Having bought No.3 from Norris, the family will arrive in Weatherfield in early June.
Dad Edision (known as Ed), will be played by Trevor Michael Georges, whilst former Doctors actor Lorna Laidlaw will play mum Aggie, both in their 50s. Their two sons Michael and James, will be played by former CBeebies presenter Ryan Russell and TV newcomer Nathan Graham.
Edison and Michael arrive on the street having already bought the builder’s yard from the Grimshaws and the family soon make themselves at home in Weatherfield. And while initially they may rub a few people up the wrong way they’re soon firm favourites in the community.
Producer Iain MacLeod said “I am really excited to introduce this new family - the audience is going to love them! They’re funny, warm and will pull together through thick and thin as we play out the stories we’ve got lined up for them.
Parents Edison and Aggie are soulmates who, underneath the banter, will stick up for each other and defend their boys when the going gets tough. Eldest son Michael is an exuberant, loveable dreamer with a huge heart and is the glue that holds the family together. James is Michael’s younger brother and best mate, who is a sensitive lad with a secret that he fears will throw his family into turmoil and impact on his career.
The four actors we’ve cast are all individually brilliant but together they have a truly incredible chemistry. I can’t wait for them to hit the screen!”
Meet the Bailey family...
Edison
He's a former property developer turned builder who works hard but also knows how to play hard. One of lads, Edison loves a pint, banter, and is always up for a laugh and is a no nonsense kind of bloke who has made his own way in life.
Best known for his work on Swap, Noughts & Crosses and Holby City, Trevor Michael Georges, spoke about playing Edison and said “I have never allowed myself to imagine being part of such a massive icon in television history. I grew up with Ena Sharples, Stan and Hilda Ogden and Elsie Tanner. As did my family, my neighbourhood and the entire country. To look at a script where Edison Bailey (my character) is chatting away with Ken Barlow couldn't be any more humbling...and a bit scary.”
Aggie
Pharmacy assistant Aggie is friendly, fun and outrageous in equal measures. Aggie’s energy and vivacity is something Edison never stops complaining about but you only have to see the way he looks at her to know he’s still deeply in love with his wife.
Following an eight-year stint in Doctors, Lorna Laidlaw joins the cobbles as Aggie and has said “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this iconic show. I have grown up watching Coronation Street. It’s the meat and two veg of the nation's soap diet. A staple, that has been apart of my family for more years than I care to remember. I've got my knife and fork at the ready...lets tuck in!”
Michael
The elder son at 27, James is a man full of big ideas and get-rich-quick schemes. He relies on his cheeky-chappy charm and is endlessly optimistic, especially in his relationships which haven’t always worked out for him in the past. He's the apple of his mum's eye and fiercely protective of his younger brother, though James may be the more mature of the pair!
Ryan Russell, who'll play Michael has said "It's an absolute pleasure to join the team at Coronation Street! It's truly a blessing and a privilege to join such an iconic show. I'm really looking forward to the challenge of exploring Michael and working with the rest of the cast!"
James
19, James is Edison’s pride and joy, a truly talented footballer already playing for Weatherfield County. He’s good-looking but more brooding than Michael and can need coaxing out of his shell. He’s as dedicated to his dreams as Michael is to his but more quiet, modest and hard-working.
James is living with a secret he’s scared to share, how will his family and team mates react when they find out James is gay?
Speaking about playing James, Nathan Graham, who has appeared in Dreamgirls and Miss Saigon in the West End said “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to join Coronation Street and be a part of this show. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Bailey family and excited to explore the difficulties James may face along the way.”
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm and 8:30pm on ITV
Comments