Coronation Street actor James Cartwright, who plays Theo Silverton, is the son of acclaimed playwright Jim Cartwright, writer of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
Coronation Street Theo Silverton star’s real-life famous father who is ‘his best mate’
Coronation Street’s James Cartwright boasts a famous father who fans will undoubtedly recognise.
The actor made his debut on the ITV soap this year as Theo Silverton, quickly becoming the object of Todd Grimshaw’s (Gareth Pierce) affections – and it wasn’t long before sparks started to fly.
However, Theo’s true colours soon emerged as he began manipulating Todd, attempting to control every aspect of his life.
The abuse escalated to physical violence, leaving Todd terrified of what his partner might do next. In response, Todd installed hidden cameras in their home, with a powerful social episode set to air next week.
James plays Theo on the ITV soap(Image: ITV)
Away from the cobbles, James is no stranger to the small screen, having previously appeared in the Tracy Beaker series as Nathan. But it seems that showbiz is in his blood…, reports the Mirror.
James’ father is acclaimed writer and dramatist Jim Cartwright. Jim has an impressive body of work to his name, including the 1992 play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, which was adapted into a film in 1998 starring Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine.
Over the years, James has frequently collaborated with his famous father. In 2009, he was cast in the West End revival of his dad’s play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, taking on the role of Billy.
His father is a successful dramatist
According to the father-son pair, James was the final hopeful out of 30 to audition for the play. Jim revealed to The Guardian: “I was so proud. I forgot it was him.” James then confessed: “My dad is my best mate.”
James also reminisced about his childhood with his famous father, recalling a time when he was seven and attended a matinee of the original Little Voice. He shared: “At the cast picnic afterwards.
“I ate too much, stood on my head and was sick over Pete [Postlethwaite]. But seeing the play made me understand what Dad did. Until then, Dad was just Dad. He played football and scribbled.”
James has worked with his dad plenty of times(Image: ITV)
Fast forward to 2016, and Jim and James teamed up again for another play, a one-man show titled Raz, written by Jim and featuring James. Speaking about collaborating with his father once more, James told The Times: ‘”His writing’s in my blood, it’s rich and beautiful. I know what he means instantly.”
Jim then chimed in: “Aye, it’s a pleasure when we work together. But it’s not like we’re a theatrical dynasty, like the Redgraves or the Foxes. We’re more like Steptoe and Son.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
