Fans of Coronation Street have been left astonished after learning about actor Aaron McCusker's role in the critically acclaimed musical drama Bohemian Rhapsody. The Northern Irish performer joined the beloved ITV soap last year as Ben Driscoll, the new landlord of the Rovers Return.
Ben Driscoll's Storyline
Ben's mother, Maggie, portrayed by Pauline McLynn, assisted Ben in purchasing the Rovers for his partner Eva Price, played by Catherine Tyldesley. The family, including Ben's sons Ollie (Raphael Akuwudike) and Will (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), along with Eva's daughter Susie (Aurora Bradshaw), moved into the pub shortly thereafter.
The Driscolls have recently been at the centre of a gripping storyline involving 16-year-old Will, who was groomed into a sexual relationship with his PE teacher Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon). Megan was among the suspected victims in a recent murder plot, but the actual victim was abuser Theo Silverton (James Cartwright). Meanwhile, Maggie was found unconscious on the street, sparking fears for her life. However, it has since been confirmed that she is alive and recovering in hospital.
Adding to the drama, Ben recently discovered that Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson) is his biological father, making cobbles legend Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) his half-brother.
Aaron McCusker's Previous Role
Now, some Coronation Street viewers have been left speechless upon realising that Aaron McCusker, aged 47, previously appeared in the 2018 musical drama Bohemian Rhapsody. He played Jim Hutton, the boyfriend of Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of the rock band Queen. McCusker is also well known for his role as Jamie Maguire in the series Shameless.
One soap enthusiast wrote on a Facebook fan page: "Didn't realise Ben (Aaron McCusker) from Corrie played Freddie Mercury's partner Jim in Bohemian Rhapsody! Brilliant!" Another viewer commented: "I've been looking at his face and saying I know him from something else but didn't remember what, so thank you. Puzzle solved." A third added: "Oh yeah lol I wondered what I had seen him in before." A fourth fan echoed: "Oh my never knew that," with another stating: "How did I not realise?!"
Bohemian Rhapsody has received widespread acclaim from audiences. One IMDb user wrote: "Amazing!!! Mind blowing! This is a celebration of Queen... Compelling, moving, touching." Another said: "One of the best movies I've seen... Truly extraordinary. Two thumbs up." A third reviewer added: "I would recommend this movie to ANYONE. Nothing short of a spectacular film!"
Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8:30 pm on ITV1 and STV, while Emmerdale airs at 8 pm as part of ITV's new soap power hour scheduling.
