A FORMER Scarborough school pupil is the latest addition to one of soapland's most famous streets.
Mikey North, 22, who plays Coronation Street’s Gary Windass, officially joined the popular ITV soap during last night’s episode, when viewers watched he and his family move into the Mortons’ old house.
The hot-headed new character has made quite an impression already – with his family already at loggerheads with their new next-door neighbours, the Platts. And he soon causes another stir when he has a fling with Rosie Webster ...
Mr North, who studied at Pindar School, now the George Pindar Community Sports College, and Scarborough Sixth Form College, said: “I play a bit of a lovable rogue. We have a feud with the Platts, and it eventually blows up between me and David.”
He said that, on Christmas Day, the two end up in a punch-up. “Gary has a lot of sides to him. He is a bit of a hard nut, but also a charmer with the ladies.”
Mr North, originally of Cayton, has risen to fame after appearing on a number of TV shows including The Bill, The Royal, Waterloo Road and Britannia High.
He has also appeared at Manchester’s Royal Exchange in a play called The Revenger’s Tragedy, which starred Stephen Tomkinson.
Mr North said he regards himself as “very lucky” having received so much success, so quickly.
He was fortunate enough to be represented by an agent at just 18 years old and while still at Scarborough’s Sixth Form College. His first professional job was in a play called Bottle Universe on the West End. For this he was awarded Best Newcomer by the British Theatre Guide, and his career took off.
He said: “I have always enjoyed drama, at school and college. And Liz Curry at Pindar School has been fantastic, she has been a brilliant mentor and I can’t thank her enough for her advice and guidance.”
Mr North also acted in many of Scarborough YMCA’s plays and performances over the years, and was a member of the former Dance Warehouse. He said: “I was about 12 or 13 when I started acting there, and it was a great way to start. But I wouldn’t want to give others the wrong impression – it is a tough industry to get into, it’s not easy. I have been very lucky.”