List of Coronation Street characters (2017)

Ruairi McDonald is the son of Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh). Ruairi is born prematurely at 23 weeks and dies when he is born. Steve and Michelle are further devastated that Ruairi will not be given a birth or death certificate, as he was born before 24 weeks. Michelle and Steve's marriage is strained and Michelle kicks Steve out when she thinks he does not care about his dead son. However, Michelle allows him back after talking to Steve's mother Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard), who also lost a premature child, Katie, 25 years before. Steve blames himself for Ruairi's death, thinking it is punishment for getting Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) pregnant six months earlier. Michelle contemplates suicide, unable to cope with life without Ruairi, but is talked out of it by Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill).

In December 2016, it was announced that the show would tackle the subject of late miscarriage and Michelle and Steve would lose their unborn child. Marsh, who lost her own child at a similar stage in her pregnancy, said "I thought long and hard before agreeing to take on the challenge of this storyline. It is obviously a cause very close to my heart having lost my beautiful Archie at 21 weeks and 5 days. I discussed it with my family and friends, all of who were very supportive. In the end I felt it was an important story to tell in order to raise awareness of something which affects thousands of women every year. I have had to go to some very dark places in my mind whilst filming these heartbreaking scenes but my family, friends and colleagues have been incredible." She added that revisiting feelings in character was "challenging".[1] Producer Kate Oates added “The subject of miscarriage will always be sensitive; but telling this story with Simon and Kym at the centre would always have an extra poignancy" and hoped they "are able to encourage discussion, understanding and compassion for those viewers affected by the loss of a baby. The cast were in safe hands with our amazing and empathetic director Tony Prescott, and it has been humbling to see all the actors involved being so selfless and generous in their performances".[2]

Chloe Tipton, played by Jo-Anne Knowles, made her first on-screen appearance on 1 February 2017, before departing on 15 May 2017.

Chloe is a glamorous woman who orders a taxi from Street Cars and finds herself being driven by Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), who has just fallen out with his girlfriend Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor). Chloe witnesses Peter and Toyah arguing outside the cab office and when they arrive at her hotel, Chloe asks Peter if he is going back to reconcile with Toyah. Chloe is clearly attracted to Peter and asks to join her for a drink in the hotel. They talk in the bar, where she tells him that she is impulsive and he seems interesting to her. Telling her that he has a family conference to go back to, Peter makes his excuses to leave. Chloe asks him to stay with her, but he refuses and she gives him a generous tip, making it clear that she is unhappy to see him go. A week later, Chloe calls into the cab office and specially requests Peter as her driver to collect her from a dinnertime drinks appointment with a friend, telling him that she would pay him for his extra time and that her divorce would shortly be coming through.

Chloe later deliberately bumps into Peter crying, and tells him that her ex-boyfriend has been following her. He takes her home, where there is obvious sexual tension, however Peter leaves, forgetting his mobile phone. He then returns to Chloe's house to return it, where they kiss, however Peter leaves immediately after. It is then revealed that Chloe has downloaded a tracking app on Peter's phone so she can observe his every move. After previously telling her that he is interested in purchasing the local pub The Rovers Return Inn, Chloe unexpectedly arrives and fakes showing an interest in buying the pub, where Peter is unnerved that Toyah may see her. Peter then threatens Chloe in the ginnel, ordering her to leave him and Toyah alone. However, they have been spotted by Peter's father Ken Barlow (William Roache), who takes Chloe inside and she lies to him that she and Peter are having an affair, so Ken informs Toyah of this, leading to her temporarily moving out. The following night, Peter is close to turning back to alcohol after battling alcoholism previously and declares that Ken is at the heart of all his problems. Later that night, Ken is pushed down the stairs by an unknown assailant, with Peter and other members of his family being listed as suspects.

After Peter's son Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) finds a voice message on his phone of Peter apologising and sounding frantic on the night that Ken was pushed down the stairs, everybody automatically assumes that he is behind Ken's attack. However, Peter tells Simon, Toyah and the rest of his family that he was visiting Chloe at the time that Ken was attacked, however her obsessive behaviour became violent and he pushed her away in self-defence, but she fell and cut her face, and threatened to lie to the police that he punched her. Peter then visits Chloe and pleads that she tell the police the truth, but instead she informs DS MacKinnon (Sandra Huggett) that Peter assaulted her in her own home as a result of their affair, and that this took place the day before Ken's attack, making him prime suspect in the investigation. Peter is later arrested and charged with assaulting Chloe and placed further in the frame for Ken's attack, which adds pressure to his relationship with Toyah.

In the week when Peter is due to stand trial for attacking Chloe, he confides in his ex-wife and Toyah's stepsister, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), about how he would never harm a woman and that Chloe is punishing him for something. Leanne subsequently pays Chloe a visit, threatening her to drop the charges, however Toyah later turns up to achieve the same purpose. Chloe is exceptionally rude towards Leanne and Toyah, and initially refuses to drop the charges against Peter, however Toyah and Leanne threaten to tell the police that Chloe attacked Toyah by throwing her to the floor, with Leanne offering to provide Toyah with bruises to reinforce their case. Chloe reluctantly agrees to drop the charges, however she states that Peter could still easily have returned to Weatherfield and pushed Ken down the stairs, which stuns Leanne and Toyah. Peter later receives a phonecall informing him that the charges have been dropped by Chloe, and Leanne provides him with a false alibi for the time when Ken was attacked.

Trina Robson, played by Kerry Bennett, is a receptionist at Walmsley Croft Solicitors LLP of Weatherfield where Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) went for a job interview. When the client, Ronan Truman (Colin Tierney), arrived Adam was intrigued about him, but Trina cited her confidentiality clause and refused to give any details, aside from saying he held wild parties. Adam took Trina for a drink to Nick's Bistro where he attempted to get information about Ronan. Adam took her back to his flat for the night.

In January 2017, Bennett was pictured filming scenes with Robertson (Adam Barlow), the same week her departure scenes as Eva Falco in Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks had aired.[3]

Oliver Battersby made his first on-screen appearance on 20 February 2017.[4] He is played by twins Emmanuel and Jeremiah Cheetham and was also played by another baby, Toby, in 2017.[5][6][7] He is the son of Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).[8] Leanne has a one-night stand with Steve, who is married to Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh).[9]

Leanne has a one-night stand with Steve in June 2016 and falls pregnant. When Steve finds out, he chooses not to be a part of their baby's life in order to protect his relationship with Michelle. Steve tells his mother, Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) about Leanne's baby and she is hurt by Steve's decision. In August 2016, Leanne reconciles with her ex-husband, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), and they agree to raise the baby as his. In February 2017, Leanne goes into labour whilst stuck in a lift with her stepsister, Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) and gives birth to her son. The Platt family and Michelle meet him. Leanne tells Nick that she has decided not to put him on the birth certificate, but changes her mind. At a family party organised by Nick's mother, Gail Rodwell (Helen Worth), at The Bistro to celebrate Oliver's birth, Steve announces that he is Oliver's father. Leanne allows Steve to be involved in Oliver's life after Steve decides to involve solicitors. In March 2017, at a meeting with a solicitor, Michelle sends a photo to Nick of Oliver with Liz and Steve taken by Leanne, leaving Nick hurt. Steve arrives at the registry office when Leanne registers Oliver's birth and Steve wants to be named. Nick is upset when he sees Oliver's birth certificate has Steve's name. In April 2017, on Ruairi's due date, Steve takes Oliver to the beach, where he and Michelle scattered Ruairi's ashes, hurting Michelle as she wanted the day to be about Ruairi. Leanne panics when Oliver fails to wake up and is barely breathing. He is rushed to hospital and Steve worries he may have accidentally overdosed Oliver. Oliver is kept in overnight and Nick is hurt when he sees Leanne so close to Steve. In May 2017, Oliver and his family spend a day at the beach to try and resolve the feud between Steve and Nick, but Nick decides to leave Weatherfield in June 2017 and sells the flat. In August 2017, Steve invites Leanne and Oliver to stay with him.

Oliver is central "of an all-encompassing plot" which is "a multi-stranded storyline that involves practically half of Weatherfield".[10] Danson said acting her on-screen birth "was weirdly exhausting" and Leanne's "birth is very, very different from others we have seen on Corrie, but it is Leanne's first baby and the birth situation is not ideal".[11] Danson also added that when Oliver is born, "the realisation that Nick is not his dad hits home" and although Nick "will be there for him and be his dad, but they both know that there is this obstacle and it's become very real. Oliver is a child that is not Nick's yet again, like Simon".[11] Oliver's true paternity will prompt the "decision that Nick's name shouldn't be on the birth certificate as it just doesn't feel right."[12]

In May 2020 Oliver is diagnosed with mitochondrial disease.[6]

Neil Clifton, played by Ben Cartwright, made his first appearance on 15 March 2017. Cartwright was tempted to turn the role down after reading through the character breakdown, saying "I had major concerns and thought about how it could affect me as a person."[13] After speaking with his friends, he accepted the role.[13]

Neil is a friend of Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) and a police officer. Neil takes a shine to Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), who he knows Nathan is grooming. Wanting Bethany to himself, Neil pays Nathan a lot of money, but becomes impatient when Nathan repeatedly delays the date Neil can have sex with Bethany. Meanwhile, Neil becomes Craig Tinker's (Colson Smith) mentor at the station. Nathan pretends that Neil is part of his business at Supreme Tanning, and that it is his money that paid for all of Bethany's vlogging equipment. Nathan warns Bethany that she should be kind and polite to Neil, especially after a number of electronic goods supposedly belonging to Neil are stolen from the flat. Suggesting that Bethany make up the loss to Neil by going to dinner with him, Nathan later watches on and does nothing as Neil takes Bethany into the bedroom and rapes her. Neil, Nathan and the other members of the grooming gang are later arrested. Neil tells Craig that he was not actually part of the gang, he was just working undercover. Neil is found guilty of rape and sent to prison.

Neil appeals his sentence and is visited by his daughter Kayla Clifton (Mollie Winnard), who believes that he is innocent and wants to prove it. Neil's appeal request is denied and he is later beaten up by some of the inmates, leading to his hospitalisation. Kayla confronts her father, having realised that he is guilty after all. She asks him to admit to his crime, but he refuses and she has to be restrained from hitting him. Kayla then disowns Neil and leaves.

Leah Buckley, played by Molly McGlynn, is the stepdaughter of Gina Seddon (Connie Hyde), the sister of Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor).

Leah turns up to Sally's talk on LGBTQ rights, who is nervous after being targeted by an internet troll. After Sally decides to resign from the council, her daughters, Rosie (Helen Flanagan) and Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) find the address of the person who placed an obituary for Sally in the paper. When Leah arrives at the address, Rosie and Sophie confront her and she denies being the troll but her stepmother is to blame and will get her to stop. Leah visits the Websters and asks Rosie and Sophie if Sally is okay. After Sophie tells Rosie about Sally's state, Rosie goes to see Leah and is surprised to spot her aunt, Gina, realising she is Leah's stepmother. Leah admits Gina is the troll and explains she is ill. Leah explains she has become bitter as, while she was there for Sally when she was ill, Sally was not there for Gina. When Rosie threatens to report Gina to the police, Leah counters by threatening to go to the papers about Sally neglecting her sister. Rosie tells Sophie who the troll is and they both go to confront Gina. Gina is pleased to see them, but denies trolling Sally and when Leah arrives, she reveals Gina has bipolar disorder. When Gina goes missing, Rosie and Sophie help Leah find her and Gina visits the street, wanting to talk to Sally but Leah bundles her into the car and drives off. Sally and her husband, Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) visit Leah and Gina and invite them to stay and Sally helps find a home for Leah and Gina. Leah makes plans to go to France with a friend and Tim overhears Leah on the phone, saying how Sally can look after Gina and Tim works out that Leah is the troll. Sally and Tim force Leah to leave but she visits Gina, despite Gina telling Leah she loves Leah as much as her own children, Leah leaves.

The return of Gina was announced in March 2017. Producer Kate Oates explained the circumstances of Gina's return, saying that Sally and Tim will face struggles and "in the midst of all this, though, there will be another face from the Webster past making a return. Sal's girls are back already, but someone else may soon be turning up who will extend the family even further."[14] Leah and Gina will be tracked down by Sally's daughters, Rosie and Sophie.[15]

Nicola Rubinstein, played by Nicola Thorp, made her first on-screen appearance on 12 June 2017. She is the daughter of Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre). She arrived as Seb Franklin's (Harry Visinoni) case worker.[16] Nicola departed on 13 June 2018 at the conclusion of her storyline, however on 11 November the same year it was announced that Thorp would be returning as Nicola in January 2019. She returned on 21 January 2019 for a few episodes.

When Seb is due to be released from young offenders, she meets with Phelan to encourage him to take Seb on as an apprentice at the building yard, which he agrees to. Nicola questions why Anna Windass (Debbie Rush), the adoptive mother of Seb's girlfriend Faye (Ellie Leach), does not like him. Phelan accompanies Nicola when she takes Seb to Liverpool for a talk by a former young offender. Nicola overhears Phelan talk to a man about her and she demands to know why. Phelan says he knew her parents, Annabel and Isaac. Nicola arranges for Phelan to meet Isaac and Phelan finds a bench dedicated to Nicola's parents, who are deceased. Nicola finds documents Phelan received about her and she confronts Phelan, who admits that he had an affair with her mother and she may be his daughter, but Nicola ridicules Phelan's claims. After talking with Phelan's wife, Eileen (Sue Cleaver), she softens up towards Phelan and they talk, however she does not want anything to do with him. Seb is sacked by Phelan when Seb finds out Phelan has been reading articles about Nicola. Seb gets Nicola to meet him, pretending the reason he was sacked is because he thinks Phelan is dying. Nicola is furious when she finds out Seb lied. Nicola asks Phelan for them to do a DNA test which confirms he is Nicola's father. Phelan snaps at Nicola when she suggests he donates a mattress from a house he has been secretly keeping Andy Carver (Oliver Farnworth) hostage, but he makes it up to Nicola by buying and donating brand new mattresses. Nicola and a police officer persuade Phelan to consider building a youth centre. Nicola encounters Faye's older brother, Gary Windass (Mikey North), on a night out and Gary confides in Nicola about the dangerous side of his security job. Nicola encourages him to confide in his ex-girlfriend Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston) or his current girlfriend Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien). When Gary learns that Nicola is Phelan's daughter, he confronts her over this and warns her to stay away from him - leaving Nicola confused. They later meet, however, and unintentionally end up sleeping together. Nicola soon finds out she is pregnant with Gary's baby and later goes to confide this secret to her mother's old neighbor: Lydia Hartman (Susan Twist). She then tells Lydia that Phelan is her biological father and shows her a photograph of being with him; this surprises Lydia, whom Nicola notices is left shaken by this - though Lydia covers up her worries by reassuring Nicola about her reaction. When Seb falls from a ladder and is hospitalized, Nicola ends up being in the same room as Anna and the two quickly bond over his situation as well as confiding to each other about their personal problems. Anna then tells Nicola how Phelan blackmailed her to have sex with him to end him overworking Gary and her former partner, Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies), who were once in business with Phelan. Nicola then visits Lydia, who reveals that Phelan raped her mother, and that this is how Nicola was conceived. Nicola then confronts Phelan at her parents' bench, where she continually brands him a rapist for what he did to her mother and Anna, and claims she never wants to see Phelan again.

Nicola returns a few weeks later and makes amends with Phelan, but she lets Gary know that Seb is with her due to him finding out Phelan killed Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) and that she will bring Phelan down. Phelan later finds out about her plan when she is in hospital due to complications with her baby and he tells her never to see her again. Nicola returns to Weatherfield when Phelan supposedly drowns following a confrontation with Eileen on a pier, moving in with Eileen and Seb. After hearing fireworks from the attic set off by Faye, Nicola falls down the stairs and is rushed to hospital where she is gives birth to a baby boy through an emergency caesarean, who she names Zack after her adoptive father, Isaac. A couple of days later, Phelan returns to Weatherfield with a gun and demands to see Zack, however Nicola stops him. Nicola, Seb and Eileen all attempt to disarm Phelan, but a gunshot rings out. Nicola is revealed to have been shot, and after knocking out Eileen and Seb, Phelan carries her to the bistro for help. Nicola survives, and after Phelan shoots Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh), Phelan is stabbed in the chest and killed by Anna. Nicola later departs Weatherfield with Zack and Eileen to go and build a new life in Bristol.

Nicola Thorp, a former receptionist who made a stand against female dress-codes at work, casting as Nicola Rubinstein was announced in June 2017. A source explained that "Nicola is Seb Franklin's case worker. Phelan knew her mum but wasn't aware they had a child together", but "he recognises Nicola's surname, does the maths and realises the truth. The crux of the story is how she will react, because Nicola was in the dark too."[17] Nicola's arrival "will make Phelan take a good hard look at himself", however, it's "not certain anything can put Phelan on the straight and narrow."[17] Nicola's "head is understandably all over the place" with the revelation that Phelan is her father and that Phelan's wife, Eileen, "can see how much building a relationship with Nicola means to her husband."[18]

Summer Spellman, played by Matilda Freeman, made her first on-screen appearance on 16 June 2017.[19] She is the adoptive daughter of Drew Spellman (Tom Goodwin) and the goddaughter of Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank). Following a terminally ill Drew's death, Summer is placed in the care of Billy and his boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley).[20]

Drew turns up unexpectedly to visit Billy and meets Todd. Todd learns that Drew is Billy's ex-boyfriend and Billy is Summer's godfather, Drew's daughter. Todd suspects Drew wants Billy back but he reveals he is terminally ill and wants Billy to bring up Summer as her other father, Charlie, disappeared, unable to cope. Todd is not keen and Billy breaks the news to Drew that he cannot look after Summer but Billy persuades Todd to think about it. Summer visits Billy with Drew and Billy agrees that Summer can live with him and Todd, but Todd is annoyed the decision was made without him. Summer spends time getting to know Billy and Todd and tells them she knows Drew wants them to look after her. Summer is heartbroken when Drew dies of heart failure and her grandmother, Geraldine Spellman, takes Summer to live with her. Billy and Todd turn up unwelcome at Drew's funeral and Billy encourages Summer to carry on with her eulogy. Summer turns up at Todd and Adam Barlow's (Sam Robertson) new law firm, wanting to take legal action against Drew's doctor, believing they let him die. Todd talks to Summer about what Drew wanted for her. Summer visits Todd again about the case and Billy finds them. Todd apologises to Summer for misleading her about their being a case for Drew and Summer tells Billy and Todd about life with her grandparents, which prompts Billy and Todd's decision to do something. Drew and Billy visit Summer's grandparents and Geraldine opposes the idea of Summer living with them and Summer overhears Geraldine being offensive over their sexuality and Drew. Summer's grandfather, Angus Spellman (Roland Oliver), shows them Drew's will that was updated shortly before his death, stating his wishes for Billy to be her guardian and Summer chooses to move in with Billy and Todd. Todd's employer and friend, Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), brings her daughter, Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney), to meet Summer. Summer and Amy do not interact and in Billy and Todd's absence, they argue when Amy attempts to look through a box and Summer is glad she hit Amy. Summer is annoyed when Billy and Todd look in the box, finding photos of Summer with Drew, and they decide to put them up. Summer tells Billy and Todd that she and Drew built robots and Summer, Todd and Billy build their own robot. When Amy and Summer have their hair done for school and are not allowed highlights, Summer uses bleach and other products to do so for Amy and Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey). Amy's hair turns orange and Todd, Summer and Amy lie to Tracy that Amy wants a sleepover with Summer for a chance to fix it, but Tracy finds out about the hair.

Wanting to be friends with Amy and Asha, Summer uses shaving foam to draw an inappropriate image on a teacher's car, but is caught, which results in Billy and Todd being called in. Summer is upset that Todd stayed with Eileen after an argument with Billy and with the prospect of Billy and Todd breaking up. Summer is further upset as it is Drew's birthday. Amy's cousin, Simon Barlow (Alex Bain), attempts to force Summer to smoke cigarettes he found, but Summer takes them for herself and smokes them when she is emotional. Summer is found unconscious by Amy and Simon and is taken to hospital, where it turns out she smoked spice and Billy and Todd make amends. Simon's father, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), and his partner and Simon's step-aunt, Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor), find out from the children that Simon had the cigarette. Billy is furious about what Simon did and when Peter blames Billy and Todd's arguments for Summer's actions, Billy hits Peter. Simon overhears Billy and Peter talk about the attack and when social services are left satisfied with their visit to Summer, Billy and Todd, Simon tells them what Billy did. The social worker tells Billy and Todd that it will threaten the adoption. Peter defends Billy to the social worker, refusing to take any action and Billy and Todd are relieved that Summer can remain. Social worker Jeanette visits again and Summer lets slip that Billy was questioned over a robbery and Billy and Todd explain that it was a mistake. When Billy admits to Peter that he caused the crash that killed his twin sister Susan Barlow (Joanna Foster), Peter contacts Geraldine to inform her that Summer is at risk and Billy falls off a cliff when Peter gets his revenge. Todd takes Summer away on Christmas Eve, telling no one of their whereabouts and the police question Todd's family. After coming out of hospital, Billy arranges to meet Todd and Summer in a park, but only Summer arrives as Todd is on the run from the police. When Geraldine finds out Summer is back, she unsuccessfully fails to persuade Summer to return to her. Summer takes on responsibility of doing household chores and asks Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) not to help out. Summer cancels on going to Amy's birthday party and at school, her teacher is concerned due to low marks. Billy and Geraldine meet with Summer's teacher and Summer reluctantly agrees to stay with her for a break, but when she returns home, she is shocked when she finds Billy in a state after taking drugs with his brother, Lee Mayhew (Richard Crehan). Billy upsets Summer by insisting he does not want to be her guardian. Summer and Amy go looking for Billy, but are put in danger when a homeless man tricks them into knowing his whereabouts, but Peter gets them away. Summer temporarily moves in with Eileen when Billy goes to rehab, but when he returns home, Summer vows she will be leaving him when she is old enough.

Producer Kate Oates announced in May 2017 that the show had cast the role of Summer, calling the actress "amazing". She added that it "should be an interesting sight" seeing Todd as a father and says having "two guys bringing up Summer [...] will be a very different dynamic."[21] Brocklebank said that "the dynamic" of Billy and Todd's relationship "will change", although Brocklebank hopes that caring for Summer will bring Billy and Todd "closer together."[22] Brocklebank added that even though Billy and Todd did not have "time to prepare for parenthood", he hopes that their characters "are spontaneous enough to be able to cope with the things that it throws at them."[22] In August 2017, Freeman was longlisted for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.[23] She made the viewer-voted shortlist,[24] but lost out to Alfie Clarke, who portrays Arthur Thomas in Emmerdale.[25]

Moira Pollock, played by The Archers actress Louiza Patikas, made her first on-screen appearance on 12 July 2017 initially appearing until 23 November 2017. The character and casting were announced on 30 June 2017, however, her role in the soap opera remained a secret until her on-screen arrival. Of her casting, Patikas stated: "I'm cock-a-hoop to be working on Coronation Street. It's a fantastic show which I've always loved for its superb writing and iconic characters".[26] After departing in November 2017, Patikas reprised the role on 28 February 2018. [27]

Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) starts at the medical centre as the new receptionist and clashes with her new boss Moira, who doesn't let her display the doll that Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) gave to her, as it's a religious symbol. Moira walks in as Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) tells Liz to forget her appointment, as Liz had forgotten to check Leanne in, an hour after her arrival - Moira is cross. Moira upbraids Liz for her smoking breaks. Moira returns Liz's handbag, telling her she's contravened the medical centre's clean desk policy.

Moira reprimands Dr. Susan Gaddas (Christine Mackie) for getting behind with her paperwork. Liz advises Moira to be friendly for the sake of staff morale, relating her experience of running The Rovers Return Inn. Moira finds the comparison laughable. Liz thinks she's getting somewhere with Moira when she calls in The Rovers but she's only there to instruct Liz to dress more beige at work in future. Moira reprimands Liz again after Steve takes up her time discussing his and Leanne's sex life and causes a queue. Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) waits for Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) at the medical centre until Moira tells her that she cancelled the appointment. Liz's date Lenny, who successfully conned Liz out of her money in a fake vape scheme, dashes out of The Rovers when he sees Moira. Colin Callen (Jim Moir) spills his wine over Moira and they get chatting. Moira sees Liz is missing from reception and Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia) is forced to confess that she's meeting her scammer. Moira is astonished when the scammer turns up and it is her husband Stuart. Liz advises a weeping Moira to ditch Stuart. Liz is flabbergasted when Moira moves her things into her flat, saying she's taken her advice and ditched Stuart. Moira departs alongside Colin in November 2017 after being sacked from the medical centre for taking Norris Cole's (Malcolm Hebden) DNA sample, claiming it was just a check up as Colin believed him to be his father.

However, in February 2018, Liz is told by Dr. Gaddas that Moira will return after her case went to tribunal which surprises Liz as she claimed Moira was "mentally unstable". Liz hides in the toilets after seeing her and Moira has a drink with Eileen Phelan (Sue Cleaver), briefly telling her that Colin cheated, before playing darts. Eileen sees Liz in the toilets and they both hide as Moria is irritating them. Moria accuses Eileen of having a drink problem and repeatedly talks about the menopause. Later on, Leanne sees Liz and Eileen in the toilet cubicle together and marches them out in a hilarious spectacle. After seeing Liz, Moira hugs her and says thanks for telling the panel that she was mentally unstable as it was that which had got her job back, much to Liz's displeasure.

Angie Appleton, played by Victoria Ekanoye, made her first on-screen appearance on 21 August 2017. She is the wife of Jude Appleton (Paddy Wallace), who is the biological son of Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) and the mother of George Appleton (Romeo Cheetham-Karcz).

Angie arrives in Weatherfield with Jude and their baby George for the wedding of Mary and Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden), and is suspicious of Norris. She later finds out Mary and Norris are having a fake wedding to compete in a quiz and win an around the world cruise. She also finds out that Jude's father raped Mary and this is the reason she put him up for adoption when he was a baby, after this the family go back to South Africa. Angie returns along with Jude and George in October, moving in with Mary and Norris. She becomes friends with Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) but clashes with Mary especially about the well-being of George. Angie lies that she has been offered a promotion back in South Africa so that her, Jude and George have to go back. After George falls ill before the flight they end up missing it and Angie talks to a doctor about how she can’t bond with George. The doctor suggests Angie could be suffering from post-natal depression and she decides to make an effort with Mary and give Weatherfield a chance. In May 2018 when she finds out Jude is lying about being a marine biologist and has been for two years she kisses Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) but tells Jude straight after.

George Appleton, played by Romeo Cheetham-Karcz,[28] made his first on-screen appearance on 22 August 2017. He is the son of Jude Appleton (Paddy Wallace), who is the biological son of Mary Taylor (Patti Clare), and his wife Angie Appleton (Victoria Ekanoye). Cheetham-Karcz is the son of former Waterloo Road actress Zerozha Burt-Skeete, who said of her son's casting that as Coronation Street "is such a massive institution", they "feel very honoured and blessed to have this opportunity for Romeo." Burt-Skeete chaperoned her son on set as "he’s been getting used to working alongside Corrie’s famous faces and all the cast and crew."[28]

George arrives with Jude and Angie for the wedding of Mary and Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden). Jude decides that he and Angie are remaining in Weatherfield after coming to terms that Mary was raped, which he was the product of. After Angie pretends that she has been offered her old job back in South Africa, Jude and Angie prepare to leave, but Mary delays them to prevent them going and they end up staying. Mary suspects Angie of being an alcoholic and when Angie drives a sick George to the hospital, Mary phones the police as she believes Angie is drunk, however, a breath test proves Angie is under the limit. Jude is angry with Mary and bans her from seeing George. Mary finds out that Angie is suffering from post-natal depression and when Mary warns Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) to stop questioning her mental health due to her being elected mayor, Jude and Angie make amends with Mary.

Colin Callen, played by Jim Moir, made his first appearance on 18 September 2017. Moir's casting details were announced on 22 May 2017.[29] He was contracted for three months and began filming in July.[29] Of his casting, Moir stated "I've been a lifelong fan of Corrie. In fact, I think I saw the very first one. I try not to miss any episodes. I'm really looking forward to acting in Corrie. It's a real thrill to be part of a British Institution."[29] Colin is a marketing executive for a radio station, who interviews Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) and Mary Taylor (Patti Clare) for a Mr. and Mrs. competition.[30]

Mary and Norris are disqualified from the competition after Norris answers his mobile phone. Colin later turns up at The Rovers Return Inn and suggests buying The Kabin newsagents off Norris, however he declines. Unwilling to give up, Colin visits Norris' friend and business partner, Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox), in hospital, after she is diagnosed with a brain tumour. He manipulates Rita into thinking that selling The Kabin would be best for her health and that she should go travelling, however, Norris walks in on Colin and is appalled. Colin leaves Weatherfield with his new partner Moira Pollock (Louiza Patikas).

Abi Franklin, portrayed by Sally Carman, made her first appearance on 2 October 2017. She was introduced as the mother of Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni).[31]

Abi first appears when Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) arrives at her house to help Seb look after his siblings Charlie and Lexi Franklin (Jacob and Jasmine Fish). Seb explains that Abi spends most of her time becoming intoxicated by alcohol and drugs and sleeping the rest of the time. Abi takes an instant dislike to Anna, while Anna is disgusted that Abi allows Seb to look after Charlie and Lexi and go out to work while she helps with nothing. A few weeks later, Abi receives an unexpected visit from Social Services, which appears to go successfully with the help of Seb and Anna. However, after they leave and Seb goes to work, Abi contacts an drug dealer and overdoses on cocaine. She is later found by Seb and his girlfriend, Anna's adoptive daughter Faye Windass (Ellie Leach), who phones for an ambulance. After being resuscitated, Abi refuses to go to a hospital, however, Social Services later return with the police, and take Charlie and Lexi into care, devastating Seb and Faye, while Abi sleeps on the sofa as the drugs administered by the paramedics begin to wear off. Abi is later seen at the hospital with Seb's probation officer Nicola Rubinstein (Nicola Thorp) after Seb falls from a ladder during a window cleaning job.

Imran Habeeb, played by Charlie de Melo, made his first appearance on 17 November 2017. The character was introduced as Rana Nazir's (Bhavna Limbachia) brother for her wedding episodes. Producers later decided to promote the character to the main cast.[32]

Imran attends his sister Rana's marriage to Zeedan Nazir (Qasim Akhtar). His presence at the wedding delights Rana's friend, Alya Nazir (Sair Khan), who he likens to a second sister, but irritates her boyfriend Luke Britton (Dean Fagan). While waiting for Rana to arrive, Imran comments that Zeedan's trainers look horrible and implies that they will not be suitable for the wedding. Imran lets Zeedan borrow his Italian leather shoes as a way of calming his nerves about the wedding. At the after party, Imran reveals to Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) that he is a solicitor, who specialises in criminal law. Rosie tells Imran that she works for fellow solicitor Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson). When Imran says that Adam is not as good as him, Rosie's sister Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) jokes that the two should meet as they would probably get along with each other.

Henry Newton, played by George Banks, made his first appearances on 22 November 2017. He was introduced as a love interest for Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell). Henry is also the son of Philip Newton and the grandson of the former Newton & Ridley director Cecil Newton.[33]

Gemma Winter attends a party and catches the attention of Henry by stealing an ornament and writing "pie in a tin" onto a shopping list. Henry decided to speak to Gemma and was charmed by her quirks of stashing snacks in ovens and her references to pies. Gemma pretended that her name was Jemima and led Henry to believe that she was a nurse. When the police arrived at the party, Gemma rushed out, believing that they were going to arrest her for stealing the ornament. Henry was upset not to have got Gemma's number but noticed that she had left her shoe behind and decided to seek her out in Weatherfield.

Henry called in to The Kabin and asked Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) if he knew of anybody called Jemima who was really sweet, in their twenties and had a lovely laugh. Norris told Henry that Jemima was far too posh a name for Coronation Street and that he may have more luck in a different area of town. Norris later realised who Henry was referring to and led him to the Rovers, where Gemma was speaking to Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) about her time at the party. Henry later suggested that they should meet up again and complimented Liz on a 'fantastic little boozer'. Recognising who he was, Liz informed Gemma that Henry was Cecil Newton's grandson and that she had landed on her feet with a relationship with him.

• Cast and characters at itv.com
• Cast and characters at the Internet Movie Database