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'Corrie' star Jack P Shepherd defends re-casting of Todd Grimshaw after fan criticism

Jack P Shepherd has defended the recasting of Todd Grimshaw. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Jack P Shepherd has defended the recasting of Todd Grimshaw. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Coronation Street actor Jack P Shepherd has defended the recasting of Todd Grimshaw on the programme after fan complaints.

It came after the soap posted a picture of newcomer Gareth Pierce to Instagram, leading some fans to remark that he bore little resemblance to original actor Bruno Langley.

"Do you think his mum will notice that he's had a face transplant?" questioned one as a second remarked: "At least try and get someone who looks like him."

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"Coronation Street never even try to hire their recasts to look anything like the original actor. Can’t see this working," wrote another, which Shepherd, 32, replied to.

Jack P Shepherd responded to a fan's comments on recasting in soaps. (ITV/Instagram)
Jack P Shepherd responded to a fan's comments on recasting in soaps. (ITV/Instagram)

The David Platt actor commented in response: "In my experience, that never works, you end up casting someone with same colour hair/eyes same teeth etc over acting capability, and the best actor/actress for the role misses out."

Langley was axed from the ITV soap in 2017 after he was accused and later found guilty of sexual assault.

Changing faces in soaps in nothing new as multiple actors have ended up playing the same role, including Shepherd's on-screen brother Nick Tilsley who was originally played by Adam Rickett but has been portrayed by Ben Price since 2009.

Bruno Langley was axed from the ITV soap in 2017. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Bruno Langley was axed from the ITV soap in 2017. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Of course one of the most famous examples is EastEnders' Ben Mitchell who is currently on his sixth reincarnation.

Max Bowden took over the part from Harry Reid last year, although Reid did say he would've liked to have stayed.

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The actor told Metro: "I always said I would have gone back. I’m disappointed because I love playing the character – it was a real pleasure as an actor to play a character like that.

"It’s a shame I won’t get to continue his journey but it’s the name of the game, it is what it is."