As the manipulative character Megan continues to wreak havoc on the cobbles of Coronation Street, fans are keen to learn more about the actress bringing this complex role to life. Beth Nixon, who joined the ITV soap last year, has quickly become a central figure in a gripping grooming storyline, with a shocking pregnancy twist revealed this week.
From Clinic Manager to Corrie Villain
Before stepping into the shoes of the predatory athletics coach Megan, 25-year-old Beth Nixon led a very different life. Hailing from York and a graduate of Manchester's Arden School of Theatre, Beth was balancing her acting ambitions with a normal job as a skin clinic manager. She had also worked as a waitress for years while pursuing her dream.
Her big break came unexpectedly while she was at work. "I was at work when my agent called me," Beth told York College. "When he told me I’d got it, everybody in the clinic could hear me screaming my head off and then I cried." She revealed this role was a lifeline, coming after four years of post-graduation struggle and moments where she considered quitting acting altogether.
Life and Auditions Before Weatherfield
While Coronation Street marks Beth Nixon's first major television role, it was not her first attempt to join the iconic show. She previously auditioned for two other parts: the role of Lauren Bolton and later for a character who bullied Lauren at a mother and baby unit. The part of Lauren ultimately went to actress Cait Fitton in 2022.
Prior to her soap debut, Beth's acting portfolio included stage plays, radio voiceovers, and a notably fun stint filming a McDonald's advert in Switzerland. "I was flown out there for four days," she recalled. "The job was with my ex-boyfriend... getting paid to eat McDonald’s all day in Switzerland!"
Megan's Dramatic Street Storyline
Beth Nixon made her debut as Megan, the athletics coach of teenager Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale). The character moved from Hull to Weatherfield with Will's family, including his dad Ben, grandmother Maggie, and his father's girlfriend, the returning Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).
The storyline took a dark turn when it was revealed Megan had been secretly grooming 16-year-old Will for months before the relocation. Adding further layers of complexity, Megan also struck up a romance with fellow teacher Daniel Osborne (Rob Mallard). The drama escalated this week with the confirmation that Megan is pregnant, promising more turmoil for the characters involved.
With her compelling portrayal of a villain, Beth Nixon has secured her place on one of Britain's most beloved soaps, proving that persistence after years of a normal job can lead to dramatic success on screen.
