‘Jacob needs a mum'

Jack James Ryan on his Corrie bad boy’s redemption, and following in family footsteps

- ALISON SLADE

CORONATION STREET

MON, WED & FRI / ITV / TIMES VARY / SOAP

Jacob Hay is back on the cobbles, but the lad who lured Simon Barlow into drug dealing wants to turn his life around. This week, we discover he has one fan in secret girlfriend Amy Barlow – will anyone else give him a second chance?

We caught up with newcomer Jack James Ryan to talk about his Corrie comeback and the future for his troubled character…

Did you assume after your first stint last year that your Corrie journey was over?

Yes, I did, especially as it was a big chunk of time until I came back. I knew I was only there for three or four months, but I was like, ‘How can I stay on this show?’

I thought there was so much more that could be done with Jacob, and I tried to show a bit of humour and humanity in him. I thought, ‘He’s got so much room to grow,’ and I’m so glad the fans could see that and the Corrie team could see that.

We know very little about Jacob. What’s his backstory?