NEW ARRIVAL Coronation Street’s newcomer Aaron McCusker joined after wife laid down ultimatum – he’s auditioned SIX times before
CORONATION Street’s new star Aaron McCusker revealed he joined the soap after his wife issued an ultimatum.
The Northern Irish actor, 46, is joining the cobbles as Eva Price’s new partner Ben Driscoll.
He previously played Jamie Maguire in Shameless and Freddie Mercury‘s boyfriend Jim Hutton in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Aaron revealed how his wife Jennie Sutton impacted him taking the role of Ben.
The hunk explained Jennie had told him he needed to be back in their home base of Manchester.
Discussing landing the part, he said: “It was brilliant because I’ve got a wife and three kids and I’ve been away doing plays.
Read more on Corrie
“The last job I was doing I went nine weeks without seeing my wife and kids.
“So I was chuffed that I was going to be in basically a full time job, just to be able to say I’m home and I’m staying home and I can drive in to work.
“I’m over the moon. It still hasn’t really hit me yet, actually.”
Meanwhile, the actor revealed he had previously auditioned for Corrie on more than one occasion.
He shared: “I got very excited because I’ve auditioned for Corrie before, this was my sixth time.
“It wasn’t always for a lead role, I think the last time was 14 episode
Coronation Street gives first-look at return of Eva Price as Catherine Tyldesley’s character takes over the Roverseva’s back
“My agent said, ‘It didn’t go your way, they really, really loved you but they want you for something bigger.’
“And they were true to their word.
“When they phoned me with this and I knew it was to be landlord of the Rovers, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.”
The Sun were first to reveal earlier this year that actress Catherine Tyldesley is making a return as Eva Price to Weatherfield.
Aside from Eva, Aaron is also joined by the extended on-screen Driscoll family.
This includes Father Ted legend Pauline McLynn, who is playing Ben’s mum Maggie.
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said previously: “We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow.
“The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees ups galore.
Read More on The Sun
“To have actors of Catherine, Aaron and Pauline’s considerable calibre at the beating heart of this family is absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait for you to get to know and fall in love with them as much as we have already done.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
