Fans are just finding out Coronation Street’s Tommy Orpington is related to another soap legend
Coronation Street’s Tommy Orpington ran off to Spain with the iconic Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) in March, but did you know that actor Matt Milburn has a connection to another cobbles legend?
Matt, who was a recurring star on the ITV soap sporadically for eight years, is the real-life brother of Greg Wood, who portrayed cobbles gangster Rick Neelan.
Rick, as viewers know, terrorised the residents of the eponymous street, namely Gary Windass (Mikey North), who retaliated in 2019 in a bid to save his family, murdering Rick and burying his body in the woods.
He was also the dad of Kelly, who was played by Doctor Who actress Millie Gibson.
The character, much like Tommy O, had featured in a recurring capacity, appearing on the show over a decade-long period between 2009 and 2019.
Actor Greg is also known for playing multiple roles in Hollyoaks, namely Trevor Royle (RIP Trev), who died in fiancée Grace Black’s (Tamara Wall) arms on their wedding day.
Matt, meanwhile, also appeared in Hollyoaks, playing Joe Spencer between 2003 and 2006, starring in a total of 27 episodes.
He is, however, best known for playing the footballing hero Tommy Orpington in Corrie and, upon reprising his role last year, coupled up with married resident Tracy Barlow.
Now retired from his footballing profession, he turned up at No. 1 in his new capacity as a painter and decorator to do some work to the property.
But with Steve away in France, sparks began to fly and it wasn’t long before Tommy was dipping his paintbrush in Tracy’s pot.
‘I was absolutely thrilled,’ said actor Matt Miburn when asked about reprising his role in a more regular capacity. ‘I’ve played Tommy intermittently since 2016 so to be told that I was going to be coming back and given something far more substantial, I was delighted.’
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 23rd January 2024 Coronation Street - Ep 1117879 Wednesday 31st January 2024 Tommy Orpington [MATT MILBURN] admits he fancies Tracy McDonald [KATE FORD]. Does Tracy feel the same? Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEI_188402165_6559b6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘I always hoped it would turn into something because in my mind, I back myself and have always wanted to be on the show,’ Matt admitted. ‘But it was still such a surprise to get the call, a really happy surprise! I was taken aback but obviously over the moon because it’s something I’ve wanted for years.’
The affair was exposed when Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) caught them in the act, and couldn’t keep it secret from his best mate Steve.
In a further twist, Tommy kept quiet about a new coaching position he’d accepted in Spain, which devastated Tracy.
Steve found a letter asking her to join him, but quickly burnt it in the hope he could reconcile with his estranged wife. However, upon discovering what he’d done, she packed her bags and left the Street for pastures new.
Now, Tracy is back on the cobbles, and recently revealed that she planned to stay long-term, and would be buying a house with Tommy, who she is still seeing.
Could this mean another return to the street for the footballing legend?
