Coronation Street has announced the casting of Ian Burfield, a former EastEnders and The Bill actor, as the long-lost father of Weatherfield legend Tyrone Dobbs. Burfield will play Ross, Tyrone's father, with his first scenes set to air next week.
Ian Burfield's Role and Background
Ian Burfield previously appeared in EastEnders as DCI Peter Arthurs and played various characters in The Bill. His character Ross arrives in Weatherfield after Tyrone's daughters, Hope and Ruby, send off a DNA sample and trace their grandfather.
Tyrone's Family Expansion
Tyrone discovered his biological mother, Cassie Plummer (played by Claire Sweeney), three years ago. Cassie, a drug user, is the estranged daughter of Evelyn Plummer. Now, Tyrone's family grows further with the arrival of his father.
In upcoming scenes, Cassie notices Hope and Ruby engrossed in an email on Hope's phone but they refuse to explain, saying it's a surprise for Tyrone. At the Rovers, Tyrone and Fiz share prosecco but their romantic mood is interrupted by Cassie, Steve McDonald, and Tracy Barlow. Cassie later proposes to Tyrone in the cab office.
Cassie's Dilemma
Feeling let down by Steve, Cassie sees him helping Tracy with a flower delivery and, deciding to drown her sorrows, heads to the Chariot Square bar. After drinking vodka, she makes a pass at a man at the bar, unaware that Steve is looking for her. Later, a self-loathing Cassie returns home and accepts Hope's invitation to a family meal at the Bistro. When Steve tells Cassie he wants to forget the last few days, she hides her guilt.
Surprise Arrival
Hope and Ruby reveal their surprise: they sent off a sample of Tyrone's DNA, traced his dad, and Ross is now at the Bistro. The family reacts as Ross enters.
Speaking about the storyline, actor Alan Halsall (Tyrone) said: "I love it. When Tyrone first came into the show, he was essentially on his own. So, to have four generations of family built around myself and Fiz—it makes me really proud as an actor. Multigenerational storytelling is something I really associate with Coronation Street."
About Ian Burfield joining, Halsall added: "I definitely recognised his face, but doing the screen tests with him really stood out. He's a big, imposing chap, but he's so laid back and calm. I'm really enjoying working with him and getting to know him off-screen, which is a bonus."
