Hollywood star Jamie Kenna is swapping Green Street for Coronation Street after being snapped up by the soap to play a new love interest for Fiz Brown, played by Jennie McAlpine.
The 47-year-old actor has held down roles in Hollywood productions including football hooligan drama Green Street which featured Charlie Hunnam and Elijah Wood.
And has also starred in dystopian future epic Children of Men, alongside Clive Owen and directed by Oscar winning director Alfonso Cuaron – as well as parts in The Bill, Peaky Blinders and even EastEnders.
Now Jamie will be seen strutting around the Cobbles of Weatherfield as a character called Phil Whittaker and engaging in a spicy romance with Fiz – who is out for revenge against her ex-lover Tyrone Dobbs, played by Alan Alsall.
Taking to social media this month, Jamie explained that he is beyond excited for his electric new role on the small screen.
He declared on Instagram last week: “ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! I can finally….FINALLY tell you all my amazing news! As of 16th July I will be appearing regularly as Phil Whittaker in the national institution that is @coronationstreet.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be joining the cast. Especially the brilliant @jenniemcalpine & @alanhalsall.”
Jamie’s addition to the cast as Phil is sure to fire up storylines for Fiz and Tyrone – who have been involved in a painful break-up plot line.
Frizzy haired Fiz was devastated when Tyrone dumped her and her two kids for an attractive younger woman – and viewers have watched her struggle to pick up the pieces of her life.
Just as Fiz was beginning to get her head around her ex leaving her, she received the bombshell news that he had Tyrone is expecting a new baby with his new lover.
Viewers will see Phil arrive this week to sweep Fiz off her feet after she endures a humiliating speed dating event.
But the winds of change arrive with Phil when he meet Fiz while she is at work and he invites her out on a date.
Former Coronation Street star Joanne Froggatt – who has gone on to land roles in Downton Abbey and Liar – was among followers to congratulate Jamie on his exciting news.
She responded to his post with a string of applauding hands emojis.
Meanwhile, other followers expressed their joy – and excitement – over his news.
One follower gushed: “Omg Jamie this is EPIC!!! Congratulations!”
While another added: “Top news Jamie! Will look out for you on the street!”
And Jamie has continued to stoke excitement for his imminent Corrie arrival – sharing snaps of himself on set outside the iconic Rovers Return Inn pub, and sheltering from the rain while filming outdoors in Manchester.
