Kym Marsh defends Todd Grimshaw newcomer Gareth Pierce

Kym Marsh has defended Coronation Street\'s new Todd Grimshaw casting.

The former \'Corrie\' star - who played Michelle Connor from 2006 until December 2019 - has spoken out after some fans criticised the appointment of actor Gareth Pierce in the role, but she agrees with her old cast mate Jack P. Shepherd.

Writing in her OK! magazine column, she said: "My former Corrie co-star Jack P. Shepherd defended the soap\'s new casting of Gareth Pierce to play Todd Grimshaw in the soap.

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"Many fans commented that Gareth looked nothing like Bruno Langley - who played the part until his departure from the soap three years ago.

"But Jack insisted that focusing purely on an actor\'s looks means that the part may not go to the most talented actor. Talent beats looks. (sic)"

Several fans have voiced concern at the re-casting, with many suggesting bosses should have eased the transition with someone who looked similar to Bruno.

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However, Jack responded: "In my experience, that never works, you end up casting someone with same colour hair/eyes same teeth etc over acting capability, and the best actor/actress for the role misses out. (sic)"

Now, Kym has pointed to her own on-screen son Ryan Connor, who has been played by Ben Thompson, Ryan Prescott and Sol Heras on the ITV soap.

She added: "My son in Corrie was played by three different actors and they didn\'t all look alike!

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"But audiences will soon forget when they get used to it and if the actor is talented, the show will continue to be exciting and entertaining."

Former Todd actor Bruno was previously sacked from \'Corrie\' after he was convicted of sexual assault following an incident at a Manchester nightclub in 2017.

He admitted to two offences of sexual assault at Manchester Magistrates Court, but avoided jail and was sentenced to a 12-month community order.

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The ruling also saw him ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activity.