Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs on ITV's Coronation Street, has revealed that the arrival of Tyrone's long-lost father Ross will bring significant drama, particularly for Cassie Plummer. Ross, played by Ian Burfield, shows up in Weatherfield after being tracked down by Tyrone's daughters, but his arrival is far from welcome.
Tyrone's Shock Reunion with His Father
Tyrone is initially unprepared for his father's sudden appearance. Alan Halsall explains: "It's completely out of the blue; I don't think anyone would be ready for a scenario like that." Tyrone's mother Cassie is horrified, fearing that Ross's presence could expose long-hidden secrets. Halsall adds: "I think Cassie has been living in fear that she might get found out for the lies she's told along the way. She's managed to forge a relationship and have a family with Tyrone, and all of a sudden, it could all come crashing down."
Cassie has been dishonest with Tyrone about his father's identity. Halsall notes: "Over the years, she's told him that she didn't really know him or that they weren't together. Whenever he's pushed for answers, he's been shut down, so he's had very little information to go on."
Cassie's Desperate Attempts to Keep Ross Away
Rattled by Ross's return, Cassie tries to prevent father and son from bonding. However, Tyrone decides to give Ross a chance. Halsall says: "Tyrone's initial perspective is, 'I'll just speak to him, get it out of the way, and find out who a part of me is,' but he doesn't necessarily want a lasting relationship." Despite this, Tyrone may come to regret letting Ross into his life. Halsall warns: "He looks at his dad and thinks, 'I've got a father in my life now, and nothing can go wrong.' But we know that's not the case, certainly in Tyrone's life. He knows full well what kind of trouble and lies this guy could bring to his doorstep."
Cassie's Departure from Weatherfield
While Tyrone gains a father, he is set to lose his mother. Actress Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie, has left the role after three years. The fallout from Ross's arrival leads to Cassie leaving Weatherfield for good. Halsall explains: "Tyrone is sick of the lies and the trouble she brings to his door. He's a family man and wants his mum in his life, but he has his own issues without Cassie adding to them."
It was only three years ago that Tyrone was reunited with Cassie, having previously believed that Jackie Dobbs was his real mother. After Jackie's death in 2018, Tyrone discovered the truth and tracked down his maternal grandmother Evelyn Plummer (Dame Maureen Lipman). Evelyn lied that Cassie was dead, but the truth came out when Cassie arrived in Weatherfield in 2023. Halsall says he will miss working with Sweeney: "I get on so well with her. I wish her all the best, but I hope to see my mum again soon."
Secrets and Lies Tear Tyrone and Cassie Apart
Before Cassie leaves, Tyrone uncovers big secrets that could destroy their already fragile relationship. Halsall reveals: "Over the last couple of years, there have been lies regarding her addiction and other issues, which have always disappointed Tyrone because he just wants the truth. With something as big as finding out about his father, discovering more lies attached to that is devastating. He's completely disappointed and upset with his mother."
In the lead-up to Ross's arrival, Cassie spirals after her proposal to partner Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) fails. She drinks heavily and makes a pass at another man, feeling guilty when Steve later says he wants to make things work. Ross's arrival and the threat of her lies being exposed only worsen the situation, especially when Ross gets close to Cassie's enemy Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford). Despite Cassie's attempts to keep Ross away, Tyrone grows closer to his father.
Tyrone Bonds with His Father
As Tyrone gets to know Ross, he becomes more eager to have him in his life. Halsall says: "Tyrone really tries. He even goes and plays golf with him, despite having a horrendous back injury. He eventually starts to see a father figure there; he's an imposing chap, but quite laid back. Tyrone starts to think, 'Actually, this guy seems all right, and I could go for a beer with my dad.' It's a shame he wasn't in his life, and he starts to understand the circumstances of why that was the case."
