Coronation Street has confirmed the casting of Joe Layton and Farrel Hegarty as new "nightmare neighbours" Mick and Lou Michaelis.
The two new characters were first announced last month by producer Kate Brooks, who revealed that they will strike up a friendship with Chesney (Sam Aston) and Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell).
Their arrival in Mawdsley Street, at the back of Chesney and Gemma's house, marks the first time that the soap has featured regular characters and scenes from across the ginnel.
Lou is first seen on February 12, when she and Gemma recognise each other from Bessie Street School, where Gemma's quads and Lou's two young daughters attend.
Husband Mick follows in the episode on February 14, when it is revealed that he is the man in the van who has been causing Chesney hell for some weeks.
The couple are "determined to create upheaval" now that they are on the Street and first set their sights on Kit (Jacob Roberts), with whom they have a prior connection and look set to expose his "secretive past".
"Chaotic and loud, Mick and Lou bulldoze their way into Weatherfield, causing absolute carnage for the residents of Coronation Street," said Brooks.
"Their relationship is volatile to say the least, but at the heart of it lies a fierce sense of family loyalty, and woe betide anyone who tries to come between them. Although they're the life and soul of any party, they're equally not everyone's cup of tea, and they soon find themselves at the root of some explosive drama.
"We're thrilled to introduce these new characters into the mix, and the cobbles certainly won't be quiet with this family around."
Of playing Lou, Hegarty said: "Lou is definitely an exciting character to play because she's got good and bad parts to her, she's a life force and full of beans. She's a very colourful person who likes to make waves and try to cause chaos.
"But she also has that strong family loyalty, especially between Mick and Lou, they are thick as thieves and will stick up for each other, even when they probably shouldn't..."
Layton added: "Coronation Street is such an institute in British television and to get to walk down the cobbles in Mick's shoes is so exciting. To also do it alongside Farrel is awesome - we are having great fun together and connecting really well whilst developing our characters.
"It also gives the opportunity to get a look behind the curtain of this huge machine and be a small cog within the big picture of Coronation Street and to work alongside people who take such pride in their work. It's just a really happy place, friendly and welcoming. I'm going to relish every moment of it."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7am on ITVX and at 8pm on ITV1.
> Picture Spoilers: Next week on Coronation Street (Feb 3-5)
Neil Wilkes
Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025
