Coronation Street Actor's Real Voice Stuns Viewers
Raphael Akuwudike, the actor behind Coronation Street character Ollie Driscoll, has left fans astonished by the stark contrast between his on-screen northern accent and his natural speaking voice. While portraying Ollie, Akuwudike adopts a distinctive northern dialect, but off-camera interviews reveal a gentle southern tone that diverges sharply from his soap persona.
Ollie Driscoll's Journey on the Cobbles
Ollie Driscoll arrived in Weatherfield last year, initially seeking legal help from solicitor Dee-Dee Bailey, played by Channique Sterling-Brown, after facing careless driving charges. Their professional relationship quickly blossomed into a romantic connection, adding depth to the storyline. The plot thickened with the revelation that Ollie's father is Ben Driscoll, portrayed by Aaron McCusker, who moved to the street alongside Eva Price, played by Catherine Tyldesley, to manage the Rovers Return.
Ollie has since integrated into the Weatherfield community, taking up a chef position at the Rovers and forming bonds with his family, including brother Will, grandmother Maggie, and Eva's daughter Suzy. Following his breakup with Dee-Dee last year, recent episodes have shown Ollie developing feelings for barmaid Lauren Bolton, with scenes depicting a dinner date at the Bistro and plans to attend a student gathering in Fallowfield together.
Raphael Akuwudike's Diverse Career
This Coronation Street role is not Akuwudike's first foray into television or soaps. Fans of murder mysteries may recognize him from his portrayal of Kit Harcourt in The Marlow Murder Club in 2024. He also appeared in Doctors back in 2019, playing the character Beni Cameron. Beyond television, Akuwudike boasts an impressive theatrical background, with notable stage productions including:
- The Player Kings at The Noel Coward Theatre
- Beautiful Thing at Stratford East
- Romeo and Juliet at The Almeida Theatre
- Sons of the Prophet at Hampstead Theatre
The Accent Transformation That Surprised Fans
In a recorded interview with Conversation Street last year, Akuwudike's natural speaking voice was revealed to be a soft southern accent, a significant departure from the northern dialect he uses as Ollie. This contrast has captivated audiences, highlighting his acting versatility. Speaking about his experience on the show, Akuwudike shared, "It's been really, really fun. It's brand new to me because I haven't really done TV before."
He described his character Ollie as a "lover" and elaborated, "He's a very passionate person, although you might not see that from the beginning. I think he's quite skilled, competent." This insight into his approach to the role adds another layer to the fascination surrounding his vocal transformation.
Coronation Street continues to air Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with fans now tuning in with a newfound appreciation for Akuwudike's performance.
