Jason Done, the 53-year-old actor best known for his roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, is set to join the cast of ITV's Emmerdale as a new villain, according to reports. The character, named Steve, is described as having a surprising connection to the village, promising to stir up trouble in the Dales.
Major Coup for Emmerdale
An insider told The Sun: "This is a huge coup for Emmerdale. They've had massive success with other soap's stars joining the cast and the hope is that Jason will be another hit." The source added that Jason's character is "a new villain with a surprising connection to the village."
Done first appeared on Coronation Street in the 1990s as PC Bathurst and also starred in The Bill in 1996. However, he is perhaps most recognised for his long-running role as teacher Tom Clarkson in Waterloo Road. His recent credits include Brassic and Death in Paradise.
Emmerdale's Recent Cast Developments
ITV confirmed to the Mirror that Done would portray a character named Steve, though further details remain under wraps. The news comes alongside the return of Chris Coghill as Kev Townsend, which was kept secret from co-star Bradley Riches until a producers' meeting.
Bradley Riches, 24, who plays a role in Emmerdale, admitted he had to feign surprise when the soap's bosses announced Chris Coghill's comeback. He told the Mirror: "Obviously he did the little stint last year, didn't he? It came out September to December, and then he secretly messaged me in February, and he was like, 'I think I might be coming back... don't obviously tell anyone'."
Riches added: "Before I went to get married, I had a meeting with the producers, and they were like, 'so Chris is coming back', and I went, 'no way!' Like, it's a surprise, but I knew he was coming back anyway." He praised Coghill's acting instincts, saying: "That man, he's one of those people who, you watch him do scenes and stuff like that, and he is a guy who just goes with instincts as an actor."
Emmerdale Airs on ITV
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.
