Doncaster actor feels at home on Corrie's cobbles

A Doncaster actor has returned to his Yorkshire roots after landing a role in one of Britain's best loved soaps.
Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, (centre), who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, (centre), who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.
Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, (centre), who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.

Richard Crehan, aged 27, who grew up in Scawthorpe, looks quite different from his on-screen character – Coronation Street’s heroin addict Lee Mayhew.

Richard’s character was a mystery when was first introduced on to the famous cobbles but he has since been revealed as the brother of the local vicar, Billy, who is played by Daniel Brocklebank.

Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.
Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.
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“Stepping on the cobbles for the first time was strange I suppose, but I naturally felt at home,” said Richard.

“I think it’s because that street has to be one of the most famous streets in the UK. I felt like I knew my way around despite never actually stepping foot on it before.

“My first few episodes were with Dan, who plays my brother, and he was great at showing me around and introducing me to the cast, who were all lovely.”

Richard, who lives with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks, moved to London when he was 20 with hopes of becoming a star and has moved around the country for various roles since then.

Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.
Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street.
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But earlier this year he was offered the part of Lee in the iconic soap and moved back to Scawthorpe to be close to the Manchester set.

“My agent called with the job and I got sent the script. I went to the studios at MediaCityUK and read for the casting department. I was called by my agent about five days later with a recall. I read the same scene, but this time with one of Coronation Street’s resident directors and Dan.

“I was a little nervous, it’s only natural, but actors do this non-stop so the aim is to go in and do what you’ve trained to do.”

Viewers are still waiting for Lee’s full story to be revealed, and while Richard can not say much, he said his alter-ego is interesting to play.

Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.
Richard Crehan, 27, of Scawthorpe, Doncaster, who is appearing as Lee Mayhew in Coronation Street. Richard is photographed on the set with his girlfriend Emma Maddocks.
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“Lee does have his fair share of troubles, he’s a product of his environment. He was never really given a fair crack at the whip, and now he’s battling many demons, his heroin addiction being one of them.

“It’s great playing Lee, he has a lot going on, and they are the sort of characters I like to play. I never audition for nice guys, it must be the Doncaster accent,” he joked.

“Is it challenging? Of course it is, and they work very fast there so you have to be on the ball. But it is fun.”

You can see Richard in Coronation Street, on ITV, next week.