HOTTES NEWS TODAY!!! West Cork star Aidan O’Callaghan joins the huge 65th anniversary episode — becoming the first Irish actor to appear in all three major UK soaps.
From pub life in Cork to UK soap history—Irish actor celebrates milestone moment on Weatherfield’s cobbles
A Pinch-Me Moment for Aidan O’Callaghan
West Cork native Aidan O’Callaghan is set to appear in one of Coronation Street’s biggest episodes to date—the soap’s 65th anniversary special, airing Monday, December 8th on ITV.
The Innishannon-born actor, 36, described the role as a “pinch-me moment” in an interview with The Southern Star. “Being part of the Coronation Street 65th anniversary episode is very, very cool and exciting,” he said. “I remember watching this show growing up, so it’s a bit surreal. I’ll be back home in Cork watching all the drama unfold with the family!”
From Cork to Corrie—A Career in UK Soaps
O’Callaghan is no stranger to soap fans. With his debut on Coronation Street as a character named Alan, he becomes the first Irish actor to star in all three of the UK’s major soaps.
He previously played matchmaker Mike in Emmerdale (2018) and gained notoriety in EastEnders as villain Lewis Butler. His role in Corrie solidifies his place as one of Ireland’s most versatile and recognizable soap talents.
On social media, Aidan built hype for his Coronation Street debut, teasing: “The calm before the storm… Corrie’s 65th anniversary next week is about to go OFF #Corrie65”. He also posted a behind-the-scenes snap with Pauline McLynn, best known for playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted.
Drama, Flashbacks, and Family Secrets
The 65th anniversary special will feature a flashback to Maggie Driscoll’s birthday party, revealing long-buried family trauma for Ben Driscoll. With Aidan’s character Alan entering the picture during a tense time in Weatherfield, speculation is mounting about his role in the unfolding drama.
ITV has hinted that the anniversary episode will explore Ben’s childhood secrets, adding emotional weight and high-stakes tension to the milestone hour. Whether Alan is friend or foe remains to be seen.
From Hamilton High to Soap History
O’Callaghan’s path to fame has been anything but conventional. A graduate of Hamilton High School in Bandon, he studied pharmacology at Trinity College Dublin before shifting focus to acting. His early experience working in his family’s pub in Tower helped land him the EastEnders barman role that became his breakout moment.
Now, with six million viewers expected to tune in, Aidan O’Callaghan steps into the world’s longest-running TV soap, joining a legacy that dates back to 1960.