Coronation Street has cast its first actor with Down’s Syndrome, Liam Bairstow.
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Speaking about the signing, the soap’s producer Stuart Blackburn said: “We ran a workshop called Breaking Through a while ago, which was for actors with disabilities”.
Liam was recruited following ITV’s Breakthing Through Talent disability workshop.
A BRADFORD actor who attended a drama workshop held by Coronation Street producers ended up landing a role in the soap.
He said: “Actually, we found a young guy there called Liam Bairstow, an actor with Down’s syndrome”. It’s not some politically correct thing.
Bairstow, who was formerly part of the Mind The Gap theatre group, has previously told how he would be delighted to join ITV.
Corrie has also cast Phoenix Nights actor Ted Robbins – who suffered a heart attack live on the stage show of the comedy show in January – as Brendan, a love interest for Mary. Coronation Street viewers will know that Cathy met Roy, played by David Neilson, through neighbouring allotments and the pair have become friends.
They followed it with another proud tweet, “Congratulations on a really exciting new approach to casting!”
Liam’s casting was announced yesterday on the Coronation Street Twitter and Instagram accounts. “The cast have been really enjoying working with him”. They went along to the set where it’s filmed, and Liam was offered the part.
Last year Liam gave an interview with Mind the Gap and revealed that he would, one day, like to star in a soap.
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He dished: “I could never imagine leaving Mind the Gap, but if I did I would love to be on TV. When we saw the scripts we realised that Alex, the character he plays, is basically Liam!”
