First photos of Ryan Thomas on the set of Neighbours as he joins the cast as bad boy Rafael Humphreys
CORONATION Street hunk Ryan Thomas has traded in Weatherfield for Ramsay Street to play a "handsome devil" bad boy in Aussie soap Neighbours.
The actor, 32, has been revealed as the latest cast member for the long-running series, and will take on the role of loner Rafael Humphreys.
He's set to make a mark Down Under as soon as he arrives on-screen, with producers promising the dark plot line will "see him confront a difficult chapter from his past."
Telly addicts won't have too long to wait to see the northerner in his first acting job since Corrie's Jason Grimshaw, with scenes set to air early next year.
Talking of his return to soaps Ryan, who is dating ex Towie beauty Lucy Mecklenburgh, said: “I grew up watching Neighbours so to get the chance to join the cast is amazing.
“I was on holiday with my daughter when I got a phone call from my agent asking if I’d like to play this part.
"I spoke to the producer and found out more - it was very different from anything I’d played before - it was quite a deep, dark story, that really interested me.
“It’s a new challenge and I can’t wait to start filming.”
Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5 added: “With his good looks and Corrie years under his belt, Ryan is the perfect handsome devil.
"His arrival in Erinsborough marks the start of darker times for a particular Ramsay St favourite. Prepare to be gripped.”
The Salford lad quit ITV soap Corrie in 2016.
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Fans most recently saw him battle the elements in gritty survival show Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, where he first saw sparks fly with Lucy.
Neighbours airs Monday - Friday on Channel 5 at 1.45pm and 5.30pm
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