Coronation Street bosses have found a replacement for the role of Bethany Platt. The character was initially meant to be portrayed by actress Katie Redford, but following confusion surrounding her age, Katie, 25, was dropped and the role recast.
Lucy Fallon will now join the soap as Gail Platt's granddaughter.
The 19-year-old shared her excitement on Twitter, writing, "Thank you everyone for your lovely messages!!!!! Buzzin x."
Her co-star Hayley Tamaddon, who plays Andrea Beckett on the popular ITV show, immediately welcomed Lucy online, posting: "Congrats @lufallon!! A fellow blackpool girl has joined the cobbles! Look forward to meeting you!! Xx."
Earlier this week Lucy started filming scenes with her new on-screen family members Gail and David, played by Jack P Shepherd, just days after landing her big break.
"Walking onto the set was surreal and nerve wracking, but everyone has been really welcoming and I am thrilled to have been given this great opportunity," said the pretty blonde.
Her first episode will air in March and see her character Bethany, 14, make an unexpected arrival on the cobbles, following a huge argument with her mum Sarah in Milan.
The week after Sarah – played by Tina O'Brien – will be seen flying over to the UK to try and convince Bethany to return with her to Italy, if it means dragging her "kicking and screaming". The pair end up staying on the Street in Weatherfield when things don't go exactly to plan.
ITV bosses warned Corrie fans that Bethany will be causing problems for the Platt clan, while Gail in particular will struggle to cope with her family's secrets and lies.
Earlier this month producers had to announce their decision to let the original actress Katie go, after fans discovered photos of her old CV that clearly stated she was turning 26. A snapshot of her résumé did the rounds online, listing her date of birth as 2 March 1989.