Soap viewers were quick to spot newcomer Andrew Hayden-Smith’s previous TV roles.
Coronation Street newcomer Pete Lang has arrived in Weatherfield, and fans quickly recognized where they’ve seen the actor before.
In Monday’s episode of the ITV soap (October 13), Andrew Hayden-Smith made his first appearance as Pete, who was spotted in the Bistro enjoying drinks with Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) and Gary Windass (Mikey North).
The three celebrated a new business partnership, as Pete is set to start working at the builder’s yard.
However, Pete is also likely to become embroiled in a dark storyline as Theo tightens his control over his tormented boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).
Scaffolder Theo abandoned his wife and children after developing feelings for undertaker Todd, having previously repressed his sexuality following conversion therapy administered by church clerk Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor).
In a shocking turn, Theo’s behavior towards Todd has grown increasingly controlling and abusive, cutting him off from family and friends and eventually resorting to violence.
In upcoming scenes, Pete will spend the night with Theo as part of his disturbing and twisted schemes.
When Pete appeared on screen, some Coronation Street fans were left wondering where they’d seen Andrew Hayden-Smith before, while others reminded them that he had appeared in Byker Grove and Hollyoaks.
On Facebook, one fan asked: “Who is this actor? I can’t place him.”
Another responded: “That’s Andrew Hayden-Smith — he played Ben Carter in Byker Grove and DS Armstrong in Hollyoaks.”
A third commented: “Ah, Hollyoaks! That’s where I recognise him from, thanks,” while someone else added: “He was Ben in Byker Grove.”
“Andrew Hayden-Smith from Byker Grove,” confirmed one fan, while another added, “I think he played a police officer in Hollyoaks at one point?”
Andrew played Ben in the coming-of-age BBC series Byker Grove, which also featured Ant and Dec, from 1997 to 2000.
In 2016, he joined Hollyoaks in Chester as police officer Gavin Armstrong, leaving the show in 2017.
He has also appeared as Jake Simmonds in Doctor Who in 2006 and provided the voice of Mark in Doctor Who: Classic Doctors, New Monsters (2025).
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