Corrie star 'thrilled' over new role on rival channel 11 years after soap exit (2025)

The actor has signed up for a role in a much-loved BBC show

Former Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has said he is 'thrilled' as his next role was revealed, 11 years after he was seen leaving the long-running show.

Fans of the ITV soap will recall that Charlie played Marcus Dent between 2007 and 2014. He initially joined in the summer of 2007 but left in 2008 stating that "I have had a fantastic time in Coronation Street, but as a jobbing actor I believe it is the right time to move on."

However, he returned to the role in April 2011 after an absence of almost three years before he made his final appearance in July 2014 left Weatherfield after Todd Grimshaw deliberately split him and Maria Connor up, before embarking on their own affair and short-lived relationship.

Since leaving Weatherfield, Charlie has starred in Midsomer Murders, Holby City, and Unforgotten. The 52-year-old actor has also taken to the stage in UK tours of The Rocky Horror Show and Arthur Miller's The Crucible.

But 11 years on from his Corrie exit and it has now been revealed that Charlie is joining the cast of Doctor Who for its highly-anticipated 15th series.

Charlie is no stranger to the Whoniverse, having voiced characters in multiple Doctor Who Big Finish audio dramas. This time Charlie will come face to face with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in an exciting new escapade.

Charlie said of his new role: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the Whoniverse, having been a fan for so long, and finally getting a chance to work with the legend that is Russell T Davies!

"It’s an honour to be part of such an iconic show and I can’t wait for everyone to see what I think is one of the most exciting and unforgettable episodes so far! "

Showrunner Russell T Davies added: "Welcome on board, Charlie. Some episodes of Doctor Who are so big and bold, they need all the talent we can throw at them, and that’s when you call for Charlie Condou!"

"It’s a delight to work with him at last, and I can't wait for people to see the wildness of this story."

The news comes after Slow Horses star Kadiff Kirwan said he is "elated" to be guest-starring in the next series of Doctor Who. The actor, 36, known for playing MI5 agent Marcus Longridge in the popular spy show, will join the 15th Doctor and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) for an intergalactic journey.

Earlier this month, Kadiff said: “I feel elated to be joining the rich legacy of actors who have guest-starred in Doctor Who. (Writers) Russell T Davies and Juno Dawson have truly outdone themselves with this episode in what I can only describe as an intergalactic gargantuan extravaganza.

"It’s packed with gravity-defying mastery beyond imagination, and being a part of it is an absolute dream. Strap in Whovians, this one is gonna rock your world!"