Nicholas Cochrane, best known for playing Andy McDonald on Coronation Street, has forged a diverse career since leaving the iconic soap in 1997. The 49-year-old actor, who first appeared on the cobbles in 1989 alongside Simon Gregson as twin brothers, was written out when a new producer arrived. His character moved to Spain for a teaching job, but the door was left open for returns, which he made in 2000, 2004, and 2009.
After Coronation Street, Cochrane appeared in ITV's Heartbeat as golfer Barray Scripps, and in 2019, he starred in Doctors as Dean Telford. He also ventured into theatre, touring with Spring and Port Wine and performing in pantomimes such as Cinderella and Aladdin. In 2004, he co-launched a soap magazine called Into Soap Media LTD, but it struggled against established competitors and was short-lived.
Cochrane has also worked as a TV presenter for Granada TV and MUTV, interviewing football stars like Roy Keane and David Beckham. He continues to connect with Coronation Street through documentaries, including The Kids from Coronation Street and Farewell Liz. In a 2019 appearance on This Morning, he hinted at a possible return, saying his character provides an excuse for other characters to go on holiday to Spain.
Now living in Manchester with his wife Denise and their two children, Cochrane enjoys watching and playing sports in his spare time. His acting days remain active, with guest roles on shows like Loose Women and Celebrity Eggheads.
