Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd has spoken out after his on-screen daughter Lily Platt has been replaced with a new actress. Soap fans were confused by the unfamiliar face on the cobbles on Monday evening. Drama continued as Mick’s daughter Joanie was on a taster day at Weatherfield High.
The other students started to question the teenager on why both her mum and dad were in prison, bombarding her with questions about her dangerous family members. However, viewers were distracted when one of the high school students looked particularly unfamiliar.
After a few scenes passed by, soap fans soon realised the mysterious new girl was in fact Lily Platt, who had been “recast” and replaced with a new actress.
Taking to social media just minutes into the episode, one fan questioned: “Is that a Lily recast?” A second wrote: “New Lily Platt on the street. When did that happen?”
Lily Platt, the daughter of David and Kylie, was played by Brooke Malonie for almost a decade. But Grace Ashcroft-Gardner has now silently taken over the role and was placed immediately at the deep end as Mick Michaelis roamed the school corridors in search of his daughter.
However, it isn’t the first time Coronation Street bosses have replaced Lilly since the character was born in 2013. Twins Ava and Lilly Bushell portrayed the Platt’s daughter from birth, before Betsie and Emmie Taylor took on the role in 2014 for two years.
Coronation Street provided no warning for the character change, as the new Lily was brought in just in time to play a major role in a distressing storyline. Gracie was seen for the first time when she was sat at the bus stop alongside Sam and Hope on Monday, July 14.
The young actress took to Instagram yesterday to announce the exciting news. Sharing a few behind-the-scenes snaps from the cobbles, Gracie wrote: “I am so excited to share my news that I have joined the cast of @coronationstreet playing the role of Lily Platt!
“It’s been a brilliant few months since my first audition, which wouldn’t have happened without the fantastic @stageboxkids team (who I can’t thank enough!).
“The whole Corrie team, the cast and crew have been absolutely amazing, I couldn’t have asked for any more support during my first few weeks filming on the cobbles. My first episode is being aired on ITV at 8pm tonight! It’s a brilliant episode, so make sure to watch! #coronationstreet.”
Sydney Martin, who portrays Betsy Swain added to the comments to show her support for the new soap star. She wrote: “Smashing it!! I love the sass you give her.” A Corrie fan said: “You’re doing amazing! Welcome to the #corriekids xx.”
Gracie’s attends a dance company, called “Charlotte Read-DanceCompany”, who also shared their own post to celebrate Gracie having landed the iconic role.
The post read: “I can finally announce after what feels like a life time that our very own Grace Ashcroft-Gardner will be in Corrie. After going through the audition process, she has been cast as Lily Platt, David Platt’s daughter! Not just a small role, this is massive!!
“We are immensely proud of you Grace, what an amazing opportunity and I’m so excited to watch you tonight making your debut. A big thank you to @stageboxkids for all the opportunities you have given her. Make sure you’re all watching tonight.”
Jack P Shepherd, who plays David Platt, responded to the statement on social media. He said: “Yay! Great to have part of the family Grace x” Grace replied: “Thank you Jack!!