A new character will show up on the Cobbles next year in the form of motorbike-loving Freddie. Coronation Street producers have announced that Derek Griffiths will join the cast and ride onto the set in March.
Derek, who is best known for starring in children's TV series including Play School and Film Fun, will play retired mechanic Freddie.
Freddie is a pensioner who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kylie Platt following the death of his wife, a beauty client of Kylie's. Through Kylie he finds new friends and a surrogate community in the Street.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDerek Griffiths will play retired mechanic Freddie on Coronation Street
"I remember being a young boy and watching Violet Carson on Coronation Street," said Derek, 69. "She was a brilliant character that people loved to hate and later when I became an actor and played the villain in panto, many times those are qualities I would bring to the role.
"When I came for my audition one of the first things I saw was a huge photo of Violet Carson on the wall. I am very much looking forward to walking in those hallowed footsteps."
© Photo: RexThe actor is best known for starring in children's TV series including Film Fun
Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn added that he was "delighted" Derek had accepted the role. "I cannot wait to work with him and see him on the Cobbles, it really will be a happy new year," said Stuart.
Apart from his appearances on children's TV series, presenter Derek also has an impressive acting background. The Surrey-born star has taken to the West End stage in Miss Saigon, Beauty and the Beast, Two Gentlemen of Verona and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Derek has also recently finished filming Silent Witness.
