Aaron McCusker is trading the cobbles of Coronation Street for the coastal town of Port Devine in a new project. The actor, who plays Ben Driscoll on the ITV soap, is reprising his role as Clint Dunwoody in a feature-length special of the BBC Northern Ireland crime drama Hope Street.
Since joining Coronation Street last year, McCusker's character Ben has faced numerous challenges. He has been supporting his son Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale) after Will was groomed by athletics coach Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon). Additionally, Ben discovered that his mother Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) had lied about his real father, who turned out to be Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson), making Ben half-brothers with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
Hope Street Film Special
The Hope Street film, titled One of Our Own – A Hope Street Film, will focus on a violent crime committed against a beloved local, bringing trouble for DS Marlene Pettigrew. McCusker's character Clint Dunwoody is the landlord of the Commodore pub, mirroring his Coronation Street role as landlord of the Rovers Return.
Hair and makeup artist Shelley Blair shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, captioned: 'Great first week shooting Hope Street One of our Own.'
BBC Northern Ireland's Commissioning Editor Mary McKeagney said: 'We hope this feature-length film will provide the perfect opportunity to tie up some loose ends for fans. It is a bit of a thank you to all our audiences for engaging so enthusiastically with the series.'
Cast and Production
Returning cast members include Kerri Quinn, Tara-Lynne O'Neill, Niamh McGrady, Marcus Onilude, Cameron Cuffe, Katie Shortt, Eleanor Methven, Paddy Jenkins, Jonny Grogan, and RheAna Kamalu. Newcomers include comedians Paddy Raff, Tim McGarry, and actor Letitia Hector.
Despite the extra project, Coronation Street fans need not worry about Ben's absence. McCusker has been balancing his filming commitments, so Ben will remain on screen as Megan's trial approaches and Will needs his father's support.
