UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 14 SEPTEMBER 2016
An alumnus of Birmingham School of Acting is preparing for a move to Weatherfield after securing a role in Britain’s longest running TV soap.
Rob Mallard will be playing the part of Daniel Osbourne in ‘Coronation Street’, with filming for his first scenes taking place next week (Tuesday 20 September).
Daniel Osbourne is the son of long-standing character Ken Barlow (played by William Roache) and Rob joins the Corrie cast with returning actors Chris Gascoyne and Sam Robertson, who play Ken’s elder son and grandson respectively.
Originally from Oldham, Rob graduated from Birmingham School of Acting in 2014 with First-class honours. Since graduating, he has appeared in major TV shows such as ‘No Offence’, ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Emmerdale’.
Rob Mallard isn’t the only Birmingham School of Acting graduate to grace the famous Corrie cobbles, as alumna Catherine Tyldesleyalso stars in the soap as Eva Price.
Reflecting on his time studying at the Birmingham City University-based institution, Rob Mallard said:
“Birmingham School of Acting's tutors offer an eclectic training structure and resist streamlining the students into one particular method. This encourages actors to enjoy and engage with the variety of approaches in the industry, and not be put off by it.”
Rob was also the School’s 2014 nominee for the Spotlight Prize, which sees 20 of the UK’s most talented young drama school graduates compete for the acclaimed annual award in front of an audience of industry professionals.
Rob, aged 24, added: “It feels great to be starting work on ‘Coronation Street’ and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone.
Viewers will first see Ken’s troubled son, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), return to the street in October. But as his return sends shockwaves through the Barlow household, the family will be further shaken when Daniel and Adam join Ken, Tracy, Amy and Peter at No. 1 in November.
‘Coronation Street’ Producer, Kate Oates, said:
“The Barlows have been at the centre of Coronation Street since it started in 1960 and I felt it was time to remind ourselves of the dynasty that Ken has built up over the past 50 years.
“I am excited about the dynamics of having the different generations living together and exploring the drama that will bring.
“Peter turns up first in October and almost immediately his arrival has consequences for the family. He is followed in early November by Adam and Daniel. I am delighted to have Sam back, his time away from Weatherfield has hardened Adam and although he is a Barlow the Baldwin genes are evident from the moment he arrives.
“Daniel is a different Barlow altogether, more sensitive and bookish, he is clearly a chip off the old block, but there is more to Ken’s youngest son than meets the eye. Rob is a talented young actor who is perfect for the role.”