Ian Burfield, recognised for his lengthy tenure on EastEnders where he portrayed DCI Peter Arthurs, is making the move from Walford to Weatherfield.
The actor has been cast in Coronation Street as Ross, the long-absent father of Tyrone Dobbs, The Sun reports.
Mr Burfield’s association with the BBC soap spanned eight years until 2025, during which he also appeared as DI Hamilton in 1997 and DI Kelly between 2007 and 2010.
His television credits extend beyond Albert Square, with roles in The Bill, Holby City, Doctors and BBC’s Merlin.
Ian Burfield is set to join ITV Coronation Street as Tyrone’s dad
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ITV
The casting marks a significant addition to the ITV soap, with Mr Burfield’s character set to reunite with Alan Halsall’s Tyrone following years of estrangement between father and son.
Producer Kate Brooks has offered insight into what viewers can expect from Ross’s arrival on the cobbles.
“Tyrone’s dad makes an appearance in the show. Needless to say, he comes with quite a bit of drama,” Ms Brooks explained.
“It’s going to cause quite a lot of friction within that family, obviously with Cassie’s history.”
Ian Burfield in EastEnders as DCI Peter Arthurs
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BBC
The timing proves particularly significant given Claire Sweeney’s Cassie Plummer is preparing to depart the soap.
Tyrone has endured a challenging period recently, having sustained serious injuries after being struck by Carl Webster in a hit and run incident.
It was only a couple of years ago that the mechanic first encountered his estranged mother Cassie, an adjustment that proved difficult for him.
Ross’s entrance will play a pivotal role in Cassie’s forthcoming departure from the programme.
Ross’s entrance will play a pivotal role in Cassie’s forthcoming departure from the programme
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ITV
“As you know, Cassie’s leaving us, and so it will contribute to her exit, which is going to be massive and quite explosive,” Ms Brooks revealed.
“It’ll be full of all the twists and turns that you can come to expect from an exit story.”
The producer indicated to the publicaiton that Tyrone’s father is determined to establish a connection with his son, despite the decades of separation.
“He comes into the world of Fiz and Tyrone. Tyrone’s in the mindset of: ‘I’m in my 40’s, I’ve survived this long without a dad!’ But the dad is very keen to connect with Tyrone,” Ms Brooks continued.
Cassie is set to be unhappy about Ross’s reappearance
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ITV
Cassie, unsurprisingly, will not welcome Ross’s reappearance in their lives.
Brooks teased that romantic complications will swiftly emerge following Ross’s arrival in Weatherfield.
“It’s not long before he makes eyes at one of the residents – maybe a relationship starts there,” the producer said.
“It really shines a spotlight on Fiz and Tyrone as a couple and that family dynamic,” Ms Brooks added.