Coronation Street newbie Rebecca Ryan has a real life brother already on the soap

CORONATION Street newbie Rebecca Ryan is joining her sibling on the iconic Weatherfield set.

The former Shameless actress, 30, who has also starred in Waterloo Road, will step foot on the Cobbles as Lydia next week.

Yet joining Coronation Street's stellar cast might not be as daunting for her as it is for most, as her brother Jack James Ryan will be on hand for tips.

ITV viewers will recognise the actor for his role as bad boy Jacob Hay - a character who was instrumental in getting Simon Barlow involved in a drugs ring.

Meanwhile soap bosses have confirmed Lydia will cause "damage" of a different kind when she strikes up a friendship with Sarah-Lou Platt.

A spokesperson said: "After the dramatic events of 2021 you would think the residents of Britain’s favourite street would be looking for a quieter start to 2022, but although the storm clouds gathering this time are metaphorical, there may be just as much damage.

"Sarah and Adam are hoping to cement their relationship by starting a family, but when Sarah’s new friend Lydia turns out to be someone from Adam’s past, could all Sarah’s dreams turn to nightmares?"

Proud brother Jack recently took to his Instagram page to reveal Rebecca;'s major new role.

In a heart-warming message, typed alongside the two of them outside Corrie's Rovers Return pub, he wrote: "Still can’t believe this is happening but I’m beyond proud to finally announce my ridiculously talented sister @rebeccaryan___ is joining the cast of @coronationstreet.

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"When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I’d say 'an actor on TV like my big sister.'

"You’ve been my biggest inspiration and I’ll never be able to articulate just how proud I am to be your little bro.

"They say never work with family but on this occasion I’d like to strongly disagree.

"Can’t wait for Lydia to hit our screens in December so make sure to keep an eye out to see what she gets up to!"

He rounded off his sweet message with the words: "Love you Bex."

She was first to respond as she gushed back: "Love you Jacky Man!!"

Telly fans will know Rebecca as she played young Debbie Gallagher on Shameless from the age of 12.

Debbie eventually left to join the army, but actress Rebecca went down a different route completely - joining BBC series Waterloo Road as Vicki MacDonald from 2009 to 2011, and Gemma Dean in Casualty from 2017 to 2019.

She also underwent a very glam makeover with her Instagram page filled with summery outfits, stunning photoshoots and days out with her pals.