Coronation Street’s Chris Gascoyne lands major new BBC drama role

Former Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne is heading back to the BBC after joining the cast of brand-new crime drama The Northumbria Mysteries.

The eight-part series is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Northumberland coastline and surrounding market towns, following an unlikely crime-solving partnership between Joe Ruby, an ex-convict and gambler played by Robson Green, and Oxford-educated detective DI Rose O’Connell, portrayed by Liz White. As the pair investigate a series of mysteries, they gradually discover they share an unexpected connection of their own. The series also features Simon Callow, Kevin Whately, Gurjeet Singh and Chris Gascoyne in its cast. 

Filmed entirely on location across Northumberland, the drama showcases some of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, including Bamburgh, Alnwick, Rothbury and the surrounding coastline. Produced by Newcastle-based Lonesome Pine Productions, the series forms part of the BBC’s continued investment in original drama made in the North East. 

Chris, best known to Coronation Street viewers for playing Peter Barlow, recently confirmed his involvement by sharing behind-the-scenes photographs from filming on Instagram. Alongside the images, he wrote: “I’m back – lots to catch up on…”, giving fans their first glimpse of his latest television project. 

Coronation Street viewers will remember Chris for his acclaimed portrayal of Peter Barlow, one of the soap’s most recognisable and enduring characters. He took over the role in 2000 before returning on several occasions and becoming a regular fixture again from 2008, remaining at the heart of many of Weatherfield’s biggest storylines until Peter’s departure in December 2023.

During more than two decades associated with the role, Chris guided Peter through family feuds, business struggles, addiction, romance and heartbreak. His on-screen chemistry with Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, helped make Peter and Carla one of Coronation Street’s best-known couples during their years together.

Since Peter’s departure from Weatherfield, Carla’s story has continued in a new direction, with the factory owner now happily married to DS Lisa Connor-Swain.

Meanwhile, Chris has continued to pursue new acting opportunities, with The Northumbria Mysteries becoming the latest addition to his television career.

While Chris’s role in the new drama has yet to be revealed, his casting adds another familiar face to what is shaping up to be one of the BBC’s most anticipated new crime series. With filming continuing across Northumberland, viewers will soon have the chance to see the former Coronation Street favourite in a completely different setting.

The Northumbria Mysteries is expected to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

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