Coronation Street viewers shocked by new character's ‘make-over' – as they only just realise she's been recast
As of this week, a soap legend's on-screen daughter now has a brand new face.
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Grace Ashcroft-Gardner has taken over the role of David Platt's daughter, Lily.
The character was born to David and his late wife, Kylie, back in 2013.
However, the recasting was not immediately obvious to all viewers - as they shared their thoughts online.
One fan wrote: "Aww I actually liked the old Lily and thought she showed potential.
"Shame to lose her but hopefully the new one is good too."
Another added: "It wasn't immediately apparent, as she's very different from the pervious one, then someone called her Lily and it all made sense... Kind of."
A third chimed in: "It's a recast Lily. David's daughter."
While a fourth remarked: "They probably should have introduced her in the Platts' house by David calling her Lily as it was confusing seeing her out as could have been a random classmate who just happened to be called Lily and easy to miss."
Young actress Brooke Malonie had been playing the character since June 2016.
She was absent in recent weeks and new actress Grace took over beginning in Monday's episode.
Emotional Coronation Street stars reveal final EVER scene together has already aired
It comes ahead of a huge new storyline involving the show's pre-teen characters.
Lily and her cousin Sam (Jude Riordan) are set to be at the centre of a dramatic new plot.
It's not the first time that a Platt family member has been recast in recent months.
Last year, Carter-J Murphy took over as Lily's cousin Harry Platt, son of Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien).
Soap characters who've been recast
Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.
Coronation Street
Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes.
Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.
EastEnders
Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors.
Freddie Slater: Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010.
Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.
Speaking to press about the change-up, Jack P Shepherd said: "They've just recast the lad who plays Harry.
"Carter is very, very confident."
He succeeded twins Freddie and Isaac Rhodes, who'd played Harry since 2017.
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