Fans of Coronation Street noticed this week that Bertie Osbourne has been recast, with Henry Duggan taking over the role from Rufus Morgan-Smith. The change comes as the character, who had been absent for weeks, reappeared in scenes with his father Daniel Osbourne.
Viewers suspect the recast is linked to an upcoming storyline in which Daniel's mental health deteriorates. Daniel recently discovered that his girlfriend Megan Walsh groomed and sexually abused a teenage student, Will Driscoll, and that she is pregnant. The revelation has left Daniel struggling with guilt and fear of being blamed.
In Friday's episode, Daniel lashed out, terrifying Bertie, who ran to his room. Later, Daniel dropped Bertie off at his father Ken Barlow's home, claiming he was going to the Lakes. However, he returned to his flat, shut the curtains, and began drinking, shutting out the world.
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks revealed that Daniel's story will see him 'slowly start to lose it' as he grapples with trust issues. 'He feels like he's let Will down. He feels like he's let Bertie down,' Brooks said, adding that the impact of Megan's actions will be charted in the coming weeks.
