Former Coronation Street Star Opens Up About Audition Disappointment
Luca Toolan, best known for his role as Mason Radcliffe on the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, has spoken openly about a recent audition experience that did not go as planned. The actor, who left the show in early 2025, described the opportunity as the biggest role of his career, but admitted he crumbled under pressure during the process.
From Weatherfield to a Major Audition
Toolan joined Coronation Street in 2023, portraying the character of Mason Radcliffe, a school bully who terrorised Liam Connor, played by Charlie Wrenshall. His storyline involved a dramatic turn when Mason was sent to a Young Offenders centre, later returning to Weatherfield in an attempt to reform. However, in January 2025, the character met a tragic end, stabbed by his brothers with a zombie knife, leading to Toolan's exit from the soap.
Since leaving the cobbles, Toolan has remained active in the entertainment industry, with plans to direct his own film and pursue new acting opportunities. In a recent social media post, he revealed details of an audition for a role he considered highly significant, sharing insights into the challenges he faced.
The Audition Process and Its Pitfalls
On his TikTok account, Toolan posted a video documenting his journey to the audition, captioned POV: Recall Audition for Paul McCartney (Beatles TV show). The clips showed him preparing and driving to the location, where he expressed hopes for good luck. In a follow-up video, he provided a candid account of what transpired.
Toolan explained that upon arriving at the casting office, a conversation with a casting associate threw him off balance. She mentioned that he was the only Paul they would see that day, which immediately shifted his focus. He realised he was among a small group of final candidates, likely five or six, for what he described as a career-defining role.
This revelation caused his energy to shift from the audition process itself to the potential outcome. He noted, the moment you take your eyes off the process, the moment you drop the ball and your nervous system goes into loss prevention. As a result, when he entered the room to meet the casting director and perform his read, his performance fell flat, failing to match the quality of his initial tape submission.
Lessons Learned and Fan Support
Reflecting on the experience, Toolan emphasised the importance of maintaining a child-like level of detachment and avoiding placing excessive importance on achieving specific goals. He advised treating opportunities with less seriousness and imagining oneself without them to reduce pressure.
His honest confession resonated with fans, who flooded social media with messages of support. One fan commented, You have a very wise head on such young shoulders. I wish I had these insights when I was your age. What's meant for you won't go past you. Another added, The journey isn't easy but keep climbing, you're naturally talented. Coronation Street lost an amazing actor. Good luck in your future ventures.
Toolan's story highlights the often-unseen pressures actors face in competitive auditions, offering a glimpse into the emotional and professional challenges of the entertainment industry.
