13:58, 04 May 2026

Fans of Coronation Street have been left stunned after discovering Aaron McCusker’s role in a beloved drama film.

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The Northern Irish actor joined the cast of the beloved ITV soap last year as Ben Driscoll, the new landlord of the Rovers Return.

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Ben’s mum, Maggie (Pauline McLynn), helped Ben buy the Rovers for his partner, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley). The trio later moved into the pub, alongside Ben’s sons Ollie (Raphael Akuwudike) and Will (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), and Eva’s daughter Susie (Aurora Bradshaw).

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The Driscolls have recently been thrust into the spotlight after 16-year-old Will was groomed into a sexual relationship with his PE teacher Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon).

Megan was one of the suspected victims in last week’s murder plot, but it was actually abuser Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) who was killed. Maggie was also left in a precarious situation as passers-by found her lying unconscious on the street.

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After sparking death fears, it has since been confirmed that the Driscoll matriarch is alive and well, as she was seen recovering in hospital during Monday’s (May 4) episode – which is now available to stream on ITVX.

It’s been a busy few months for Ben, as he also recently learned that Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson) was his real dad, making cobbles legend Steve (Simon Gregson) his half-brother.

Now, some Corrie fans have been left speechless after realising that Aaron McCusker, who plays Ben, previously appeared in the musical drama film Bohemian Rhapsody.

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The 47-year-old actor notably played Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend Jim Hutton in the 2018 drama, which focused on the life of the lead singer of British rock band Queen. Aaron is also known for his role as Jamie Maguire in Shameless.

“Didn’t realise Ben (Aaron McCusker) from Corrie played Freddie Mercury’s partner Jim in Bohemian Rhapsody! Brilliant!” one soap viewer wrote on a Facebook fan page.

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Another added: “I’ve been looking at his face and saying I know him from something else but didn’t remember what, so thank you. Puzzle solved,” while a third said: “Oh yeah lol I wondered what I had seen him in before.”

A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Oh my never knew that,” with another person similarly sharing: “How did I not realise?!”

Bohemian Rhapsody has been praised by fans following its release, with one person writing on IMDb: “Amazing!!! Mind blowing! This is a celebration of Queen, one of the best rock bands in the history of music. And it’s amazing. Compelling, moving, touching.”

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Another added: “One of the best movies I’ve seen. This has been one of the most amazing performances I have seen. Truly extraordinary. Two thumbs up,” while a third said: “I would recommend this movie to ANYONE. Nothing short of a spectacular film!”

A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Unforgettable. A magnificent portrayal of true artists. This film transported us into Queen’s and Freddie’s reality with all their struggles, accomplishments, heartbreak and happiness. Bravo!!”

Emmerdale airs weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, while Coronation Street airs weekday nights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and STV as part of ITV’s new soap power hour scheduling pattern for Coronation Street and Emmerdale