A former EastEnders villain has confirmed his upcoming role in Coronation Street and teased ‘it’s about to go off’ as the drama ahead was revealed.

In November, actor Aidan O’Callaghan took to social media and teased that he’s set to make an appearance in the ITV soap as he was seen posing outside the iconic Rovers Return in a string of social media snaps.

Soap fans will recognise the star for his role in BBC’s EastEnders, where he played Lewis Butler – a colleague to Ben Mitchell, who initially appeared to be a potential love interest. He went on to land roles in Sky police drama Wolfe and Netflix fantasy series The Witcher: Blood Origin, but he’s also previously appeared as Mike in two episodes of another ITV soap, Emmerdale.

Completing a soap hat-trick, it’s now been revealed that Aidan will feature in an upcoming episode of Corrie which centres around the newly arrived, Maggie Driscoll.

It was only in October that viewers of the ITV soap were introduced to the new character, played by Father Ted icon Pauline McLynn, as she was revealed as the new owner of the Rovers Return – despite a returning Eva Price being the new landlady.

It was then recently revealed that a special flashback episode will focus on Maggie’s birthday and viewers will see tensions flaring in the Rovers and learn there’s more to this family dynamic than meets the eye.

The flashback episode, set to air on Monday, December 8, will provide viewers with a glimpse of Maggie’s earlier life and how the matriarchal mother-in-law from hell came to be as she celebrates her 65th birthday, tying in with Corrie’s own 65 years on air.

Sharing pictures of his time on set, Aidan, where he was seen with Pauline, took to Instagram and said “The calm before the storm…Corrie’s 65th anniversary next week is about to go OFF #Corrie65.”

And he was quickly shown some support. @roger.mann.37604 said: “Might have to start watching Corrie! You were brilliant in Albert Square!” @elmariemawecork wrote: “So excited for you!!!”

@daphnecheungact commented: “Congratulations, Aidan. Absolutely amazing to achieve the Tripple Major Soap appearance. And to be the first Irish actor to achieve the accolade, makes it even more special. Very pleased for you dear friend!” @dan2568 added: “Yes mate you were brilliant on Eastenders and an icon for me.”