New character Brie appeared on Coronation Street just in time to throw a wrench in Lauren Bolton’s trial – but Brie’s actress, Jessica Ellis, was a very familiar face to many fans

There was a familiar face in scenes with Lauren Bolton on Wednesday’s episode of Coronation Street.

A new character is here to cause even more trouble for Lauren, and viewers immediately realised that they’d seen her face before. Brie, played by Jessica Ellis, 37, appeared as a fellow prisoner with Lauren, housed in the same area.

While Lauren is staying in the mother and baby unit with baby son Frankie, Brie is there with her baby daughter. Soon enough, the pair clashed with fans expecting more drama for the teen mum.

But many viewers were left thrilled when they realised where they knew Brie from. Actress Jessica is best known for playing Tegan Lomax on Hollyoaks.

Jessica was on the soap from 2013 to 2018, featured in a jaw-dropping 398 episodes. The star is no stranger to soaps, having acted in a couple of episodes of EastEnders in back 2011, and one episode of Doctors the same year.

Taking to X as the scenes aired, fans shared where the knew Brie from. One viewer said: “TEGAN,” as another excitedly said: “ITS TEGAN.” A third comment said: “Yayyy! Tegan Lomax. Another one off Hollyoaks,” as a fourth wrote: “Teagan Lomax.”

Fans instantly recognised Jessica Ellis as Tegan Lomax from rival soap Hollyoaks
Brie isn’t the only new character involved in Lauren’s trial with an actor fans will recognise from elsewhere. Corrie has signed up EastEnders star Samuel James, who is best known for playing Jimmie Broome on BBC One’s EastEnders, and for his role as Garth Stubbs on Birds of a Feather.

According to The Sun, Samuel will be joining Corrie as solicitor Steven Poyser, who is leading the prosecution in the court case. A source told the publication: “Samuel will appear on screen for a number of episodes in a guest role as Lauren’s fate is finally revealed.”

It comes as Lauren’s onscreen boyfriend Max Turner is set to leave the ITV soap, with actor Paddy Bever quitting the role. The star has already filmed his final scenes and will depart from the screen in early spring.Bosses have known that he would bow out since March last year, allowing them time to develop his exit storyline which comes amid huge turmoil for the Platt family in the coming weeks. He told The Mirror: “After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities.

“I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way. It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.”