Coronation Street viewers have been left stunned after discovering the real age of Anya Dewin, the actress who plays newcomer Lucy Parkinson on the ITV soap.
Lucy first appeared on the show this month as the daughter of Tim Metcalfe's (Joe Duttine) estranged cousin Richie (Nathan Sussex). Following a reunion after years apart, Richie opened up to Tim about difficulties in his marriage to wife Rachel, admitting they were experiencing a turbulent period.
Shocking twist in the storyline
Events took a shocking twist when Tim arrived at Richie's home only to discover him wearing a blood-stained shirt with Rachel deceased on the floor. Before long, Richie was taken into custody for his wife's murder and has since been imprisoned.
With her father behind bars, Lucy was set to be placed with foster carers, but Tim succeeded in convincing his wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) to allow them to take Lucy in, with Lucy now residing at No. 4, reports the Daily Star.
Fans react to Anya's age
Nevertheless, it is evident that Lucy is finding things difficult, and the youngster has displayed a troubling side as well. In Monday's episode (August 24), she sparked a row with Joanie Michaelis (Savanna Pennington), concerning her mum Lou (Farrel Hegarty) being incarcerated.
As for actress Anya, she joined the ITV soap as Lucy earlier this year, just months after completing school. Anya finished year 13 this summer, indicating she would be 18.
Responding to her actual age, one person on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page commented: "Anya Dewin, who plays Lucy on Corrie, is 18 years old in real life." Someone else replied: "No way!" A third responded: "Who! ! Not that!"
Warm welcome from cast
Meanwhile, Lucy actress Anya Dewin has already received a warm reception from her fellow cast members. Following her debut appearance last week, actor Tony Maudsley, who portrays Weatherfield's George Shuttleworth, shared a photo on Instagram featuring the pair alongside several of their co-stars.
He wrote alongside the post: "It's a HUGE day for our new girl on the cobbles @anyadewinx. Not only did she storm her A' Level results this morning.. It's also her first appearance on screen with us lot tonight as Lucy Parkinson (we'll need eyes in the back of our heads with this one! ) Fasten your seatbelts! ! Welcome aboard the crazy train, Anya [heart emoji] #Corrie."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
