Coronation Street introduced a new character into the ITV soap on Friday night and he soon got fans talking. Newcomer Frank Bardsley made his way into the Rovers Return and struck up a conversation with barman Sean Tully.
He wasted no time in asking Sean, played by Antony Cotton, about his experiences in the online dating world as he joked about swiping the wrong way meaning he keeps meeting men that he really isn't really interested in. Always the one for a gossip and a bit of theatrics, Sean agreed to help Frank with his latest date.
Sean managed to help Frank out of his situation by pretending to be a disgruntled love interest. But when he date wasn't having any of it, the Underworld machinist commented that Frank had a strange rash 'down there' which soon saw his date scupper.
But as the scenes aired, Corrie fans were distracted and couldn't help but recognise the actor Simon O'Brien for his former role in another soap. @Thecaseisalter1 tweeted: "#Corrie #CoronationStreet Damon Grant from Brookside is in the Rovers Return on a blind date. No joke."
@toniearlybird said: "Oh my God, Damon Grant returns to soapland! #Corrie #SimonOBrien." @RockingMagpie shared: "WAHAY!!! Damon Grant from Brookside is in #Corrie...... great to see Simon O'Brien back on screen."
And by before the end of the spiose, the pair agreed to go on a date. @jambocaz said: "OMG...Is Damon Grant going to be Sean's new love interest #Corrie #brookside @sparkysue tweeted: "#Corrie Damon Grant is deffo going to be Sean’s new love interest."
But some weren't so sure on his debut. @PamRawlins1 said: "#Corrie that scene between Sean and Damon Grant from Brookside has got to be the cringiest and worst I have ever watched." @guyfoxy commented: "#corrie that was a strange little scene with Frank."
Simon O'Brien's appearance in the soap was confirmed earlier this month. Tweeting a picture of Brian, a tweet from the official Corrie account read: "Welcome, the newest member of the team, Frank Bardsley, played by Simon O'Brien! Could love be in the air for a lucky someone on The Street?"
The actor, from Garston, Liverpool, played Damon Grant in Channel 4 soap Brookside from its inception in 1982 until 1987. Damon was introduced as the youngest son of Bobby and Sheila Grant. played by Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston. However, he was killed off in York at the end of the 'soap bubble' Damon and Debbie.
He also acted in the British version of Fraggle Rock, co-presented BBC One show To Buy or Not to Buy, as well as played caretaker Wally Scott in Grange Hill from 2003.
