A familiar face from the cobbles of Weatherfield has made a surprising return to the spotlight. Rupert Hill, best known for playing Jamie Baldwin on ITV's Coronation Street between 2004 and 2008, is stepping back in front of the camera and behind the director's chair after a lengthy hiatus spent running pubs in Manchester.
From Soap Heartthrob to Pub Landlord
After leaving the popular soap, the 47-year-old actor swapped the drama of the Rovers Return for the very real business of pulling pints. Hill, alongside his wife and former co-star Jenny Platt, who played his on-screen love interest Violet Wilson, built a successful career in the hospitality trade. The couple co-own and have renovated several Manchester venues, including the Castle Hotel, Gulliver's, and the Eagle Inn.
His passion for revitalising community pubs was clear. He once told the Manchester Evening News about his drive for "taking weary and underperforming pubs with bags of potential" and "breathing new life into them." Last year, he also announced the takeover and planned refurbishment of Lloyds bar in Chorlton.
A Creative Comeback to Film and Stage
Despite his success in the bar industry, the lure of acting proved strong. Hill has recently embarked on a quiet but steady return to performing. His new short film, Operation Magpie, is now available to watch on YouTube. For the project, he not only starred but also co-directed, collaborating with another Coronation Street icon, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Hayley Cropper.
His stage work has also resumed. Earlier this month, he appeared in the Christmas show Tinsel at The Edge theatre in Manchester. This follows a performance in The Fire Raisers at the Hope Mill Theatre in September. Furthermore, Hill has directed the touring production of Mike Bartlett's play COCK, showcasing his skills behind the scenes.
Life After the Cobbles
Rupert Hill's connection to Manchester, where Coronation Street is filmed, became permanent after his time on the soap. He fell in love with the city and now resides in its trendy Northern Quarter. His character, Jamie Baldwin—the son of Danny Baldwin, played by Bradley Walsh—was a notorious heartbreaker involved in a major storyline where he had an affair with his step-mother, Frankie (Deborah Stephenson).
Last month, Hill shared a nostalgic throwback of his character on social media, hinting at the mischief he caused. While his post-soap career included roles in The Bill, Hollyoaks, and Midsomer Murders, his primary focus for years has been his pub ventures. This new chapter marks a fascinating dual career for the actor, successfully balancing business ownership with his revitalised creative pursuits.
