From Cobbles to Crooning: The Surprising Second Act of Coronation Street's Original Ryan Connor! Remember Ben Thompson, the actor who first brought Ryan Connor to life on Coronation Street? After leaving the iconic ITV soap, he embarked on a career path that's a world away from the dramatic storylines of Weatherfield. But here's where it gets interesting: his new profession is all about captivating audiences with his voice!
Ben Thompson originally took on the role of Ryan Connor from 2006 to 2010. For those new to the show, Ryan's arrival on the cobbles was quite the revelation. He was eventually discovered by his biological parents, Nick and Wendy Neeson. It turned out that due to a hospital mix-up, Michelle Connor and Dean had unknowingly raised him as their own. This revelation understandably caused some friction, with Ryan initially harboring resentment towards Michelle and even rejecting his biological parents.
However, Ryan eventually found his place on the cobbles and even secured a job with Debbie Webster at the Chariot Square Hotel. While Ben Thompson played Ryan for those initial years, the character was later portrayed by Sol Heras upon his return in 2012, and then by Ryan Prescott, who has been playing the role since 2018 and is the current actor.
And this is the part most people miss... After his departure from Coronation Street, Ben Thompson transitioned into a completely different career as a vocalist. He's been a hit performing in a Frank Sinatra tribute act, gracing the stages at weddings, celebrations, and even holiday camps. His musical talents aren't limited to classic crooning; his repertoire also includes popular BritPop hits and intimate acoustic performances.
Currently, the character of Ryan Connor is being played by Ryan Prescott, who has recently been at the center of a deeply impactful storyline. His character was tragically caught in the crossfire of an acid attack, becoming an unintended victim when Daisy Midgeley's stalker, Justin, unleashed his violence. Reflecting on this harrowing plot, Prescott shared how the character is grappling with the profound and irreversible changes to his life. He spoke about Ryan's struggle to accept the reality of his situation, his attempts to hold onto normalcy, and the heartbreaking realization that his relationships and future plans, like a potential move to Ibiza or his relationship with Alya, are now uncertain. He emphasized the immense challenge of portraying the long-term impact of such a traumatic event within the confines of a soap opera, aiming to showcase a realistic depiction of an acid attack survivor's journey.
Now, let's discuss: Is it more challenging for an actor to portray a character dealing with extreme trauma, or to transition into a completely new and public-facing career like performing music? What are your thoughts on the evolution of characters and actors in long-running soaps?
