Corrie's Ryan Russell addresses the future of his character's storyline

STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before 0001hrs Saturday 06/04/19 Coronation Street New Bailey Family Dad Edison Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) Mum Aggie Bailey (Lorna Laidlaw) Older son Michael Bailey (Ryan Russell) Yellow Jacket Younger son James Bailey (Nathan Graham). Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms (Image credit: Joseph Scanlon)

This week viewers saw Michael Bailey - played by Ryan Russell - be reunited with his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, Grace.

But the chance meeting outside Freshco is just the beginning of a brand new storyline for Michael - as he realises he has a secret child with Grace.

After seeing his daughter, Tianna, for the first time Michael instantly knows he needs to fight to play a part in her life - which means proving himself to Grace.

Divulging more about what viewers can expect from this storyline, Ryan explained, "Michael wants to better himself for the sake of Tianna and potentially his new family.

FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before 0001hrs Saturday 06/04/19 Coronation Street New Bailey Family Dad Edison Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) Mum Aggie Bailey (Lorna Laidlaw) Older son Michael Bailey (Ryan Russell) Yellow Jacket Younger son James Bailey (Nathan Graham). Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms (Image credit: Joseph Scanlon)

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"He wants to prove something to Grace – that he's a changed man, he's responsible and he's got his life together. He's always had lots of energy with his business schemes, but now he needs to focus all that energy into making money to provide for his daughter."

On being reunited with his secret daughter, Ryan said, "Straight away when he sees Tianna for the first time he feels that's his daughter. He feels a sense of responsibility straight away to take care of his child."

Although viewers saw Michael beg Grace to let him be part of their daughter's life, she's made no promises. And it's clear it's going to be a battle Michael needs to be willing to fight.

"He's going to try really hard to get the access because he wants to be a dad who's there and present and providing," Ryan added. "He needs to try and work hard to win Grace over and prove that he is responsible and he is the man to do that."

Ryan said Tianna is the "purpose" Michael needs in his life in order to remain focussed.

"It means everything to him to get to know his daughter. He's looking for purpose and for something to drive him to be successful in his life, so I think it means the world to him. He's had his head in the clouds and been a little bit lost at times but now he's got a reason to try and prove himself."

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And, while now the focus appears to be on Tianna, Ryan said he wouldn't rule out Michael and Grace eventually rekindling their flame.

"I think his main focus is to get to know his daughter, but maybe there's still a little flame there that will grow as he gets to see his daughter a bit more."

Georgia normally writes across Woman & Home and Goodto specializing in all things royal. She has also written for What to Watch. Labeled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows exactly who's who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind: "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."