Actor Sir Ian McKellen is joining the cast of the British soap "Coronation Street" to play dodgy novelist Mel Hutchwright reports The BBC.
Last year, the 65-year-old said his only remaining ambition was to appear in the soap - after fulfilling his other aim, to play a pantomime dame. The actor once turned down a role as Elsie Tanner's long-lost nephew because he was intimidated by the prospect of appearing with Coronation Street's regular cast.
Sir Ian will appear for 10 episodes in May. "I am nervous but raring to go, I don't know yet what Mel will look nor sound like, but I'm already studying his lines, as rehearsal time is scarce for the five-times-a-week show" he said on Thursday.
Sir Norman Wisdom and Honor Blackman are among other stars who have taken roles in the long-running series in recent years.
Thanks to 'Brian'
