Coronation Street: X Factor winner Shayne Ward lands role in long-running soap

'It's an absolute dream come true'

2005: Shayne Ward After his victory on the second show, Ward achieved the fourth fastest-selling UK single ever with 'That's My Goal'. Several other hits and three albums followed and at one stage, he was reportedly considered to replace Jason O

It’s the career move only dreams are made of. Having won The X Factor almost a decade ago, Shayne Ward is now heading back to his Manchester roots to star in the hit soap Coronation Street, signing a one-year contract with the show.

The “No Promises” singer is set to star as Aidan Connor, a distant cousin of Kym Marsh’s character Michelle Connor and a friend of Carla’s, the pair having grown up on the same street.

Corrie fans can expect to see Aiden down The Rovers as soon as August, his return caused by Carla’s problems at the factory. The rest of the Conner clan, including his father and sister, are set to follow him soon after.

The musician turned actor said: “On hearing the news I had been offered the part on the show, I was in total disbelief. It still hasn’t sunk in.

"Shayne Ward, the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show – it is an absolute dream come true. I’m excited to walk down those famous cobbles.”

Ward has previously starred in a number of stage productions including Rock of Ages and Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds. He also participated in the eight series of Dancing on Ice, losing to overall winner Beth Tweddle.

2005 winner Shayne Ward in musical 'Rock of Ages' (Getty Images)

"My family and friends know just how much this means to me and I cannot wait to do them all proud,” he added. “2015 has been a great year for me so far and I look forward to joining the Coronation Street family.”

Another X Factor winner, Joe McElderry, has expressed an interest in starring in Corrie at some stage, telling Digital Spy: “I think I could do Emmerdale or Coronation Street. Somehow I don’t think I’ve got the accent for EastEnders, so I’ll leave that to the southerners!”

Perhaps Leon Jackson and Alexandra Burke could be joining them in Weatherfield soon, having also been dropped by Simon Cowell’s Syco label?