Ben Thompson, the original actor to play Ryan Prescott on Coronation Street, has moved on to a new career as a Frank Sinatra-style tribute act after being let go from the soap in 2010.
Ben joined the ITV soap in 2006 as Ryan, son of Michelle Connor played by Kym Marsh. He remained on the cobbles until 2010. When the character returned in 2012, he was played by Sol Heras for a year, and since 2018, Ryan Prescott has taken on the role.
Departure from Coronation Street
According to Ben, he was "sad" after being let go. He told The Bolton News in 2010: "It wasn't my choice to leave Coronation Street, but a new producer came in and wanted to shake things up. I am one of the characters that sadly wasn't part of the plan." He added: "I am sad, because it has been the biggest part of my life for the past four years. It has given me the freedom to work on my music, though."
Ben also shared his upset with The People in 2013, as reported by The Mirror: "When I said I couldn't see any lines for Ryan, he just said, 'We're sending Ryan off to university in Glasgow, and we won't be renewing your contract'. It was absolutely terrible. I felt like my whole world was crumbling around me. Even talking about it is hard."
Life after acting
After leaving, Ben turned to another career, suggesting he had left acting behind. His last role was in 2015's Fungus the Bogeyman, playing Bogey Sentry. Now, he works as a Frank Sinatra-style tribute act, performing at weddings, parties, and holiday camps. His musical repertoire also includes BritPop and acoustic sets.
He was a member of the Rusholme Ruffians, an indie group influenced by Manchester bands. Before Corrie, Ben starred in the 2002 film Re-Inventing Eddie and featured in the BBC children's comedy Stupid! from 2004 to 2007.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
