Coronation Street newcomer Pete Lang has arrived in Weatherfield, and fans were quick to twig where they have seen the actor before.

During Monday’s episode of the ITV soap (October 13), actor Andrew Hayden-Smith made his debut as Pete, who was seen in the Bistro knocking back drinks with Theo Silverton (James Cartwright) and Gary Windass (Mikey North).

The trio toasted to a new business relationship as Pete is set to be working at the builder’s yard.

However, Pete is also set to be caught up in a sinister plot as Theo increases control on his suffering boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).

Scaffolder Theo left his wife and kids after falling for undertaker Todd, having suppressed his homosexuality since undergoing conversion therapy at the hands of church clerk Noah Hedley (Richard Winsor).

In a shocking twist, Theo has become increasingly abusive towards Todd, isolating him from his family and friends, before turning to violence.

In forthcoming scenes, Pete will end up spending the night with Theo as part of his sick and twisted games.

As Pete arrived on screen, some Corrie fans were left scratching their heads over where they had seen actor Andrew Hayden-Smith before, as others pointed out he had previously starred in Byker Grove and Hollyoaks.

Taking to Facebook, one person asked: “Who is this actor? It’s driving me mad.”

A second replied: “Andrew Hayden-Smith, he played Ben Carter in Byker Grove and DS Armstong in Hollyoaks.”

A third chimed in: “Ahhh Hollyoaks, that’s where I recognise him! Thanks”, while another added: “He played Ben in Byker Grove.”

“Andrew Hayden-Smith from Byker Grove”, confirmed one viewer as another added: “I think he was a police officer in Hollyoaks at one point?”.

Andrew portrayed Ben in coming of age BBC drama Byker Grove, which also starred Ant and Dec, between 1997 and 2000.

In 2016, Andrew arrived in Chester as copper Gavin Armstrong in Hollyoaks before leaving again in 2017.

The star has also portrayed Jake Simmonds in Doctor Who in 2006 and voiced the role of Mark in Doctor Who: Classic Doctors New Monsters (2025).