Coronation St role for ex-soldier drama student

Ryan Mulvey, aged 35, who is graduating with a first class degree in media and performance at The Lowry in Salford later this week, appeared as gangster Kelso in an episode of the ITV soap after getting picked up by an agent during a talent showcase held at the University.

Ryan was one of nine students who were taken on by agents following an event showcasing talented media and performance and Theatre Skills students held at the University’s New Adelphi Building earlier this year.

He has also appeared as an actor in an episode of ITV Tonight, and is now setting up a film production company with fellow student Rob Foulkes making short films.

Ryan, from Hyde, served for nine years with the Royal Logistics Corps after leaving school, during which he undertook two tours of duty in Bosnia.

But when he left the Army, unsure about what to do with the rest of his life, he began taking acting lessons in Manchester city centre, and after falling in love with drama decided to follow his dream – finally getting a place at the University of Salford through the Alternative Entry Scheme.

The scheme provides access to higher education for talented students who can’t get in through the traditional routes – such as mature students who have been out of education for a long time.

Ryan said: “The alternative entry scheme has been brilliant for me – without it I wouldn’t have had any chance of doing what I’m doing now. I left school without any qualifications at all and now I’m graduating with a first class degree, I’ve had a speaking part in Coronation Street and I’m setting up a production company.

“I thought I’d find it really challenging, but I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a very practical course, and it’s let me do a lot of acting and directing work.”