‘Coronation Street’ newcomer Nathan Graham admits it’s been an honour to work with the "king of the Street" Bill Roache.
The 28-year-old actor joined the ITV soap this year playing Weatherfield County footballer James Bailey as part of a new family and they were all immediately thrown into a storyline with Bill’s alter ego Ken Barlow when a building accident meant they smashed through their neighbour’s wall.
Nathan insists getting to act opposite Bill – who has played Ken since the show’s first episode on 9 December 1960 – has been a real thrill as he grew up watching him on the small screen.
In an interview with Inside Soap magazine, he said: "When you join an iconic show like this you’re just excited to finally meet all these people in person that you’ve been watching on screen for years.
"It’s cool working with someone like William Roache, who plays Ken – he’s the king of the Street! I’ve had a couple of little scenes with him. It’s such an honour to work with people who you’ve grown up watching."
Nathan’s family are delighted that he is on the cobbles because his dad and sister have always been big ‘Corrie’ fans and rarely miss an episode.
He said: "My dad and sister love it. They watch it all the time – even before I was in the show. We’re a close family, so they know me better than anyone. They’re very happy for me, and are so supportive. I think they really enjoy me being in the show."
Nathan has just started to get recognised for his role in ‘Corrie’ and his newfound fame may put a stop to him helping his father out with his window and door fitting business as the customers are surprised when a television star turns up to carry out the work.
He spilled: "Sometimes, if I have some free time, I’ll go out with my dad at work – he fits windows and doors. I was helping him on Saturday, and this man said, ‘Oh, you look like the guy off ‘Coronation Street’. So I had to fess up and tell him it was me."
Nathan Graham: Bill Roache is the king of Corrie
