1 week Ago By [email protected] (Angie Quinn)
Jonathan Howard, the latest addition to the Coronation Street cast, has certainly made an impact in Weatherfield, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. The 38-year-old actor has taken on the role of Carl Webster, who is revealed to be the long-lost brother of iconic characters Kevin (portrayed by Michael Le Vell) and Debbie (played by Sue Devaney). However, Carl's motives for seeking out his siblings remain shrouded in mystery.
Carl's dramatic entrance into the show was marked by a car accident involving Abi Webster (acted by Sally Carman), which led to a fiery exchange followed by a flirtatious offer from Carl to take her out for a drink. Neither knew they were related through Carl's brother Kevin, Abi's husband, until Carl made a surprise appearance at the Bistro, much to the joy of his newfound family. Jonathan has returned to England after a decade in Los Angeles, moving back into his childhood bedroom to be closer to the Coronation Street set.
His career in the States saw him feature in major films such as 'Thor: The Dark World', where he played Ian Boothby, and 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' as Asher Jonah, among others, reports Plymouth Live . In a conversation with Leicestershire Live and other media outlets, Jonathan expressed his elation at joining the Corrie cast, saying: "As a Lancashire lad born and raised, the dream was to be in Coronation Street, that was the ceiling, so it feels wonderfully surreal to now be acting with people like Kevin Webster that I watched religiously as a kid. "My friends ask me, 'what you have been up to today?' and I reply 'I took Tracy Barlow for a drink in the Rovers Return!' It's just incredible to say these things.
" He added: "I'm staying with my mum and I sleep in my childhood bedroom. It's been really nice to come home – going back to my roots." Despite his experiences in Hollywood films and working with big names in the industry, Jonathan cherishes his new role on Coronation Street, especially after being turned down for a different part on the ITV soap back in 2018.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: "It's come full circle. It feels like the universe has brought me back to Coronation Street and the north of England. "I remember going for the screen test for Gary Windass and I was down to the last handful.
I was really disappointed not to get it. "In the moment, it was hard to have a philosophical outlook on it, but at the same time I knew that the universe had got something else for me. "I wouldn't have had a career in America if I'd got the part of Gary.
And I wouldn't have met my wife, who I met at drama school." The character of Gary Windass is currently portrayed by actor Mikey North. Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday ay 8pm on ITV and ITVX.
