Coronation Street has officially welcomed Rebecca Ryan onto the cast – sister of Jacob Hay actor Jack James Ryan.

Recognised for turns in Casualty, Shameless and Waterloo Road, the 30-year-old's character Lydia is set to arrive in Weatherfield on Friday, December 10 – entering the Sarah and Adam Barlow plot.

rebecca ryan as gemma dean in casualty
Alistair Heap//BBC

Related: Coronation Street's Nina makes a big decision in Kelly attack scenes

In the episode, Sarah attends a meeting with client Gavin and his PA, Lydia, but as they strike a deal, the latter notices Sarah's unwell appearance, wondering whether she could be pregnant.

When Sarah later reveals to Adam that there's a chance she's carrying a baby, he's ecstatic over the prospect as this'll cement their future together.

The soap previously teased Lydia's arrival and suggested she will be around for a while, revealing that when Sarah discovers that Lydia plays a part in Adam's past, a black cloud could ruin their sunshine.

sarah and adam barlow in coronation street
ITV

Related: Coronation Street star highlights airport discrimination after being called for body search

In other news, Waterloo Road is being revived by the BBC six years on from its cancellation.

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, shared in a statement: "Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-COVID Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education.

"We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format – its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama – at a time when audiences across Britain need it most, and to be collaborating with the brilliant [executive producer] Cameron Roach and Wall To Wall on its return."

"The vital and urgent stories that are playing out in schools across the UK provide incredible and emotionally powerful themes, that we’re excited to bring to a new generation of fans," added Roach himself.

The upcoming 11th series will be based and filmed in Greater Manchester.

Coronation Street airs these scenes on Friday, December 10 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage


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Dan Seddon

Reporter, Digital Spy 

Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment

In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.