"I’m looking forward to getting some decent storylines coming my way!”
The introduction of a new producer is always a rocky time for soap actors. It has become the norm for new bosses to come along and shake things up a bit, making their mark on the show. But with former Coronation Street producer Kate Oates departing for pastures new at EastEnders, ex Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod has arrived at Corrie, and Mikey North (who plays Gary Windass) is looking forward to the future…
“I’ve had a bit of time off over the last few months,” the actor tells us. “I was lucky enough to have the summer at home and have been doing other projects like learning to drive on All Star Driving School (weeknights from Monday 3rd Sept at 7.30pm on E4), which was the most terrifying time of my life - and that includes filming live Corrie episodes,” he jokes to us.
“The team at Corrie will be pleased if I pass my test because it’s been a bit embarrassing seeing as I play a character who drives a van. They’ve always had to tow me and I pretended to drive, so it would be great if I could drive for real!”
After a tough year on the soap, filming back-to-back as his alter ego Gary Windass fought to bring down Weatherfield super villain Pat Phelan, it’s no surprise that Mikey needed a break. But with the summer coming to a close, the actor, who has been at Corrie since 2008, is now ready to get stuck in once again.
“I haven’t got a clue what is coming up for Gary, the last few weeks have been fairly quiet but I’m hoping the new producer has got something exciting planned.”
But what could be on the cards? Wedding bells with Sarah Platt? Getting caught up in the latest Lewis Archer scandal? Surely not another serial killer to bring to justice? “Sometimes it’s best not to know,” Mikey laughs.
“I like finding out what Gary’s going to be getting up to from just reading the scripts rather than being told in advance. I’m ready to be busy again now and hopefully get some decent stuff coming my way.”
Written by Claire Crick.
