Martin Hancock, best known for playing Spider Nugent on Coronation Street, made his debut in the fourth episode of the latest series of Industry on Monday. The 57-year-old actor appeared as Dez Watkins, a character who encounters Rishi Ramdani and James Dycker in a pub.
In the episode, Dez warns the pair that a stranger is attempting to spike their drinks and steal their possessions. The three then bond over drinks and drugs, returning to Rishi's flat for an afterparty where Dez repeatedly turns up the volume on the speakers.
While Dez leaves to buy more alcohol, police arrive following a noise complaint. James is found apparently lifeless from a drug overdose, and Rishi, panicked that he will be blamed, jumps from his balcony. The episode ends with Rishi injured but alive, trying to drag himself away before being caught by officers.
Hancock's role marks a significant departure from his long-running character Spider on Coronation Street, which he played since 1997. His last appearance on the ITV soap was in 2023, when Spider chose his career over his relationship with Toyah Battersby and left Weatherfield.
Since leaving Coronation Street, Hancock also appeared as Samuel Jankowski in Casualty in 2025. New episodes of Industry air on Mondays on BBC iPlayer.
