Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has landed a new acting role outside the ITV soap, and fans are already speculating how his character David Platt could be temporarily written out of the cobbles. Shepherd, who has played David since 2000, will make his pantomime debut this Christmas as the Prince in Sleeping Beauty at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, running from December 12 to January 2.
Shepherd said: "I'm delighted to be joining the cast in Llandudno this festive season and can't wait to entertain audiences in this year's pantomime."
Fan Theories for David's Exit
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, viewers quickly began speculating about how the soap might write David out to accommodate Shepherd's panto commitments. One fan commented: "I wonder how they are going to write David out to appear in Panto." Another suggested: "Probably visit his mum," referring to Gail Platt, who left Weatherfield for France earlier this year. A third agreed: "He'll just visit Gail." A fourth added: "Easy takes the baby to visit Gail."
David's Recent Storylines
David has been at the centre of numerous dramatic plots, including the heartbreaking death of his first wife Kylie (Paula Lane) and a profoundly affecting male rape storyline. In recent weeks, his troubled sister-in-law Jodie Ramsay (Olivia Frances-Brown) has been causing havoc, even trying to seduce David while he was intoxicated by posing as his half-sister Shona (Julia Goulding) in bed.
Shepherd's Personal News
Earlier this week, Shepherd and his wife Hanni Treweek welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Constance Ita Shepherd, born at home on June 26. Shepherd already has three children from previous relationships: Nyla Rae and Ruben with ex-girlfriend Lauren Shippey, and son Greyson with former partner Sammy Milewski. The couple announced the birth on Instagram, posting a photo and writing: "Constance Ita Shepherd. Our beautiful baby girl has arrived, born peacefully at home, surrounded by love."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
