Soap Star's Surprising Role in Fantasy Epic Revealed
Devotees of Coronation Street have made a fascinating discovery linking the long-running soap opera to the expansive world of Westeros. Actor Bill Ward, who portrayed the notorious villain Charlie Stubbs for over three years on the ITV staple, has joined the cast of the highly anticipated Game of Thrones spin-off series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
From Weatherfield to Westeros: A Career Transition
The fantasy drama, which premiered on Sky and NOW on January 18, 2026, serves as a direct prequel to the original Game of Thrones saga. It chronicles the adventures of the hedge knight Dunk, played by Peter Claffey, and his young squire Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell. The series has already garnered critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 95 per cent review score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has been swiftly renewed for a second season.
While the cast includes established names like Bertie Carvel and Daniel Ings, it is Ward's inclusion that has particularly captured the attention of British television audiences. In the new series, he takes on the role of Ser Donnel of Duskendale, a sworn member of King Daeron II's Kingsguard. This marks a significant departure from his most famous role as the manipulative builder Charlie Stubbs, who first appeared on the cobbles of Weatherfield in November 2003.
Remembering Charlie Stubbs: A Corrie Antagonist
Ward's character in Coronation Street became one of the soap's primary antagonists during his tenure, which concluded in January 2007 after more than 300 episodes. Charlie Stubbs was defined by his narcissistic and controlling behaviour, most notably within a deeply toxic relationship with landlady Shelley Unwin, played by Sally Lindsay.
His reign of manipulation included:
- Mistreating Shelley and clashing with her mother, Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).
- Forming a bitter rivalry with work colleague Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas).
- Feuding with Shelley's ex-husband, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne).
- A shocking attempt to drown local teenager David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).
Shelley ultimately saw through his facade and famously jilted him at their wedding altar. His exit storyline involved a rekindled romance with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), who discovered his true nature and attacked him with an ornament. The injuries sustained led to Charlie's subsequent hospitalisation and eventual death.
Bill Ward's Diverse Acting Portfolio
Since leaving the Street, Ward has built a substantial and varied career across television, film, and theatre. He notably starred as James Barton in Emmerdale and appeared in the Netflix series After Life as Simon. His theatrical work has included roles in productions of The Shawshank Redemption and The Full Monty, while film credits encompass projects like To a Cinder.
In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Ward made his debut in the episode titled Hard Salt Beef. With new episodes releasing weekly, fans are eagerly anticipating more screen time for Ser Donnel as the fantasy narrative unfolds. The series continues to air on Sky and NOW, bridging the gap between iconic British soap drama and global fantasy phenomenon.
