Shayne Ward has admitted that he previously auditioned for other roles for different programmes before landing his regular gig on Coronation Street.
And, before arriving on the cobbles as Aidan Connor in 2015, Shayne has let slip that he auditioned for a role in Hollyoaks!
"I did auditions a long time ago, which was a learning curve for me. There was Hollyoaks, and I think Casualty was one too,” he told Digital Spy.
Shayne didn’t get the role for either show – but it seems as if everything happens for a reason.
Before landing his current role, Shayne starred in West End productions of Rock of Ages in 2011 and War of the Worlds in 2014, which gave him the acting experience he needed to impress Corrie bosses.
Throw that in with his previous soap auditions, and it's clear that Shayne built up his confidence before that big Corrie audition.
The former X Factor winner said: "I already had a lot more confidence. Whereas before I had nothing behind me, no experience."
His part as Aidan is Shayne’s first acting role, and Shayne added that he’s learnt “so much in such a short space of time”.
And he even revealed that his friends and family – who have been watching the show for over 40 years – like the character that he gets to play.
It was revealed back in March that Shayne has had his contract extended to stay another year on the soap – so he’s clearly impressing the ITV bosses too!
An insider told The Mirror previously: “Ever since he joined the cast, Shayne has impressed bosses with his professional attitude”.
And he even bagged himself Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards this year, so it seems viewers love his place on the programme too.
"I come on set every day and I love it. Of course I still get a little bit nervous, but that's a good thing," he added.
Coronation Street continues on ITV at 7.30pm.
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