Ryan Connor

Ryan Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. He first appeared on-screen during the episode broadcast on 30 August 2006. The character was initially portrayed by actor Ben Thompson from his introduction until 8 October 2010, when the character was written out of the serial. Ryan was created by series producer Steve Frost as part of the Connor family. The character was reintroduced in 2012, with the role recast to actor Sol Heras. Heras quit the role in July 2013 and Ryan departed on 2 October 2013. Ryan's return was confirmed in February 2018 and he returned on 23 May 2018, with Ryan Prescott recast in the role.

Ryan Connor
Ryan Prescott as Ryan Connor (2018)
Coronation Street character
Portrayed byBen Thompson (2006–2010)
Sol Heras (2012–2013)
Ryan Prescott (2018–)
Duration2006–2010, 2012–2013, 2018–
First appearance30 August 2006
Introduced bySteve Frost (2006)
Phil Collinson (2012)
Kate Oates (2018)
ClassificationPresent; regular
Profile
OccupationStudent
Switch operator
Catering assistant
Disc jockey
Waiter
Labourer
Home9 Victoria Court

Ben Thompson as Ryan Connor (2009)

Sol Heras as Ryan Connor (2012)

Ryan's storylines include discovering that Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) is not his biological mother, his relationships with Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson), Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote) and Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), becoming a drug abuser, feuds with his brother Ali Neeson (Dario Coates/James Burrows), along with fellow residents Vinnie Powers (Ian Dunn), Owen Armstrong (Ian Puleston-Davies), and Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien); encouraging his own friend Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) to take drugs; being in debt to drug lord Ronan Truman (Alan McKenna) that results in the character being run over by the latter; and getting beat up by local builder Gary Windass (Mikey North) after unwittingly getting involved in his loan-sharking empire. He has since started a relationship with Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) and supported her grandmother Yasmeen Nazir (Shelley King) when she goes through a coercive control ordeal at the hands of her husband, Geoff Metcalfe (Ian Bartholomew).

Storylines

2006–2010

Ryan arrives with mother Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) and it is clear that the two of them have a very close relationship. Ryan is caught by Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) vandalising The Kabin. Michelle makes him help in the newsagents every night after school for a week. For a time, Michelle dates affluent businessman Sonny Dhillon (Pal Aron). After they break up, Ryan goes joyriding in Sonny's car. He is caught by the police, though later released. When he returns to the Street, his uncle Paul Connor (Sean Gallagher) smacks him across the face. The reason for this is later revealed to be that Paul caused the demise of Ryan's late father, Dean Powell, due to careless driving when Ryan was 9 years old. Later, Paul dies in a car accident after kidnapping Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). Ryan is really upset after losing Paul and his father but he survives without them remembering that he still has Liam.

Ryan is stalked by a mysterious stranger who knows him by name. When tracked down, the man, Nick Neeson (Robert Horwell), explains that he believes Ryan to be his real son, and his own son Alex Neeson (Dario Coates) to be Michelle's after a baby mix-up at the hospital. A DNA test later confirms this to be the case. Ryan gets extremely jealous when his mother starts taking Alex out for the day and has a fight with him. They are both hit by a car but suffer minor injuries. Ryan opens up to his uncle Liam Connor (Rob James-Collier) about how much Michelle is choosing Alex over him and then cries. Liam tells Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), Michelle's boyfriend, who tells Michelle that Ryan is losing sleep over the fear of losing his only parent. Even though Michelle does not want to lose them both she still has to send Alex home because Ryan is the son that she has loved and raised since birth. She is also reassured by Steve that even though Alex is the son she had with Dean, Ryan is the son she raised with him and the son Dean knew before he died. After Alex moves out, Ryan moves back in. Ryan continues to see Nick on occasion but stops after his uncle's death. He realises that no one can compare to Dean. One time Ryan leaves his book behind, leaving his mother to chase after him starting to say he is just like his dad. Ryan becomes upset at the prospect of not inheriting anything from Dean but then Michelle reassures him that because they spent so much time together his traits have rubbed off on Ryan. Ryan then looks wistful as he started to realise how great Dean was.

Ryan attends Tony Gordon's (Gray O'Brien) stag party. Tony sends Ryan home as he is too young to go to a strip club and later that night Liam is killed in a hit-and-run. Ryan is later informed of the news by Michelle. Ryan became inconsolable and Michelle thinks it best that he doesn't see the body at the morgue as it will upset him even more. However, Ryan adamantly argues that he has to come in order to get closure so his mother reluctantly gives in. On the day of Liam's funeral, Ryan tells Maria that he is trying to escape his grandfather Barry (Frank Grimes) because he is trying to bond with him like Liam and he is not in the mood, however, this all changes after the funeral. Ryan kisses Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson) after one of his gigs and the pair enter into a relationship. Sian's father, Vinnie (Ian Dunn) arrives on the scene, threatening Ryan as he thinks that he has been sleeping with Sian, after finding condoms in her bag. It is revealed that Sian bought the condoms and she and Ryan have sex. Sophie, Michelle and Jake Harman (Kenny Doughy) catch them, causing an argument that results in Sian leaving and spoiling Michelle and Jake's night. After Sian's father finds out that Ryan and Sian have slept together, he sends Sian to Southport to live with her mother, leaving Ryan and Sophie devastated.

Sian comes back to Weatherfield and is reunited with Ryan and Sophie. Later Sian breaks up with Ryan, after suspecting that he is attracted to another girl. When Sophie finds Ryan sat on the pavement outside his house, she gives him some advice on Sian. Ryan misinterprets the situation and kisses Sophie, causing her to walk off in disgust. Ryan later begs Sophie not to tell Sian about what he did and he later makes amends with her. However, Sophie tells Sian about the kiss in front of Ryan and Sian ends the relationship for good. After Sian goes back to Southport, Ryan bumps into Sophie in the street and tells Sophie he thinks they are getting back together after Sian phoned him. However, Ryan catches Sophie and Sian kissing at the builder's yard. Although he is initially disgusted that Sian is bisexual, he agrees to keep quiet about the relationship. Ryan tires of life in Manchester but stays on, as he feels that Michelle is dependent on him, until Ciaran McCarthy (Keith Duffy) convinces him that he needs to start the life he dreams of. After spending a number of days in Glasgow with Ciaran, Ryan decides to transfer to university there and leaves Weatherfield.

2012–2013

Two years later, Ryan returns to Weatherfield and spends time with Sophie. He tries to kiss her, but she rejects him. Ryan accidentally sets alight the curtains in Steve's house and Steve finds them trying to extinguish the flames, so he tells Michelle. Michelle gets Ryan a job working at Underworld factory, but he fakes a fall and tries to sue the company. The factory's owner, Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis), proves Ryan faked his fall when he and Michelle see him performing the limbo in a bar. Michelle throws Ryan out of her flat, so he gets drunk at the Rovers. When Steve takes him home, Ryan confesses that he has been kicked out of university.

Ryan begins working at Street Cars taxi firm and befriends Kylie Platt (Paula Lane). While they drink together in the Rovers, Ryan offers Kylie some cocaine, but she declines and he takes it alone in the toilets. Michelle discovers this and reports him to the police; Ryan is released with a caution. Ryan later tries conning Steve into giving him some money, but it does not work. Ryan gets a job at the local kebab shop with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), who tries to seduce Ryan. They have sex and Tracy tells him that she is pregnant; they decide to move to Scotland with Tracy and Steve's daughter, Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney). Tracy confesses to Ryan that she was lying; he gets high and plays chicken on the road with Sophie. As Ryan walks across the road, Sophie pushes him out of the way of an oncoming car and is knocked down. Sophie falls unconscious and Ryan runs away, worried that he will get into trouble for being in possession of drugs. Sophie lies to the police, stating that she cannot remember what happened, before warning Ryan that she will not tell the police if he stops taking drugs; he agrees.

Ryan grows closer to Katy Armstrong (Georgia May Foote), who gets a job working in the kebab shop. She develops feelings for Ryan and sabotages his date with Steph Britton (Tisha Merry). When Ryan confronts her, she kisses him and they begin an affair. Katy's boyfriend, Chesney Brown (Sam Aston), dislikes their friendship and feuds with Ryan. Chesney discovers the affair and ends his relationship with Katy, so she and Ryan begin a public relationship. Ryan struggles with a serious relationship and caring for Katy's young son, Joseph Brown (Lucca-Owen Warwick). When Katy spots Ryan with a random woman, Jamie-Lee (Kate Holderness), she ends their relationship. Steve then advises Ryan to find a long-term job, which makes Ryan realise there is nothing left for him in Weatherfield. He contacts a friend, who offers him a job as a DJ in Ibiza; Ryan accepts the job and leaves Weatherfield.

2018–

Ryan returns five years later for Michelle's wedding to Robert Preston (Tristan Gemmill). When Robert's best man cancels his stag do, Ryan arranges a pop star-themed party, where he clashes with Alex, now known as Ali (now played by James Burrows). On Michelle's wedding day, Ryan goes missing but is collected from a house by Robert and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). Ryan explains that he has had sex with a married woman and when her husband arrives, Ryan claims that Robert had sex with her so he punches Robert. After the wedding, Ryan decides to stay in Weatherfield. He applies for a job at Underworld but is eventually gets a job as a waiter at the restaurant Speed Daal. Ryan is sacked after spying on Kayla Clifton (Mollie Winnard) with Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon), but she secures Ryan a job as a labourer with Gary Windass (Mikey North). He arrives late on his first day and leaves early after completing the wrong job, angering Gary.

Ryan asks Bethany on a date and they have dinner at Michelle's flat. As they get intimate, Bethany suffers a panic attack and hits Ryan several times. She rushes out, which is seen by her mother, Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien), who presumes that Ryan attacked Bethany and attacks him, leaving him hospitalised. When he awakens, he cannot remember any details about the attack. When Ryan remembers the attack, he begins blackmailing Sarah for money. Ryan decides to return to Ibiza but changes his mind after speaking with Michelle. Sarah stands up to Ryan, so he stops blackmailing her and resumes his friendship with Bethany.

In October 2018, Ryan and Michelle become involved in a feud with gangster Ronan Truman (Alan McKenna) after Ryan is present when his son, Cormac, overdoses on drugs but Ryan does not call an ambulance, fearing that Cormac will be sent to prison. After Ronan threatens the Connors after going to Cormac's funeral, Michelle drives her, Ryan and Ali out of Weatherfield, only to be chased by Ronan. After a car chase, the car breaks down, due to Tracy damaging it in a bid to get mechanic Abi Franklin (Sally Carman) in trouble, and Ryan tries to face Ronan himself but is knocked down by his car. As Michelle and Ali tend to Ryan's bloodied body, Leanne sees the commotion, but Ronan reverses and hits her with his car too, before crashing the car himself. Ronan is impaled by a sharp piece of wood, which Ali rips out of him as he states that he will continue to make the Connors suffer, killing Ronan.

As Ryan begins to recover in hospital, Bethany begins to realise her true feelings for Ryan. When Ryan returns home, he and Bethany kiss, and they begin dating. When a traumatized Ali begins taking his anger out on everyone, especially Ryan, Michelle, and Robert, he flirts with Bethany, and Ryan goes to punch him, as Michelle and Robert walk into the bistro. Robert accidentally lets it slip that Ali killed Ronan to Ryan, and Ryan confronts a beaten-up Ali after he gets into a fight, as Ali was criticising Ryan for Cormac's death, and Ryan argues with Michelle and Robert as they defend Ali.

Casting

Thompson auditioned for the role of Cameron McIntyre in 2006, however the producers asked him to audition for the part of Ryan Connor instead.[1] His audition was successful and he was given a six-month contract, along with the option to extend it for up to a year.[1] Thompson billed his character as "mischievous" and said that he is "not a bad lad, but he's not a good lad either."[1] Series editor Garth Philips teased the Connor family, calling them "a twenty-first century Coronation Street family".[2] He said that the family are "a joy to watch on screen" and the audience would be "enthralled and excited by them".[2] Thompson made his debut appearance as Ryan on 30 August 2006.[1]

Development

Early storylines

In October 2007, it was announced that an upcoming storyline would involve Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) finding out that Ryan may not be her son. A show insider told the Daily Star: "Can there really be anything more traumatic for a parent to have to endure?" The storyline ended in early 2008 and was not mentioned since. Speaking of the storyline Ben Thompson said: "It's weird that for such a massive storyline it never came to anything, It's been one of those very weird ones in terms of that storyline. It's sort of been forgotten and I don't understand how and if they are going to follow it up."[3]

In 2009, Ryan began a relationship with Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson). Thompson filmed his first screen kiss with her. He said of the experience, "It was bizarre because Sacha had done one before and I hadn't. I knew the line I had to say and then kiss her. I knew it every time, and every time I said it I was shaking." He continued, "Oh it was dreadful. I mean I don't get nervous when I go on stage or anything like that, but it was just bizarre. It was one of those things that I got really nervous about."[4] Upon his 2012 return, it was announced that Ryan would embark on a relationship with an older woman.[5]

Departure (2010)

In August 2010, it was rumoured that Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson was considering axing a number of the younger cast including Ryan, Chesney Battersby-Brown (Sam Aston) and Gary Windass (Mikey North) because he feared that the show was becoming more like Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks.[6] On-screen Ryan chose to attend a Scottish university and he departed in October. The character's departure was confirmed but the producers denied that they had axed Ryan. An ITV spokesperson said: "Ryan hasn't been axed from the show and is still very much a part of Michelle Connor's life. There are plans to see him in future episodes when he returns from university for holidays.[7] In October 2010, Thompson said of his departure: "It wasn't my choice to leave Coronation Street," he said. "But a new producer came in and wanted to shake things up. I am one of the characters that sadly wasn't part of the plan. Ryan is being sent off to university and can come back, but I don't know if that will happen for the foreseeable future. I am sad, because it has been the biggest part of my life for the past four years. It has given me the freedom to work on my music, though. Writing music is something I have always done, but I've never been able to focus on it before because I had to do Coronation Street. It's nice to be able to do something completely different to acting.[8] Kym Marsh revealed that she was upset over Thompson's departure as they were both very close.[9]

Reintroduction (2012)

In March 2012, Simon Boyle of the Daily Mirror reported that Ryan would be returning to Coronation Street.[10] Boyle said Ryan would return as "a very dark character" who has a "damaging impact" on the soap's younger residents.[10] The character's return was not confirmed until 17 May 2012.[11] Sol Heras took over the role from Thompson, after he chose not to return to the soap.[11] A writer for itv.com stated that Ryan returns home unexpectedly after he is thrown out of university.[11] Series producer Collinson said "Ryan returns carrying a dark secret and Michelle is going to have the fight of her life as she battles to get her troubled son back on the straight and narrow. Sol is a brilliant young actor and I'm so excited to welcome him to the cast."[11] Asked about his audition Sol Heras said: "I thought initially that it would be quite a long, drawn-out process, but it all happened quite quickly! I had my first audition with the casting department, and then I heard later that I'd made it onto the longlist of actors that they were considering. After that, I made it onto the shortlist, which to me was an achievement in itself. I then had a screen test with Kym Marsh and Brooke Vincent. Six days later, my agent phoned me to tell me that I'd got the part - so that was one of the best phone calls I've ever had."[12][13]

Drug abuse

In May 2012, it was rumoured that once Ryan would return he would now be a much darker character and would become involved in a drug storyline with Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent).[14] Kym Marsh who plays Michelle Connor confirmed the storyline in June 2012, Marsh said: "Ryan's been off doing his own thing, and has got heavily involved in drugs. Michelle expected him to come back as the same kid he was before he went away, but that's not going to happen." Asked how difficult this experience will be for Michelle, the actress replied: "Very hard. Michelle's got her work cut out trying to get Ryan back on the straight and narrow, but we'll see her get support from outside influences."[15] Speaking of the storyline Sol Heras said: "It's a very serious storyline but in the real world it does happen. As long as it's done professionally and done well, it's great. I think it'll be good for young people to see the consequences that come from drugs. You'll see that the drugs are the reason that Ryan is falling out with everyone and causing trouble. There's a loneliness to Ryan because no-one really trusts him. It just shows that it's a bad way to go." Speaking of being compared to Ben Thompson (who previously portrayed Ryan) he said: "Ryan is not the way he was before and he's picked up bad habits, so that's enabled me to come in and essentially be a fresh character, He's changed so much that I didn't have to stick to how the previous actor had played him, which really helps when you're coming into a new show."[16]

Relationship with Katy Armstrong

While Ryan and Katy are running an errand together, their van breaks down and Katy and Ryan end up sharing a kiss. The following month, Foote teased the storyline during an appearance on Daybreak explaining that it begins when Katy is teased by her friends for being dull.[17] The actress continued "It's her friend's 18th birthday, so they're having a party. They all keep taking the mick out of her, saying she's sitting at home and she's boring. She just wants to go out and have fun, and then [Ryan] starts making a bit of a move on her!"[17] Ryan "sees Katy in a new light" when she turns up at The Bistro for her friend's birthday, where he is DJing. Heras commented that his character has not really noticed Katy before, as she is a stay at home mother, but seeing her "dolled up" and in his environment catches his attention.[17] Heras said "He realises how pretty she is and what a gorgeous girl she is. He manages to sort it for her to get a job at the kebab shop and yes he probably does have an ulterior motive."[18]

Katy and Ryan start to become closer at the kebab shop and one day go in for another kiss.[18] Foote believed that Katy had not had a "teenage wild time" because of her relationship with Chesney and their son, so her head is turned by Ryan and it is exciting for her.[18] Foote added that Katy does not mean to hurt Chesney, but the situation with Ryan gets out of her control.[17] Chesney later proposes to Katy in front of their family and friends at Faye Windass' (Ellie Leach) birthday party, but hours later he learns about her affair with Ryan.[19] The Daily Star's Peter Dyke and Katie Begley reported that Chesney would confront Katy in front of their son, demanding to know whether she had sex with Ryan and threatening to beat him up.[19] Chesney then "calls time on their romance" and throws Katy out.[19]

Departure (2013)

On 21 July 2013, Ed Gleave and Susan Hill from the Daily Star reported that Heras had quit Coronation Street.[20] The actor left at the end of his contract, while his character left later in the year.[20] Ryan's exit storyline saw him decide to take a job as a DJ in Ibiza, after realising that there is nothing keeping him in Weatherfield.[20] Steve suggests that Ryan should go to Ibiza and live his life. Steve knows that Michelle is worried about Ryan so he sees it as an opportunity to solve their problems. Gregson told a reporter from TV Choice that his character was just offering Ryan advice. Steve's actions do not go according to plan when Michelle blames him for Ryan's departure.[21]

Reintroduction (2018)

This Morning presenter Sharon Marshall announced on 7 February 2018 that Ryan would be reintroduced during the year. Ryan returns following the reintroduction of Michelle's biological son, Ali Neeson (James Burrows). It was unconfirmed whether Heras would reprise the role.[22] Series producer Kate Oates confirmed on 12 March 2018 that the role of Ryan would be recast.[23] She told Ben Lee of Digital Spy that an actor had been cast, although she refused to reveal his identity.[23] It was revealed on 26 March 2018 that actor Ryan Prescott had been cast in the role of Ryan.[24] Paparazzi photographs were released showing Prescott filming with cast members Tristan Gemmill (Robert Preston) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne).[24]

Reception

All About Soap's Laura Morgan called Ryan a "sweet, caring lad" while played by Thompson.[25] Upon the character's return in 2012, Morgan stated that he was "rebellious" and "a lazy oik".[25]

See also

References
  1. "Meet Ben, the new kid on Coronation Street!". The Bolton News. Newsquest. 3 August 2006. Retrieved 12 April 2010.
  2. Green, Kris (29 July 2006). "The Connors descend on 'Coronation Street'". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  3. "Ben Thompson on baby swap plot". Metro.co.uk. 30 May 2009. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  4. "Ryan Connor set for Corrie showdown". Metro. 24 March 2009. Retrieved 13 April 2010.
  5. Millar, Paul (22 July 2012). "'Coronation Street' Sol Heras confirms Ryan "cougar" girlfriend". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  6. "Collinson to axe Corrie's younger cast? - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 2 August 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  7. "Corrie denies Ryan Connor 'axe' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 4 August 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  8. "Ben Thompson 'sad over Corrie shake-up' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 7 October 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  9. "Marsh "shocked" by Entwistle Corrie exit - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 10 August 2010. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  10. Boyle, Simon (13 March 2012). "Crack plot: Corrie bosses plan to make Sophie Webster a drug addict". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 13 March 2012.
  11. "Two new bad boys". Coronation Street. itv.com. 17 May 2012. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
  12. "'Coronation Street' Sol Heras teases Ryan Connor return - interview - Coronation Street Interview - Soaps". Digital Spy. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  13. "Sol Heras who plays Ryan Connor on getting his dream job on the Street | Coronation Street News – ITV Soaps". Itv.com. 27 May 2011. Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  14. "Coronation Street spoiler: Sophie Webster to become a crack addict". Metro.co.uk. 13 March 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  15. "'Coronation Street': Kym Marsh confirms drugs storyline - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digital Spy. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  16. "Coronation Street's Sol Heras reveals details of hard-hitting drugs storyline | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment". Entertainment.stv.tv. 8 July 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  17. Kilkelly, Daniel (13 February 2013). "'Coronation Street': Georgia May Foote teases Katy, Ryan attraction". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  18. Daniels, Colin (14 February 2013). "'Coronation Street' teases Katy, Ryan fling - pictures". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  19. Dyke, Peter; Begley, Katie (8 February 2013). "Coronation Street: Chesney's heartbreak". Daily Star. Northern & Shell. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  20. Gleave, Ed; Hill, Susan (21 July 2013). "Corrie's Sol Heras taking a break from being the love rat". Daily Star. Northern & Shell. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  21. "Steve's blunder". TV Choice (40): 23. 28 September – 4 October 2013.
  22. Dainty, Sophie (7 February 2018). "Coronation Street is bringing back Ryan Connor for big Michelle storyline". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  23. Lee, Ben (12 March 2018). "Coronation Street is recasting Ryan Connor again as he returns for big Michelle storyline". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  24. Harp, Justin (26 March 2018). "Coronation Street casts former Emmerdale star as the new Ryan Connor". Digital Spy. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  25. Morgan, Laura (20 July 2012). "Corrie: Ryan's a rotter!". All About Soap. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
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