Coronation Street newcomer ‘so excited’ as she makes debut as daughter of soap legend

Coronation Street’s Grace Ashcroft-Gardiner has taken over the role of Lily Platt

Coronation Street’s latest addition, Grace Ashcroft-Gardiner, has stepped into the shoes of Lily Platt on the beloved ITV soap.

The young actress couldn’t contain her joy as she announced her new gig to her followers, taking over from Brooke Malonie who portrayed Lily since 2016.

Grace’s debut scenes as Lily have already graced our screens, and she took to Instagram to express her thrill: “I am so excited to share my news that I have joined the cast of Coronation Street playing the role of Lily Platt.”

She went on to thank the Stagebox team for their pivotal role in her journey: “It’s been a brilliant few months since my first audition, which wouldn’t have happened without the fantastic Stagebox team (who I can’t thank enough! ).

“The whole Corrie team, the cast and crew have been absolutely amazing, I couldn’t have asked for any more support during my first few weeks filming on the cobbles,” she added, inviting her fans to tune in to her initial episodes, reports OK!.

Grace’s announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages, including warm welcomes from her co-stars.

Brooke Malonie portrayed Lily from 2016 until 2025(Image: ITV)

Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy Swain, commented: “Smashing it! ! I love the sass you give her.”

Jack P Shepherd, who plays her on-screen father David Platt, chimed in: “Yay! Great to have part of the family Grace.”

Lily, the offspring of David and the late Kylie Platt (played by Paula Lane), made an impactful return as she caused a stir for cousin Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) by locking him out during a tense moment at school with the menacing Mick Michealis (Joe Layton) lurking nearby.

Grace is the sixth actress to step into the shoes of Lily since the character’s introduction in 2013.

Lily has been played by six different actresses(Image: ITV)

Ava and Lilly Bushell portrayed the character from 2013 to 2014, before handing over the reins to Betsie and Emmie Taylor who played Lily from 2014 to 2016.

Brooke then assumed the role from 2016 to 2025, with Grace now set to continue as Lily.

Prior to Lily’s birth, David discovered that his half-brother Nick Tilsley (played by Ben Price) had an affair with his wife Kylie, raising doubts about Lily’s paternity.

This revelation sparked a vendetta against Nick, culminating in a car crash indirectly caused by David.

Following Lily’s birth in August 2013, Nick coerced David into arranging a DNA test, threatening to expose David’s role in the car accident that left Nick in a coma for several weeks.

The DNA test ultimately confirmed that David was indeed Lily’s father.