Coronation Street's newest face Fraser made his first appearance this week – but viewers may recognise the actor from somewhere else.
Fraser arrived on the famous cobbles as the close friend and neighbour of Celeste (Frances Barber), who is utilising Shuttleworth's Independent Funeral Directors to plan her own funeral arrangements.
Making his way into Shuttleworth's alongside Celeste, Fraser quickly caught the eye of a besotted Glenda Shuttleworth (Jodie Prenger), with the two heading off for drinks at the Rovers Return.
Previous Cobbles Role
As for the man behind Fraser, actor Chris Grahamson is no newcomer to television. He actually appeared in Coronation Street previously between 2010 and 2011, portraying a church pastor on the ITV soap who featured prominently throughout Sophie Webster's (Brooke Vincent) coming out storyline, reports the Daily Star.
Initially condemning Sophie and Sian Powers' (Sacha Parkinson) same-sex relationship as "sinful", his character eventually came to embrace their romance and even rescued Sophie after she plummeted from the church roof.
Notable TV and Film Credits
Chris' additional acting credits include the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots, Billy Elliot: The Musical Live in 2014, and 2021's Modern Love.
Meanwhile, Celeste actress Frances Barber boasts a career stretching across nearly five decades, having appeared in Doctor Who, Cold Feet, Casualty and Friday Night Dinner, as well as joining the cast of ITV sitcom Benidorm in 2016, playing the role of Daisy. Beyond her television roles, Frances boasts an incredibly accomplished theatre career.
She's appeared in Royal Shakespeare Company productions alongside Sir Ian McKellen. Furthermore, the Wolverhampton-born actress has received two Olivier Award nominations for her stage performances and featured in films such as Prick Up Your Ears and An Ideal Husband.
Praise for Frances Barber
Speaking to Digital Spy, Amy Robbins - who portrays Christina Boyd - expressed glowing praise for Frances, revealing "it was an utter thrill when she turned up" and said she "couldn't believe it."
She said: "She's playing a relative of Bernie's. I have to say she is just so perfect for Corrie – she's everything Corrie women should be! Glamorous, a bit tough round the edges, but soft in the centre – just wonderful."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
