Coronation Street star Paddy Bever has landed a major new role following his four-year stint on the cobbles, taking over the lead role in the Stranger Things production on the West End. The actor, who portrayed Max Turner on the ITV soap, will play Henry Creel in the stage show based on the acclaimed Netflix series about a small town where ghastly goings-on spark government interest and a group of local kids make it their mission to get to the bottom of it all.
The supernatural TV drama concluded last year after five seasons, but the origins of The Upside Down and the backstory of the sinister Henry Creel take centre stage in Stranger Things: The First Shadow – the official prequel stage production which commenced on the West End in 2023. Paddy, whose final scenes on Corrie aired last March, will follow in the footsteps of Hope Street star Louis McCartney – who originated the part in London between 2023 and 2024 before transferring to Broadway in 2025 – and Emmerdale’s Louis Healey, who took on the role in 2024.
The production’s official Instagram account confirmed his casting, writing: ‘Class, we have a new student coming to Hawkins High… Paddy Bever joins #STOnStage as Henry Creel from 12 June.’ Get personalised updates on all things Netflix. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
It didn’t take long for Paddy’s former cobbles stars to react, with Lucy Fallon – who plays fellow Platt clan member Bethany – writing: ‘so buzzing for u paddy’, while Toyah Battersby star Georgia Taylor added: ‘Oh Paddy!! This is the most brilliant news. Congratulations darling’ Charlotte Jordan, who also left the eponymous Street last year as Daisy Midgley, said: ‘it’s ouuuuut!!! cannot wait to come seeeee’, while George Shuttleworth actor Tony Maudsley wrote: ‘Yayyyyy Paddy!!!! I’m so chuffed for you. Brilliant news!! Bravo you!!! Good things come to those who wait (and work hard) xxx’
Paddy made his cobbles debut in 2021, taking over the role of Max from Harry McDermott. The star had many opportunities to demonstrate what he’s capable of as an actor across his four years on the Street, with Max at the centre of many a major story. The troubled son of David Platt was radicalised and groomed by Griff Reynolds, had a long-running feud with teacher Daniel Osbourne, enjoyed a romance with Lauren Bolton and later found himself caught up in the murder of abuser Joel Deering. He was subsequently jailed for arson after he was found guilty of starting the fire at No.8. The Platts were left horrified when the judge revealed that Max would be spending six and a half years behind bars. Max himself was in a state of shock at the outcome, as he called out to David for support.
‘After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities,’ Paddy said at the time. ‘I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way.’
Paddy will make his West End debut in Stranger Things: The First Shadow from June 12.
