Actors from Coronation Street and Emmerdale frequently refer to their coworkers as family, and for some, this is accurate. It may not be known to many fans who have spent years rooting for their favorite soap characters that a number of the stars actually have family ties to the shows.
Since acting seems to run in the family, there are many real-life relatives of Coronation Street and Emmerdale cast members, including twins and cousins.
We have examined a few real-life family members from the soap operas that we watch on a regular basis. You might be surprised by a few.
The Flanagan family
The Flanagan family is one of the biggest and well-known real-life soap families. Isabella and William Flanagan are twins, although they play cousins Hope Stape and Joseph Brown on Coronation Street.
Amelia Flanagan, their elder sister, portrays April Windsor on Emmerdale. The proud parents of the gifted performing trio often compliment their kids on social media, giving fans an inside look at their lives away from the serial operas.
Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling
Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling, who played the real-life twins Cathy and Heath Hope in Emmerdale, show that Isabella and William aren’t the only soap opera twins.
Sebastian and Gabrielle Dowling, who played the real-life twins Cathy and Heath Hope in Emmerdale, show that Isabella and William aren’t the only soap opera twins.
Will and Peter Ash
Coronation Street actor Peter Ash, delivered a remarkable performance as Paul Foreman in his battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and won the Serial Drama Performance at the recent National Television Awards. His character’s poignant storyline ended in emotional scenes on the show.
Peter’s real-life cousin and fellow soap star, Will Ash, currently appearing as Caleb Milligan in Emmerdale would have been proud. Upon the announcement of Will joining Emmerdale back in 2022, Peter shared on Twitter: “Yes! This is my cousin, Will!”
He wrote: “He’s an absolutely fantastic actor, and was one of my big inspirations for getting into acting myself! Can’t wait to see him do his stuff in #Emmerdale!”
For soap fans, the revelation that the two are related was met with excitement. One fan commented: “No way, I had no idea he’s your cousin, well fantastic acting definitely runs in the family x.”
Brooke Vincent and Ellie Leach
Brooke Vincent portrayed Sophie Webster from 2004 till her departure in 2019. She celebrated when her younger cousin Ellie Leach joined the soap, playing Faye Windass until 2023. At just 23 years old, Ellie has also shined brightly by winning Strictly Come Dancing last year alongside dance partner Vito Coppola.
Charley Webb and Jamie Lomas
From 2002 until 2021, Charley Webb portrayed Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale. She is not the only well-known soap opera performer in her family, though. Jamie Lomas, her brother in real life, has been playing Hollyoaks icon Warren Fox since 2006. However, he departed the Channel 4 soap late this year.
Ryan Thomas and Adam Thomas
When Ryan Thomas made his cobblestone debut as Jason Grimshaw on Christmas Day 2000, he was simply a small boy. In 2016, he said goodbye to the hit ITV serial opera.
His younger brother Adam Thomas began appearing in the rival soap opera Emmerdale in 2009 as Adam Barton, a role he held until 2018. Scott Thomas, the brothers’ other well-known sibling, appeared on Love Island in 2016.
Greg Wood and Matt Milburn
Coronation Street viewers were taken aback to learn that two characters who never crossed paths on the iconic cobbles are actually related in real life. Tommy Orpington, a footballer for Weatherfield County on the soap who had a fling with Tracy Barlow earlier this year, is portrayed by actor Matt Milburn.
But he’s not the only notable Corrie actor in the family. His real-life brother Greg Wood played the villainous loan shark Rick Neeson on the cobbles.
- “Corrie Spoilers: Carla Faces Threats, Hope Strikes Again, and Updates on Bethany”
- “CARLA Connor Shares a Heartfelt Moment with Another Resident Following Her Attack at the Factory in Next Week’s Coronation Street”
- “Coronation Street’s Betsy Swain Actress ‘Senses Trouble’ with Major New Arrival”
- “Exclusive: Coronation Street Star Speaks Out About Rowan’s Comeback”
- “Coronation Street: Kit Linked to Joel’s Disappearance”
- “Former Coronation Street Character Makes a Comeback Before Heartbreaking Loss – But He’s Keeping a Secret”
