Tommy Orpington star Matt Milburn is the real-life brother of another famous Coronation Street actor
Just when you thought that Coronation Street’s Tommy Orpington couldn’t get any more iconic, you find out that star Matt Milburn, who plays the character, is related to another cobbles legend.
Matt, who has featured on the ITV soap on and off for eight years, is the real-life brother of Greg Wood, who portrayed cobbles gangster Rick Neelan.
If you’re like me then you might need a moment to process such information. You good? Okay, let’s continue.
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.
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 loveable Tommy Orpington on Corrie and, upon reprising his role this year, he’s set to take centre stage in a big storyline.
Retired footballer Tommy, who is Steve McDonald’s (Simon Gregson) absolute hero, will show up at No. 1 in his capacity as a painter and decorator to do some work to the property under the instruction of Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
But with Steve away in France, sparks will soon fly for Tommy and Tracy, with an affair soon set to commence.
![FROM ITVSTRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 23rd January 2024Coronation Street - Ep 1117879Wednesday 31st January 2024Tommy Orpington [MATT MILBURN] admits he fancies Tracy McDonald [KATE FORD]. Does Tracy feel the same?Picture contact - David.crook@itv.comThis 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&zoom=1&resize=540%2C407)
‘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.’
‘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.’