X Factor winner Shayne Ward to join Coronation Street

Shayne Ward is swapping the stage for the cobbles when he joins the cast of Coronation Street next month.

The X Factor winner will play Aidan Connor, a distant cousin of Kym Marsh's character Michelle Connor.

He will turn up in the street in August and is set to send female hearts fluttering.

But he proves he's no pushover by quickly making an enemy of Tracy Barlow's ex-husband Robert Preston.

Shayne said: "On hearing I had been offered the part I was in total disbelief. It still hasn't sunk in.

"Shayne Ward the lad from Manchester, given such a role on such an iconic show - it is an absolute dream come true. I'm excited to walk down those famous cobbles."

He also tweeted:

Shayne, who has signed a one-year contract with the show, is the first of the new Connor clan to arrive in Weatherfield and will be followed in the coming months by his dad and sister.

Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn said: ”When Shayne came in and auditioned we knew he was up against some very stiff competition.

"But he blew us away from the very get go delivering a charm and a swagger that is perfect for the character. I can't wait to see him in action."

Manchester-born Shayne won the second series of X Factor and his first single 'That's My Goal' became the third-fastest selling UK single of all time.

In 2012 he received a What's On Stage Awards for his role in Rock of Ages in the West End and appeared in Jeff Wayne’s Stage version of War of the Worlds.

He also appeared in ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2013 but was knocked out in th fifth round.

Other stars to join the cobbles this year include comedian Paddy McGuinnessand Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding.