Coronation Street drops Bethany Platt actress after claims she lied about her age
The actress, who plays a 14-year-old, told producers she was 19 when she auditioned for the part - but it has since emerged she is 25
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coronation Street is recasting the role of Bethany Platt after dropping the actress who had been hired to play her when it was discovered she hid her real age at the audition.
Katie Redford said she was a 19-year-old when she landed a part on the cobbles, but it has emerged she was 25 - and would have turned 26 by the time she made her screen debut as the 14-year-old character.
Corrie fans found out her real age when they looked her up online after she landed the part as Gail McIntyre's granddaughter Bethany.
A spokeswoman for the soap confirmed: “Coronation Street have taken the decision to recast the part of Bethany Platt.”
It is thought programme bosses already have another actress in mind for the role.
Bethany is the granddaughter of Gail (Helen Worth) and the daughter of Sarah-Louise Platt (Tina O'Brien), who was pregnant in the ITV show while still at school. O'Brien is 31 and she is only five years and eight months older than the woman who was to play her daughter.
Fans spotted photos from her 25th birthday party on Twitter after her casting was announced last week.
The character Bethany has been living in Spain for a number of years with mother Sarah-Louise, and the casting announcement read: “Nottingham-born Katie, 19, will debut as tearaway teenager Bethany this spring when she arrives unannounced in Weatherfield from her home in Milan.”
A spokeswoman for the actress confirmed she auditioned “as a 19-year-old”.
Press Association
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments