Coronation Street fans have had a lightbulb moment, realising that James Cartwright, who plays the charming scaffolder Theo Silverton, has graced another major ITV series and movie.
James, 40, stepped onto the cobbles earlier this year and quickly became entangled in a love triangle with Todd Grimshaw, but it’s his previous acting gigs that have fans buzzing.
Viewers were gobsmacked to discover James’ impressive portfolio of roles, with one particular appearance leaving them particularly astonished.
Fans took to social media to share their surprise, with one writing: “Just watching the 1st Downton Abbey film and look who was in it! !” which prompted another fan to respond: “Oh completely forgot he was in it, great guy x”.
The conversation continued with comments like: “I didn’t put two and two together until you posted this”, “I KNEW I recognised him from somewhere!” and “He’s kept that quiet from Todd.”, reports Belfast Live.
In the 2019 Downton Abbey film, James portrayed Tony Sellick, a plumber who visits Downton in 1927 to repair the boiler ahead of the King and Queen’s visit, where he catches the eye of Daisy Mason.
However, Daisy’s then-fiancé Andrew Parker, driven by jealousy, sabotages the boiler, leading to Tony’s return to fix the deliberate damage.
Moreover, soap fans have been equally surprised to learn that James once played a significant character on Tracy Beaker, taking on the role of Nathan for 40 episodes from 2003 to 2004.
One fan was left gobsmacked after realising that James Cartwright, who’s currently playing Todd’s new beau Theo in Coronation Street, was once Nathan in Tracy Beaker back in 2003-2004, sharing on social media: “Not sure if something like this has already been posted here, but I was stunned to find out that James Cartwright, who plays Todd’s latest love interest, Theo, played the character of Nathan in Tracy Beaker from 2003-2004!”.
They continued their revelation with: “Who else remembers him from this? I couldn’t believe my eyes!”.
Another user chimed in with their surprise: “I was shocked when I found out it was him going into Corrie but I loved him in Tracy beaker and I like him in Corrie so far” while someone else confessed: “Recognised his face just couldn’t place where. Loved Tracey beaker growing up.”
Meanwhile, another soap fan exclaimed: “OMG no frigging way I grew up watching Tracy Beaker but had no idea, he looks totally different! ! ! Loved the character Nathan, he was hilarious especially letting Tracy and the other kids run rings round him.”
Beyond Tracy Beaker, James has graced our screens in The Archers as Harrison Burns and shone in Glow and Darkness as John I Lackland.