Coronation Street sign up star who spent TEN years on rival soap for dramatic new Speed Dahl storyline

Coronation Street bosses have signed up former Holby City actor Andrew Lewis as part of a new storyline involving new Weatherfield bad boy Idris Nazir (Junade Khan). Andrew, who is best known for playing Paul Rose on the BBC medical drama for more than 10 years between 2000 – 2010, will play a new character named Gavin Fairholme who arrives on the Street as he is interested in buying half of local restaurant Speed Dahl. Coronation Street have signed up Holby City actor Andrew Lewis Credit: BBC The actor also starred in EastEnders Credit: BBC Gavin will first appear as a potential buyer when Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) reveals to business partner Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) that she is selling her share in the restaurant. Gavin is all set to become the new co-owner until Alya’s cousin Idris attempts to threaten him as he secretly wants to buy into the restaurant himself. Sign up for the Coronation Street newsletter Thank you! Spoilers for upcoming episodes suggest that Gavin will be followed and heavily threatened by Idris and his cronies after agreeing to buy from Alya. It’s unclear as to what will happen next but viewers have already seen newcomer Idris involved in a number of violent acts since he arrived on the Street earlier this year so it’s not looking good for Gavin. The Sun reached out to Coronation Street for comment, who confirmed Andrew will be appearing in a guest role as a businessman. Back in June, the actor fuelled rumours of a role in the soap when he posted about being in Manchester, where the ITV1 show is filmed. He shared a video of himself wandering around the city and enjoying sights including Media City, which is where the studios are. Andrew penned: “Wow! Thanks Manchester that was such fun – a fabulous and welcoming city and a few days filming. Most read in TV The new character will be part of a new storyline involving Leanne and Idris Credit: ITV Leanne doesn’t know about Idris’ dark side Credit: ITV “We look forward to coming back SOON.” Andrew is well known to fans of Holby City as popular anaesthetist Paul Rose. He appeared in almost 100 episodes over a ten year period. He is also no stranger to soap after appearing as Dr. Webster in rival soap Eastenders. His character was heavily involved in the devastating storyline that saw much loved resident Kush (Davood Ghadami) diagnosed with a heart condition that could kill him at anytime. Andrew’s character featured throughout the storyline and helped Kush through his ordeal. He has also appeared in a number of other TV shows including The Crown, The Bill and Doctors. Comment now