only was something on his "bucket list" to achieve, he's found the set one of the nicest places he's ever worked.
He told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “LA can be a funny place where, if you’re not on a billboard or haven’t won an Oscar, you can feel like you’re nowhere.
“But being on 'Corrie' has made me realise, ‘Wow, I have actually done a lot’. I am so glad I am back in the UK. Corrie is honestly one of the friendliest sets I’ve been to.
“It has always been on my bucket list to land a role on the soap. Now I have, it’s a dream come true.
“It is very serious in America and I really appreciate the humour and banter on set with everyone on Corrie.”
And Emrhys' family are thrilled with his new job.
He said: "My family are really happy I am back. They are more excited about 'Coronation Street' than any of the American stuff I have done."
The actor was "bursting with pride" on his first day.
He said: "It was surreal on the first day. I was nervous. But everyone has been so welcoming.”
Emrhys' alter ego is a group mentor in a new cult storyline and fans have already seen Rowan persuade Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) that his Altovalent Institute can help her process the 2020 death of her three-year-old son, which has driven a wedge between her and her loved ones, and now he's going to try and charm her out of her money.
He said: “Rowan loves the attention. He wants to help, but also take advantage. He is used to family members being suspicious and he is prepared for it all.
“He is a confident salesman and he wants Leanne to go higher through the levels but, essentially, it also boils down to money and him getting her to give it to him.
“I am excited to see how this storyline unravels. Everyone keeps asking me what is coming up next.
"I don’t know what is in store for Rowan, but there are definitely going to be some twists and turns.
"I am sensing something ominous. He is such a fun character to play and this role means a lot to me, in helping show people how hard it is to sometimes realise wellness groups can actually not be one.”