Coronation Street fans were stunned to discover that newcomer Nathan Sussex, who plays Richie Parkinson, has a surprising connection to actor Jacob Roberts, known for his role as DC Kit Green.
Nathan Sussex made his debut as Richie on the cobbles during Thursday's (August 6) episode, now streaming on ITVX. Tim Metcalfe, played by Joe Duttine, was surprised to pick up his cousin Richie, whom he hadn't seen in years, as a fare in the precinct. With Sally away, Tim invited Richie over for drinks with his friends.
Richie's Arrival and Backstory
As Tim and Richie reminisced about their childhood, Tim's best friend Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, felt excluded. Later, Richie confided in Tim about his unhappy marriage, and Tim offered him a place to stay for the night.
Some Corrie fans may recall that Nathan Sussex previously appeared in a rival soap. He notably played villain Buster Smith in Hollyoaks, appearing primarily between January 2018 and January 2019. Buster was a youth football coach central to a hard-hitting storyline on child sexual abuse and grooming in sports.
Hollyoaks Connection
Buster used his position at his football academy to groom aspiring teenage footballer Ollie Morgan, played by Aedan Duckworth, and was revealed to have historically abused Brody Hudson, played by Adam Woodward. The storyline ended with an emotional trial where Buster was found guilty of sexual assault and sentenced to six years in prison.
Buster was the father of Damon Kinsella, who initially refused to believe his dad was capable of such crimes. Damon was played by Jacob Roberts, who now stars as DC Kit Green in Corrie. Kit is currently involved in a dramatic plot as he tries to get his girlfriend Sarah Platt, played by Tina O'Brien, out of prison.
Fan Reactions and Upcoming Storyline
Soap fans quickly recognised Nathan Sussex, with one Facebook user writing: "Hollyoaks Buster the abuser!" Another added: "Hollyoaks he was the football coach who sexually abused boys," while a third asked: "Was he the abusive footy coach in Hollyoaks?"
Upcoming Corrie spoilers reveal that Richie will be embroiled in a murder investigation, leaving Tim and Sally to care for his daughter, Lucy. The plot is set to test Tim and Sally, with producer Kate Brooks previously revealing: "It's a bit of a curveball and it comes from slightly left field. But it absolutely upends their lives. It's how they navigate that situation going forward."
Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
