Coronation Street have announced their decision to recast the role of Bethany Platt. Actress Katie Redford has been dropped from the role in the ITV soap after recent confusion surrounding her real age, and the character will now be played by someone else.
On Friday, Coronation Street bosses confirmed that Katie had been cast as 14-year-old Bethany. An official press release billed the actress as 19-years-old – but fans quickly unearthed evidence suggesting that she is actually 25.
The actress is also said to have changed her Twitter handle over the weekend from 'Katieredford1989' to 'Katieredfordtlc'. A snapshot of her CV is also doing the rounds online, listing her date of birth as 2 March 1989.
Shortly after the discrepancy was noted, Coronation Street confirmed they would be investigating the matter. Then, on Monday, they confirmed, "Coronation Street have taken the decision to recast the part of Bethany Platt".
Bethany is the teenage daughter of Sarah Platt, played by 31-year-old Tina O'Brien. She currently lives in Milan with her mum, but an upcoming storyline will see her rebel by heading back to Weatherfield unexpectedly, paving the way for Tina's return to the soap.
Speaking last week, Katie said she was in a state of disbelief after landing the role. "Until I'm actually on set, I genuinely don't think it will sink in that I'm joining the cast of Coronation Street," she said. "I know it sounds clichéd but it really feels like a dream come true.
"Bethany Platt is going to be such a fun and witty character to play and I hope everyone enjoys her return as much as I'm going to!"