Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas has shared exciting news about his teenage daughter's burgeoning music career. The 41-year-old star revealed that 17-year-old Scarlett Thomas is preparing to fly to Nashville, Tennessee, to record with acclaimed songwriter Julien Bunetta, best known for his work with global pop phenomenon One Direction.
A Proud Father's Revelation
Speaking on his popular podcast, At Home With The Thomas Brothers, Ryan Thomas expressed immense family pride as he discussed his daughter's remarkable opportunity. "What's unbelievable about all this," Ryan explained, "is the guy that she signed to, the boys that she signed to, have two other brothers who own the record label in the States - and this guy is called Julian Bunetta."
The actor went on to describe Bunetta's significant standing in the music industry, stating: "In the music industry he's probably the biggest thing right now. And Scarlett is now next month flying out to his house to record in show. And this is in Nashville. In Nashville, she's staying there for a week."
Following Musical Dreams
Scarlett, who Ryan shares with his ex-partner and fellow Coronation Street actress Tina O'Brien, has been building her musical presence through regular TikTok performances where she showcases her vocal talents. Her journey to this professional recording opportunity began earlier this month when Ryan proudly announced she had secured a record deal with Big Family Music.
Reflecting on the Nashville trip's significance, Ryan emotionally shared: "How crazy is that? And she said, 'Dad I like about pinch myself, like, what is going on.' And it's just crazy to think that she's going to be in that studio in Nashville, where music is basically originating from, where all the creative music people live, and she's going to be in and around it, just living and breathing and potentially like a song that we're all going to hear on the radio one day."
Celebrating the Record Deal
Two weeks prior to this announcement, Ryan commemorated Scarlett's signing with Big Family Music by sharing a heartfelt restaurant photograph of them together. Alongside this image, he posted a nostalgic video from five years earlier showing a 12-year-old Scarlett singing A Million Dreams in the same establishment.
"Today is one of the best days of my life," Ryan wrote emotionally. "Watching my little girl sign a record deal is a moment I will cherish forever. The stars were all aligned today. As we turned up at the restaurant to sign the deal Scarlett said 'I've been here before dad!!' & then we found this video. Stood on the chair in front of all her family singing A Million Dreams & here we are 5 years later making her dream come true."
Scarlett's Own Words
The teenage singer-actress herself expressed gratitude and excitement about her career development. Sharing a photograph of herself signing the contract, Scarlett wrote: "Wow what an experience I have had so far and what an experience I'm about to have, I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity. Today was a life changing moment for me, I've been working hard behind the scenes but I can now finally share it with you all. I can't wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music."
Educational Choices and Family Support
This musical breakthrough follows recent controversy surrounding Scarlett's educational decisions. The teenager, who appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road in 2023, revealed through a TikTok video that she chose not to sit her GCSE examinations, instead focusing on her entertainment career aspirations.
When online critics questioned this parental decision, Ryan Thomas firmly defended the family's choice. Responding directly to criticism, he asked: "Is it even anyone's business or concern though?"
It's important to note that while most young people in England do undertake GCSEs, these examinations are not legally mandated under the Education Act of 1996. Students have the option to pursue alternative qualifications or leave formal education at age sixteen.
A Musical Pedigree
Julien Bunetta, the songwriter now collaborating with Scarlett, established his reputation through his work on One Direction's 2012 album Take Me Home. Since that breakthrough, he has worked with numerous prominent artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Teddy Swims, bringing considerable industry experience to this new partnership.
Scarlett comes from a family deeply embedded in British television. Her mother Tina O'Brien remains a Coronation Street regular, while her uncle Adam Thomas achieved household name status through appearances in Waterloo Road and other popular series. Scarlett herself made her television debut in Waterloo Road, following in her family's entertainment footsteps while developing her distinct musical path.
As Scarlett prepares for her Nashville recording session, the Thomas family celebrates what Ryan describes as a dream coming true for his daughter. With professional guidance from one of pop music's most successful songwriters and the support of her showbusiness family, Scarlett Thomas appears poised to make her mark on the music industry.
