Coronation Street newcomer Simon O'Brien looks unrecognisable in past soap role
CORONATION Street newcomer Simon O'Brien looks unrecognisable playing a past soap role.
Yesterday it was revealed that the actor, 56, has taken on the role of Frank Bardsley in the ITV show.
Soap fans are over moon with the news as they remember him from his five-year stint on Brookside.
Simon landed the role of Bobby and Sheila Grant's son Damon in 1982.
He was just 16-years-old when he first appeared on our screens, and played the character of a 14-year-old.
His character was involved in a number hard hitting storylines, but one that stands out is his relationship with Debbie McGrath (Gillian Kearney).
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Fans were left heartbroken when Damon was stabbed by Crosby (Jonathan Comer) and died.
40 years on from his first stint on the show and Simon is worlds apart from the young boy he once played.
He'll soon be back on our screens as Frank – and the show have teased a new romance for one lucky resident.
Annoucing the news yesterday on Instagram, the programme's official account wrote alongside a picture of him: "Welcome, the newest member of the team, Frank Bardsley, played by Simon O'Brien! 👏
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"Could love be in the air for a lucky someone on The Street? 👀 🥰
"#Corrie #Frank @Simonobtv @itv @WeAreSTV1."
Many rushed to the comments section to share their excitement and talk about his former alter-ego.
One said: "I remember Damon from Brookie looking forward to seeing what he gets up. Please make him be nice and not another Villain 🦹♀️ 😂."
Another added: "🔥🔥🔥Damon Grant from brookie luv him."
"My heart broke when Damon died ❤️❤️," a third wrote.
A fourth chimed in: "I was in love with Damon in brookside & was devastated when he was killed. Still very handsome all these years later!"
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Brookside isn't the only show he's starred in.
Simon has also been in Heartbeat, Young, Gifted and Broke and Grange Hill.
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