Coronation Street star reveals he worked at Asda before landing role

AFTER a stint in Game of Thrones, Michael Condron is having the time of his life in the cobbles.

But before he rose to fame in Coronation Street, the soap newcomer led a very different life and even worked at Asda.

The 46-year-old was recently cast as eco-warrior Griff who is stirring up trouble in Weatherfield alongside Spider Nugent and Toyah Battersby.

Speaking to the about his first steps on the Salford set, Michael said: "I honestly couldn’t have wished for a warmer welcome from the established stars on the Street."

"But I was genuinely star-struck when I met some of the cast, particularly Maureen Lipman (who plays Evelyn Plummer) whom I have admired for ages in a series of roles in the theatre, the movies and on television."

The Canadian-born star - who has spent most of his life in Belfast - has since received the support of Peter Barlow actor Chris Gascoyne on set to practice a Manchester accent, years after playing the part of Bowen Marsh in HBO's Game of Thrones.

However, some of his fans may be surprised to know his rise to prominence in the Manchester-based drama started from a small job in Asda.

Michael worked part-time as a driver for the company in north Belfast and left the job reluctantly for his role in Coronation Street.

"Asda were very good to me during lockdown and I really didn’t want to leave them in the lurch but they knew Corrie was too good a chance for me to turn down", he said.

"And indeed I have been back to do some shifts recently because they needed drivers and I look forward to doing more if the situation arises in the future."

Michael added: "I really loved the driving which took me all over the place. I was with great people who were really chilled and it was liberating for me not to be worrying about where my next theatre or TV work was coming from."

While he promises some big twists and turns for Griff, Michael admitted he doesn't know whether his on-screen alter ego will make it past Christmas.

"I’m just delighted with what I have got and it’s good for me and my career going forward", he said.

For the time being, the Corrie star continues to spend time away from his beloved Belfast and accepts that his role in the Street will get him some more recognition from the public.

"But that comes with the territory and I suppose it will probably grow and grow", he asserted.

How will Griff get along in the cobbles?

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.