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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Gemma Jones

Coronation Street fans instantly recognise former Brookside actor

Coronation Street fans were overjoyed to see a former Brookside actor arrive on the cobbles tonight.

Simon O'Brien, best known for playing Damon Grant on the Liverpool based soap, is now playing the part of Frank Bardsley on Corrie. He was introduced to The Rovers tonight seemingly as a new love interest for Sean Tully (Antony Cotton).

Propping himself up at the bar, he asked Sean about his experiences in the online dating world as he joked about swiping the wrong way. He said he keeps meeting fellas that he isn't really interested in and Sean was instantly intrigued.

READ MORE: Coronation Street actor admits he goes to bed early to save money on bills in energy crisis

But while watching, fans were distracted and took to Twitter to share where they knew the familiar face from. One user said: "It's Damon Grant, from Brookside, aka, Simon O'Brien! #Corrie." Another user said: "Damon Grant back from the dead. #Corrie #Brookside."

Toni said: "Oh my God, Damon Grant returns to soapland! #Corrie #SimonOBrien." Pam said: "Damon Grant!!! Simon O'Brien's arrived in The Rovers...aged 56 #Corrie"

Simon played the role of Damon on Brookside for five years from 1982 opposite screen parents, Royle Family stars Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston. He and on-screen other half, Debbie, had a spin-off Damon and Debbie which ran for just three episodes in 1987, where Damon was killed off.

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub (apart from the week beginning May 30)

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