Its incredible that were still discussing this Coronation Streets Lorna Laidlaw addresses still bei
The actress, who plays matriarch Aggie Bailey, was appeared on the This Morning sofa on Thursday alongside co stars and onscreen family Trevor Michael Georges, Ryan Russell and Nathan Graham.
Host Phillip Schofield addressed the issue, telling the actors: It seems like it shouldnt even really be a thing anymore, the fact that this is the first black family on Coronation Street– is that even a question?
Lorna then replied: Its a question that weve all been asked every single time and everybodys still shocked that were having to answer it.
Explaining that the family have hit the headlines internationally, she added: And its big news, not little news – my family called me from New York to say, Youre in The New York Times!
And I go, "Are you serious?" So its a massive thing. The shows been going for 60 years and theres never been a whole [black] family.
Trevor then added: In credit to ITV, there have been black scenarios. I think it was 1961. For three episodes they had a family in there, in which is hardly establishing.
Birmingham native Lorna also revealed how difficult it was speaking in a Northern accent after years of speaking in a Botswanan accent as Mrs Tembe in Doctors.
She said: All through those first scenes I was thinking "do not go to your default Botswana accent".
Youve got to stay Northern, it was really difficult. Because your mouth is so trained to do an accent, but getting it into your head to do this new character, to really believe in and really give an impact, it was really difficult.
Meanwhile, Trevor revealed his complete shock at landing the role as Edison Bailey in the long running soap.
He told Phil and Holly Willoughby: Unbelievable. I was in in total shock when my agent phoned and said "they want to see you at Corrie", and I said "you put me up for Corrie?" and he said "Nooo".
I was really really confused and Ive been confused ever since!
In April this year it was announced that Coronation Street would introduced the Baileys to the cobbles.
The foursome consisting of dad Edison, mum Aggie and sons Michael and James made their Corrie debut on Wednesday, after buying Norris Coles house.
Introduced by producer Iain MacLeod, the newest residents of the famous street will soon make their mark, but it shortly becomes clear that one of them is hiding a big secret.
The family is led by dad Edison, known as Ed, who has bought Jason Grimshaws builders yard with his eldest son.
Ed is a no nonsense kind of guy but is full of banter and loves a pint, so viewers will no doubt see him propping up the bar in the Rovers Return in the near future.
His wife Aggie, is a pharmacy assistant is who fun, outrageous and friendly in equal measures.
However, despite getting on the nerves of her husband, its clear to see the two are deeply in love.
Meanwhile, older son Michael, played by Ryan Russell, works with his dad but is the apple of his mums eye.
The happy go lucky lad is always on the lookout for his latest get quick rich scheme and is full of optimism, its just a shame that his love life hasnt quite worked out.
Finally theres brooding teenage son James, hes quiet and shy, but just so happens to be a talented footballer playing for Weatherfield County.
The 19 year old is Edisons pride and joy and has his big brother watching out for him but hes hiding a big secret from his beloved family, will he find the courage to reveal to them and his team mates that hes gay?
Speaking about the new family, producer Iain enthused: I am really excited to introduce this new family the audience is going to love them! Theyre funny, warm and will pull together through thick and thin as we play out the stories weve got lined up for them.
Parents Edison and Aggie are soulmates who, underneath the banter, will stick up for each other and defend their boys when the going gets tough. Eldest son Michael is an exuberant, loveable dreamer with a huge heart and is the glue that holds the family together. James is Michaels younger brother and best mate, who is a sensitive lad with a secret that he fears will throw his family into turmoil and impact on his career.
He added: The four actors weve cast are all individually brilliant but together they have a truly incredible chemistry. I cant wait for them to hit the screen!
Edison actor Trevor, who has appeared in Holby City, said of getting the part: I have never allowed myself to imagine being part of such a massive icon in television history. I grew up with Ena Sharples, Stan and Hilda Ogden and Elsie Tanner. As did my family, my neighbourhood and the entire country.
To look at a script where Edison Bailey my character is chatting away with Ken Barlow couldnt be any more humbling... and a bit scary.
While Lorna said: I am absolutely thrilled to be joining this iconic show. I have grown up watching Coronation Street.
Its the meat and two veg of the nations soap diet. A staple, that has been apart of my family for more years than I care to remember. Ive got my knife and fork at the ready... lets tuck in!
Actor Ryan, who is swapping his job as a presenter on CBeebies to play Michael, shared: Its an absolute pleasure to join the team at Coronation Street! Its truly a blessing and a privilege to join such an iconic show.
Im really looking forward to the challenge of exploring Michael and working with the rest of the cast!
While James star Nathan, whose had West End roles, added: Im so grateful for this opportunity to join Coronation Street and be a part of this show.
Im thrilled to be a member of the Bailey family and excited to explore the difficulties James may face along the way.
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