Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd has shared his thoughts on the recent recasting of his on-screen daughter Lily Platt.

ITV’s beloved soap confirmed a new face for one of its young characters earlier this week. Monday’s episode (July 14) saw Grace Ashcroft-Gardner debut as Lily, stepping into the shoes previously filled by Brooke Malonie.

In the gripping episode, Lily found herself in peril as escaped convict Mick Michaelis descended upon Weatherfield High, hunting for his daughter Joanie.

Lily, who is the 12 year old offspring of David and the late Kylie Platt, and half-sister to Max Turner, was at the centre of the drama.

Jack, who plays David Platt, expressed his delight at welcoming Grace to the family, commenting on an Instagram post: “Yay! Great to have part of the family Grace.”, reports Belfast Live.

New Coronation Street star Grace Ashcroft-Gardner with Jack P Shepherd

New Coronation Street star Grace Ashcroft-Gardner with Jack P Shepherd (Image: Grace Ashcroft-Gardner Instagram)
Grace Ashcroft-Gardner also took to social media to share her excitement about joining the Coronation Street cast as Lily. She wrote: “I am so excited to share my news that I have joined the cast of @coronationstreet playing the role of Lily Platt!”.

She continued, expressing gratitude: “It’s been a brilliant few months since my first audition, which wouldn’t have happened without the fantastic @stageboxkids team (who I can’t thank enough! ).”

Grace also praised the Coronation Street team for their support: “The whole Corrie team, the cast and crew have been absolutely amazing, I couldn’t have asked for any more support during my first few weeks filming on the cobbles.”

She concluded with a call to viewers: “My first episode is being aired on ITV at 8pm tonight! It’s a brilliant episode, so make sure to watch! #coronationstreet.”

The new Lily Platt on Coronation Street

The new Lily Platt on Coronation Street (Image: ITV)
Betsy Swain actress Sydney Martin replied: “smashing it! ! I love the sass you give her.”

Meanwhile, Savanna Pennington, who portrays Joanie Michaelis, added: “Yes Grace Love this and so proud of you from the very start” whilst Jude Riordan, who plays Sam Blakeman, wrote: “Welcome to the team, Grace.”

This follows Monday’s episode which showed Lily concealing herself in a classroom, where she wouldn’t allow cousin Sam entry to the room during Mick’s prison breakout.

The event has left young Sam in distress, prompting his protective father Nick Tilsley to challenge David regarding Lily’s behaviour.

David, Kylie, Lily and Max

David, Kylie, Lily and Max pictured in 2015 (Image: ITV)
In upcoming scenes next week, during the Platt family’s gathering for Audrey Roberts’ birthday dinner, Sam sneaks away and conceals himself in the office, clearly distressed by recent events.

Later in the week, David and Shona make it clear to Lily that she needs to apologise to Sam. However, when Lily confesses to Sam that she deliberately locked him out of the classroom, Sam becomes enraged and an argument erupts…

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X. Episodes are also available to stream from 7am on ITV X.

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