Ciaran McCarthy
Encyclopedia
Ciaran McCarthy is a fictional character from the UK television ITV
soap opera, Coronation Street
portrayed by Keith Duffy
. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2002, before departing in 2005. He returned in 2010 until Duffy temporary departed in January 2011 to go on Boyzone Tour, and returned on 3 November 2011. Duffy will depart the part on 25 November 2011 due to family commitments although he has said Ciaran will return one day. In his duration on the show the character has been at the centre of several romances including relationships with Sunita Alahan
, Tracy Barlow
and Michelle Connor
. Ciaran has been characterised as a ladies man who is a charmer. The character has been known for his "sex symbol" status and has received nominations in the "Sexiest Male" category at various soap award ceremonies.
(Chris Gascoyne). Duffy was initially employed for a three week stint. Duffy was later given a year long contract with Duffy saying it would be "great" to return and described his initial stint as being "the most fantastic time". Duffy later signed another year long contract reportedly worth £80,000. Duffy was promised "dramatic storylines" which included an affair with Tracy Barlow
(Kate Ford
). In 2005 Duffy announced his plans to leave stating it was because he wanted to spend more time with his family. The character's exit was a mutual decision between Duffy and the shows producers. Producer Tony Wood felt that Duffy had been an "asset" to the show but explained that after discussions about the character's future with the serial it was decided that "Ciaran McCarthy has run his course in the show". Duffy later said his decision was partly because his "personal life lay in tatters" although he added that professionally the serial "gave me some of the best years of my life". In 2008 Duffy expressed his desire to return saying he would "love to go back" even if only for "a few months". Duffy later added that he expected a return considering the character was never killed off and it was left open for a potential return. In 2009 Duffy commented that he had "loved" his time at the serial and would consider a return. He praised producers for choosing actors who had not been through stage school like himself saying it worked well because its "good to show real emotion from real-life experiences".
In August 2009 it was reported Duffy was in talks to reprise his role. Months later it was confirmed Duffy was to reprise his role. He began filming scenes for his return in December 2009 with his return airing early 2010. Duffy was given a six month contract upon his return. After Duffy returned he confirmed that it was alaways his intention to return to the serial after spending time with family and that he had spoken to executive producer Keiran Roberts saying he would "love to return" with his newly gained experience and confidence within the role. Upon his reasoning for returning Duffy said it was partly because of financial setbacks and partly because he feels like he "can't not work". In March 2010 it was announced Duffy was to leave his role as Ciaran after he reportedly decided not to renew his contract despite "pleas" from producers. This later turned out to be false when Duffy denied claims that he was leaving saying that it was "news to him" and that he planned to remain on the serial for the "forseeable future". In March 2011 Duffy took a break from filming too tour with his band, BoyZone
. Duffy left on-screen when Ciaran went travelling with girlfriend Michelle Connor
(Kim Marsh) who departed to go on maternity leave. Duffy later confirmed he would return to filming in September 2011. In July 2011 Duffy confirmed his return would not be "as long" as he had hoped as he felt he was needed at home. It was later confirmed that a "dramatic exit" was being planned for Duffy. Duffy has insisted that Ciaran "will return" and he won't be exiting for good. Producers have since told Duffy that "there was always a job for me on the Street". Duffy has later considered moving closer to studios if producers still want him to return.
described the character as "wayward", "flirty", "womanising" and a "ladies' man". The Daily Mail
labelled the character a "heart-throb" and a "rogue". What's on TV
described the character as a "ladies man" and "hunky". Upon his return a Coronation Street source commented that the character had not changed since he was last seen. The Daily Star labelled the character "hunky" and "cheeky". The Daily Mirror labelled the character "hapless".
(Shobna Gulati
) "end up sharing a night of passion" after Sunita helps Ciaran make amends with friend Peter. Ciaran and Sunita become engaged but they end the relationship when Sunita realises Ciaran is only marrying her to please her. Upon Ciaran's return to Weatherfield he flirts with Sunita. Duffy said Ciaran was "under the illusion that herself and Dev are together and obviously he and Dev left on bad terms, so she's on her own in the pub and he goes over and starts chatting her up and charming her again. Sunita was quite up for it because they nearly got married." Duffy later added that Ciaran still has feelings for Sunita although he is unsure if they are "of a sexual nature, or whether he just cares about her" .
(Kym Marsh
). Marsh announced the plot on 11 November 2009 saying the storyline begins when "Michelle catches Ciaran's eye". Upon Ciaran's return Duffy said Ciaran is "pretty much straight in for Michelle". He later added that Ciaran would "chat up" Michelle, Carla Connor
(Alison King
), Kelly Crabtree
(Tupele Dorgu
) and would be "very charming to Liz McDonald
(Beverly Callard) who sees it as a come-on". Marsh later added that Ciaran is "very flirtatious" which would leave Michelle to see that he's "a bit of a one and is probably thinking, 'Stay away!" Duffy later commented that he couldn't wait to move onto his next on-screen conquest saying he thought it'd likely be "Michelle first" but he couldn't "complain about having scenes like that with Kym!" Duffy later claimed that it had been hinted that Ciaran "may bed Michelle, Liz, Carla and Becky
(Katherine Kelly
)". Ciaran starts "chatting up" Michelle with Duff saying Michelle "seems to be coming round a bit" but he was unsure whether it would lead anywhere. On a possible romance with Peter's girlfriend Leanne Battersby
(Jane Danson
) Duffy said Ciaran "shouldn't be messing with your mate's women" and he didn't like "that side of him!" Michelle denies she had feelings for Ciaran which Marsh said was because Michelle is "wary" of Ciaran "so she makes out that she's not interested, although Liz can see straight through her". Duffy later said he would like to show a more "serious" side to the character which he believed viewers were yet to see. After Ciaran and Michelle begin a relationship Duffy described it as "fiery" and said it was to be part of "big storylines for the 50th anniversary" of the serial. Marsh added that it was alaways planned for Ciaran and Michelle to begin a relationship after Duffy returned and said she and Duffy wanted the audience to feel that Michelle and Ciaran had "earned this romance" so it was a "slow-burn". She later added that "Ciaran normally just saunters in and has whoever he wants. I think that's why he likes Michelle so much - Ciaran has really met his match in her!" Marsh later added that she felt the romance should be "rocky" after the "will they, won't they" process because it would be "rubbish if we were just happy ever after" and the romance might have gone "stale on screen". Ciaran and Michelle leave to work on a cruise ship before returning to Weatherfield later on in the year. Marsh said the decision for Michelle and Ciaran to return together was because "viewers like them as a couple". Duffy commented on the character saying he "has had a roving eye for years and has bed-hopped all his life" but is now ready to "settle down" with Michelle. Marsh said the pair are "absolutely rock solid", and are "happy and perfect for each other". She explained that although "living and working together on the cruise ship has clearly cemented their relationship [...] Michelle has started to want to settle down in the street again, whereas Ciaran clearly still has wanderlust". Concerning his exit Duffy said it was "great" and described the storyline saying "Ciaran gambles away all his wedding money and then gets into trouble with Michelle and then he robs a bistro to get his money back and then he gets caught". Marsh later added that after Ciaran gambles away the deposit for the wedding venue that Michelle "thought that he loved her and he wanted to marry her" but because he gambled away the money it made Michelle "feel that she means nothing to him". She added that "She feels insignificant" because "he wants to go off and enjoy himself and have a flighty life and that's not what she wants". Marsh explained that Michelle "adores him and he does love her, but leaving the street, her job and her friends may be a tough choice". After Ciaran leaves Marsh said the pair are still "very much in love".
(Sally Lindsay
) but when Peter finds out he tells Peter she attempted to seduce him. He leaves soon after when Peter ends their friendship. He returns and begins dating Sunita when she helps him to fix his friendship with Peter. He is soon after arrested for being AWOL from the Navy. After being released, he returns to Weatherfield
and becomes engaged to Sunita. He is soon after seduced by Bev Unwin (Susie Blake
). Bev's daughter Shelley discovers his infidelity. Sunita soon after ends the relationship on their wedding day after she realises he is only getting married to please her. He begins dating Tracy which soon after ends. He persuades Mike Baldwin's (Johnny Briggs
) wealthy girlfriend Penny King (Paula Fleming) to invest in his new business, The Nexus an irish themed wine bar and restraunt, of which he is the chef. The business soon after fails.
Ciaran and Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward
) rescue Sunita and her husband Dev Alahan
(Jimmi Harkishin
) from Dev's shop which has been set on fire by Dev's ex-fiancee, Maya Sharma
(Sasha Behar
). Ciaran rescues Dev with Charlie rescuing Sunita. On 22 July 2005 Bev makes a drunken pass at Ciaran. Ciaran realises Charlie is abusing Shelley and tells her that he can't stand by and watch while Charlie abuses her.
While at a restraunt Peter finds Ciaran working there. Ciaran resigns from his job as he dislikes the place and returns to Coronation Street. He takes a shine to Michelle and flirts with Carla. Peter tells Ciaran of his alcoholism who agrees to help support him and stop him drinking. However, Peter, seeing his friend drinking, made him desperate again and he begins drinking again. Ciaran, soon after manages to secure his old job back behind the bar at the Rovers. Ciaran soon set his sights on Michelle and attempts to start a relationship although she plays hard to get and Ciaran eventually gives up on her. In September 2010, Ciaran gets a job interview in Glasgow and is successful, with his impending exit to Scotland, Michelle is forced to face up to her feelings for him. After her son Ryan Connor
(Ben Thompson
) moves to Glasgow to attend university, Michelle confesses her true feelings for Ciaran and they begin a relationship.
In November 2010, Ciaran is offered a job at The Joinery, the new bar being opened by Leanne and Nick Tilsley
(Ben Price
), but struggles to tell landlady Liz McDonald
(Beverly Callard) that he is quitting his job at The Rovers. In the end, he quits by post, resulting in Liz attempting to bar him from the pub, only for Michelle to quit her job there as well out of loyalty to Ciaran. Ciaran begins his job at The Joinery and later steals the recipe of a hotpot from The Rovers, which has been served by Betty Williams
(Betty Driver
) for over 40 years. This angers Betty and Liz who claim they have seen rats in The Joinery to scare potential customers off. On Peter's stag party The Joinery explodes with everyone attending Peter's party, including Ciaran, inside. He helps the wounded, including ex-fiancee Sunita whom he has to carry from rubble, until the paramedics arrive. In January 2011, Ciaran is offered a job on a cruise and accepts although Michelle does not want him to he decides to leave. On his last night Michelle turns up late from a meeting which annoys him. Neither one of them want to admit they are wrong so Ciaran leaves. On 24 January 2011 Ciaran returns and asks Michelle to join him on the cruise. Michelle accepts his offer and they leave together while kissing in the back of the taxi.
In November 2011, Ciaran and Michelle return to Weatherfield and announced their engagement. They are shocked to discover that Carla has been raped by Frank Foster
(Andrew Lancel
). Michelle and Ciaran initially want to marry in the Bahamas but later decide to marry in Manchester. Ciaran is given a job at the bistro by Nick Tilsley
(Ben Price
). Michelle gives him the deposit for the wedding venue they choose but when Ciaran arrives it has already closed. He partakes in a game of poker with Peter, Dev, Kirk Sutherland
(Andrew Whyment
) and Karl Munro (John Michie
). He insults Karl and later gambles the deposit which he loses to Karl. Ciaran asks Peter to lend him money to pay the deposit but he refuses. Ciaran pretends to be co-owner of the Bistro and plans to cater for a client while keeping the money for himself without telling Nick. Nick finds out so fires Ciaran and takes the money from Ciaran which he was given by the customer. Michelle finds out that Ciaran lost the deposit. Michelle agrees not to marry Ciaran and to leave Weatherfield to return to the cruise ship. Michelle changes her mind and Ciaran leaves alone.
For his portrayal of Ciaran, Duffy was nominated for "Sexiest Male" at the 2004 British Soap Awards
. Duffy was nominated for the "Sexiest Male" award at the 2010 and 2011 British Soap Awards. Duffy was later nominated for "Sexiest Male" at the 2010 and 2011 Inside Soap Awards
. For his portrayal Duffy was voted 10th "top soap stud" in a poll ran by entertainment site Digital Spy. Duffy was offered the chance to return as a regular after the character received a "warm reception". In his initial stint Duffy "impressed" show bosses and became a "big favourite with viewers". Ciaran was voted third in a poll finding Coronation Street's "top three sexiest men" run by Inside Soap
. A Coronation Street source told the Sunday Mirror
that Ciaran was on of the show's "most popular characters". After complaints that Soap operas encouraged binge drinking a storyline which had Ciaran "intent on drinking Weatherfield dry on his stag night, with the police being called to deal with a disturbance" was criticised. Digital Spy chose Ciaran's return as their "pic of the day" feature, before choosing his return from his cruise job and his schemes to make money to save his wedding for the same feature. Duffy claimed that his return to the role had reinvented him as a "sex symbol" after show producers were "brainwashing" viewers into believing he was "irresistible to women". Kris Green of Digital Spy said he wasn't "sold" on the idea of Ciaran's return but said he would "reserve judgement" until he heard "echoes of the potential payoff". On a storyline which saw Tracy try to convince Ciaran to steal money from Penny Tina Ogle of the Daily Mail commented "the brave lad stands up for what is right, even if he does have the misfortune to blurt out that he loves the deranged girl on Wednesday". Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail felt bad for Michelle as "her on/off love life with Ciaran has to be conducted to fit in with Boyzone's tour dates". On Ciaran's exit Stephen later commented that he was "doomed to a life slaving over a hot Weatherfield stove – and we know Boyzone’s talents never lay in the kitchen department – Ciaran’s only solution by the end of the week is to run away back to the cruise ships". Jane Simon of the Daily Mirror questionned whether Michelle would stay with Ciaran, "for richer, for poorer, for dumb and dumber?" After Ciaran lost the deposit for his and Michelle's wedding venue Simon commented that "like the resourceful chef that he is, he’s cooking up all kinds of excuses to try to get himself out of this jam". On the same storyline Tony Stewart of the Daily Mail questionned whether Ciaran with his "mixture of Irish charm and blarney, is this a storm that he can weather? On this occasion, probably not". Stewart later commented that it was "hard to imagine that even a Salty dog
like Ciaran McCarthy has had such bad luck on the ocean waves as he’s had on dry land". Stewart added that Duffy "will probably never have a row of Baftas or Oscars to go with that wall full of platinum discs he’s been awarded as part of Boyzone" but that he has "likability" and "obvious chemistry with Kym Marsh as Michelle". Yahoo!
commented on him gambling away the money for a wedding venue saying "We all know he’s got the gift of the gab – but really, is he that nice?"
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
soap opera, Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
portrayed by Keith Duffy
Keith Duffy
Keith Peter Thomas Francis John Duffy is an Irish singer-songwriter, actor, drummer, dancer and television presenter. He began his career as part of Boyzone in the 1990s. In the 2000s, he achieved critical acclaim for his acting roles, particularly in soap operas such as Coronation Street and Fair...
. He made his first on-screen appearance on 7 August 2002, before departing in 2005. He returned in 2010 until Duffy temporary departed in January 2011 to go on Boyzone Tour, and returned on 3 November 2011. Duffy will depart the part on 25 November 2011 due to family commitments although he has said Ciaran will return one day. In his duration on the show the character has been at the centre of several romances including relationships with Sunita Alahan
Sunita Alahan
Sunita Alahan is a fictional character from the British ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street, played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first on-screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2005, when the character was axed from the serial by producer Tony Wood...
, Tracy Barlow
Tracy Barlow
Tracy Lynette Barlow is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street. She is currently portrayed, since 2002, by Kate Ford, the latest in a series of actresses who have played Tracy at various ages...
and Michelle Connor
Michelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
. Ciaran has been characterised as a ladies man who is a charmer. The character has been known for his "sex symbol" status and has received nominations in the "Sexiest Male" category at various soap award ceremonies.
Casting
Ciaran first arrived as the "drinking pal" of Peter BarlowPeter Barlow (Coronation Street)
Peter Francis Barlow is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode aired on 15 April 1965...
(Chris Gascoyne). Duffy was initially employed for a three week stint. Duffy was later given a year long contract with Duffy saying it would be "great" to return and described his initial stint as being "the most fantastic time". Duffy later signed another year long contract reportedly worth £80,000. Duffy was promised "dramatic storylines" which included an affair with Tracy Barlow
Tracy Barlow
Tracy Lynette Barlow is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street. She is currently portrayed, since 2002, by Kate Ford, the latest in a series of actresses who have played Tracy at various ages...
(Kate Ford
Kate Ford
Kate Connerty is a British actress best known for playing the role of Tracy Barlow in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street from 2002 to 2007. Kate returned to Coronation Street on Christmas Eve 2010....
). In 2005 Duffy announced his plans to leave stating it was because he wanted to spend more time with his family. The character's exit was a mutual decision between Duffy and the shows producers. Producer Tony Wood felt that Duffy had been an "asset" to the show but explained that after discussions about the character's future with the serial it was decided that "Ciaran McCarthy has run his course in the show". Duffy later said his decision was partly because his "personal life lay in tatters" although he added that professionally the serial "gave me some of the best years of my life". In 2008 Duffy expressed his desire to return saying he would "love to go back" even if only for "a few months". Duffy later added that he expected a return considering the character was never killed off and it was left open for a potential return. In 2009 Duffy commented that he had "loved" his time at the serial and would consider a return. He praised producers for choosing actors who had not been through stage school like himself saying it worked well because its "good to show real emotion from real-life experiences".
In August 2009 it was reported Duffy was in talks to reprise his role. Months later it was confirmed Duffy was to reprise his role. He began filming scenes for his return in December 2009 with his return airing early 2010. Duffy was given a six month contract upon his return. After Duffy returned he confirmed that it was alaways his intention to return to the serial after spending time with family and that he had spoken to executive producer Keiran Roberts saying he would "love to return" with his newly gained experience and confidence within the role. Upon his reasoning for returning Duffy said it was partly because of financial setbacks and partly because he feels like he "can't not work". In March 2010 it was announced Duffy was to leave his role as Ciaran after he reportedly decided not to renew his contract despite "pleas" from producers. This later turned out to be false when Duffy denied claims that he was leaving saying that it was "news to him" and that he planned to remain on the serial for the "forseeable future". In March 2011 Duffy took a break from filming too tour with his band, BoyZone
Boyzone
Boyzone are an Irish boy band comprising Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating,Shane Lynch, and formerly Stephen Gately. Boyzone have 19 singles in the top 40 UK charts and 21 singles in the Ire charts. The group currently have 6 UK number one singles and 9 number one singles in Ireland with 12...
. Duffy left on-screen when Ciaran went travelling with girlfriend Michelle Connor
Michelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
(Kim Marsh) who departed to go on maternity leave. Duffy later confirmed he would return to filming in September 2011. In July 2011 Duffy confirmed his return would not be "as long" as he had hoped as he felt he was needed at home. It was later confirmed that a "dramatic exit" was being planned for Duffy. Duffy has insisted that Ciaran "will return" and he won't be exiting for good. Producers have since told Duffy that "there was always a job for me on the Street". Duffy has later considered moving closer to studios if producers still want him to return.
Characterisation
The character was initially described as an "irish charmer". On the character Duffy said he would chat up "anything that walks by that's at all attractive or in a skirt" and added that "no-one is safe" from Ciaran's flirting. Duffy later added that Ciaran wouldn't be "really mind" who he was involved with as long as they are "attractive and they like a drink he's happy enough". Duffy has said he is "nothing like" Ciaran which is why he "loves playing him". He added that Ciaran is "still young, free and single". ITV publicity has described Ciaran as liking "the ladies" and "cooking" and harbouring dislikes of "weddings" and "bullies". Digital SpyDigital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
described the character as "wayward", "flirty", "womanising" and a "ladies' man". The Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
labelled the character a "heart-throb" and a "rogue". What's on TV
What's On TV
What's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...
described the character as a "ladies man" and "hunky". Upon his return a Coronation Street source commented that the character had not changed since he was last seen. The Daily Star labelled the character "hunky" and "cheeky". The Daily Mirror labelled the character "hapless".
Relationship with Sunita Alahan
The storyline was announed on 11 January 2003. The relationship begins when Ciaran and Sunita AlahanSunita Alahan
Sunita Alahan is a fictional character from the British ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street, played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first on-screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2005, when the character was axed from the serial by producer Tony Wood...
(Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati is an English actress, writer, and dancer of Indian origin, best known for playing Anita in Victoria Wood's Dinnerladies, and Sunita Alahan in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street from 2001 to 2006, a role to which she returned at the end of 2009...
) "end up sharing a night of passion" after Sunita helps Ciaran make amends with friend Peter. Ciaran and Sunita become engaged but they end the relationship when Sunita realises Ciaran is only marrying her to please her. Upon Ciaran's return to Weatherfield he flirts with Sunita. Duffy said Ciaran was "under the illusion that herself and Dev are together and obviously he and Dev left on bad terms, so she's on her own in the pub and he goes over and starts chatting her up and charming her again. Sunita was quite up for it because they nearly got married." Duffy later added that Ciaran still has feelings for Sunita although he is unsure if they are "of a sexual nature, or whether he just cares about her" .
Return and relationship with Michelle Connor
Upon his return Ciaran has a relationship with Michelle ConnorMichelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
(Kym Marsh
Kym Marsh
Kimberley Gail Marsh is an English actress and singer.- Early life :Marsh was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester and raised in Garswood, in the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens, Merseyside...
). Marsh announced the plot on 11 November 2009 saying the storyline begins when "Michelle catches Ciaran's eye". Upon Ciaran's return Duffy said Ciaran is "pretty much straight in for Michelle". He later added that Ciaran would "chat up" Michelle, Carla Connor
Carla Connor
Carla Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. She is portrayed by actress Alison King. Carla was created by producer Steve Frost as part of the new Connor family....
(Alison King
Alison King
Alison King is an English actress. She has had major television roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One television series Dream Team, and as Carla Connor in Coronation Street since 2006.- Early life and education :...
), Kelly Crabtree
Kelly Crabtree
Kelly Louise Crabtree is a fictional character from the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Tupele Dorgu, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 6 September 2004....
(Tupele Dorgu
Tupele Dorgu
Tupele Dorgu is a British actress, best known for playing the role of Kelly Crabtree on the soap opera Coronation Street from 2004 to 2010....
) and would be "very charming to Liz McDonald
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth "Liz" Jayne McDonald is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Beverley Callard, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 27 October 1989 and remained on the series until Callard opted to leave in 1998...
(Beverly Callard) who sees it as a come-on". Marsh later added that Ciaran is "very flirtatious" which would leave Michelle to see that he's "a bit of a one and is probably thinking, 'Stay away!" Duffy later commented that he couldn't wait to move onto his next on-screen conquest saying he thought it'd likely be "Michelle first" but he couldn't "complain about having scenes like that with Kym!" Duffy later claimed that it had been hinted that Ciaran "may bed Michelle, Liz, Carla and Becky
Becky McDonald
Rebecca "Becky" McDonald is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. She is played by actress Katherine Kelly. Becky was created by producer Steve Frost as a recurring...
(Katherine Kelly
Katherine Kelly (actress)
Katherine Kelly, is a British actress and recording artist who is most well known for playing Becky McDonald in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She has also starred in the film Mischief Night.-Early life and career:...
)". Ciaran starts "chatting up" Michelle with Duff saying Michelle "seems to be coming round a bit" but he was unsure whether it would lead anywhere. On a possible romance with Peter's girlfriend Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Anika Barlow is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Jane Danson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 4 July 1997....
(Jane Danson
Jane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
) Duffy said Ciaran "shouldn't be messing with your mate's women" and he didn't like "that side of him!" Michelle denies she had feelings for Ciaran which Marsh said was because Michelle is "wary" of Ciaran "so she makes out that she's not interested, although Liz can see straight through her". Duffy later said he would like to show a more "serious" side to the character which he believed viewers were yet to see. After Ciaran and Michelle begin a relationship Duffy described it as "fiery" and said it was to be part of "big storylines for the 50th anniversary" of the serial. Marsh added that it was alaways planned for Ciaran and Michelle to begin a relationship after Duffy returned and said she and Duffy wanted the audience to feel that Michelle and Ciaran had "earned this romance" so it was a "slow-burn". She later added that "Ciaran normally just saunters in and has whoever he wants. I think that's why he likes Michelle so much - Ciaran has really met his match in her!" Marsh later added that she felt the romance should be "rocky" after the "will they, won't they" process because it would be "rubbish if we were just happy ever after" and the romance might have gone "stale on screen". Ciaran and Michelle leave to work on a cruise ship before returning to Weatherfield later on in the year. Marsh said the decision for Michelle and Ciaran to return together was because "viewers like them as a couple". Duffy commented on the character saying he "has had a roving eye for years and has bed-hopped all his life" but is now ready to "settle down" with Michelle. Marsh said the pair are "absolutely rock solid", and are "happy and perfect for each other". She explained that although "living and working together on the cruise ship has clearly cemented their relationship [...] Michelle has started to want to settle down in the street again, whereas Ciaran clearly still has wanderlust". Concerning his exit Duffy said it was "great" and described the storyline saying "Ciaran gambles away all his wedding money and then gets into trouble with Michelle and then he robs a bistro to get his money back and then he gets caught". Marsh later added that after Ciaran gambles away the deposit for the wedding venue that Michelle "thought that he loved her and he wanted to marry her" but because he gambled away the money it made Michelle "feel that she means nothing to him". She added that "She feels insignificant" because "he wants to go off and enjoy himself and have a flighty life and that's not what she wants". Marsh explained that Michelle "adores him and he does love her, but leaving the street, her job and her friends may be a tough choice". After Ciaran leaves Marsh said the pair are still "very much in love".
Storylines
Ciaran first appears when he arrives as Peter's friend from the navy. He attempts to seduce Shelley UnwinShelley Unwin
Shelley Victoria Unwin is a fictional character who appeared in ITV's British soap opera Coronation Street. She is the daughter of Bev Unwin and the late Charlie Unwin...
(Sally Lindsay
Sally Lindsay
Sally Lindsay is an English actress best known for playing the role of Shelley Unwin in the long-running ITV1 Soap opera Coronation Street...
) but when Peter finds out he tells Peter she attempted to seduce him. He leaves soon after when Peter ends their friendship. He returns and begins dating Sunita when she helps him to fix his friendship with Peter. He is soon after arrested for being AWOL from the Navy. After being released, he returns to Weatherfield
Weatherfield
Weatherfield is a fictional town, based on Salford in North West England, which serves as the setting for the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street...
and becomes engaged to Sunita. He is soon after seduced by Bev Unwin (Susie Blake
Susie Blake
Susie Blake is a British actress.-Personal life:Blake trained at the Arts Educational School and LAMDA in London. She is the granddaughter of the actress Annette Mills and a great - niece of the actor Sir John Mills...
). Bev's daughter Shelley discovers his infidelity. Sunita soon after ends the relationship on their wedding day after she realises he is only getting married to please her. He begins dating Tracy which soon after ends. He persuades Mike Baldwin's (Johnny Briggs
Johnny Briggs (actor)
Johnny Briggs, MBE is an English actor. He is best known for his role as Mike Baldwin in the soap opera Coronation Street, in which he appeared from 1976 to 2006...
) wealthy girlfriend Penny King (Paula Fleming) to invest in his new business, The Nexus an irish themed wine bar and restraunt, of which he is the chef. The business soon after fails.
Ciaran and Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward
Bill Ward (actor)
Bill Ward is an English actor who played Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street.-Biography:He completed a degree in History at Bristol University. He is a former advertising executive. After Coronation Street, he had a role in the ITV series Cold Blood with Pauline Quirke...
) rescue Sunita and her husband Dev Alahan
Dev Alahan
Devendra 'Dev' Alahan is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Jimmi Harkishin, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 10 November 1999.-Character development:...
(Jimmi Harkishin
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin is an actor best known for his role as shop owner Dev Alahan in Coronation Street. He also featured in the film East is East and also Bhaji on the Beach....
) from Dev's shop which has been set on fire by Dev's ex-fiancee, Maya Sharma
Maya Sharma
Maya Sharma is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. She was played by Sasha Behar. She appears between 2003 and 2004.-Controversy:...
(Sasha Behar
Sasha Behar
Sasha Behar is a British actress, known for portraying Maya Sharma in ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street.-Background:...
). Ciaran rescues Dev with Charlie rescuing Sunita. On 22 July 2005 Bev makes a drunken pass at Ciaran. Ciaran realises Charlie is abusing Shelley and tells her that he can't stand by and watch while Charlie abuses her.
While at a restraunt Peter finds Ciaran working there. Ciaran resigns from his job as he dislikes the place and returns to Coronation Street. He takes a shine to Michelle and flirts with Carla. Peter tells Ciaran of his alcoholism who agrees to help support him and stop him drinking. However, Peter, seeing his friend drinking, made him desperate again and he begins drinking again. Ciaran, soon after manages to secure his old job back behind the bar at the Rovers. Ciaran soon set his sights on Michelle and attempts to start a relationship although she plays hard to get and Ciaran eventually gives up on her. In September 2010, Ciaran gets a job interview in Glasgow and is successful, with his impending exit to Scotland, Michelle is forced to face up to her feelings for him. After her son Ryan Connor
Ryan Connor
Ryan Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Ben Thompson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 30 August 2006...
(Ben Thompson
Ben Thompson
Ben Thompson was a gunman, gambler, and sometime lawman of the Old West. He was a contemporary of Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill Cody, Doc Holliday, John Wesley Hardin and James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickock, some of whom considered him a trusted friend, others an enemy.Ben Thompson had a colorful career,...
) moves to Glasgow to attend university, Michelle confesses her true feelings for Ciaran and they begin a relationship.
In November 2010, Ciaran is offered a job at The Joinery, the new bar being opened by Leanne and Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Tilsley is a fictional character in the British soap opera Coronation Street. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt , and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt...
(Ben Price
Ben Price
Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street...
), but struggles to tell landlady Liz McDonald
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth "Liz" Jayne McDonald is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Beverley Callard, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 27 October 1989 and remained on the series until Callard opted to leave in 1998...
(Beverly Callard) that he is quitting his job at The Rovers. In the end, he quits by post, resulting in Liz attempting to bar him from the pub, only for Michelle to quit her job there as well out of loyalty to Ciaran. Ciaran begins his job at The Joinery and later steals the recipe of a hotpot from The Rovers, which has been served by Betty Williams
Betty Williams (Coronation Street)
Elizabeth "Betty" Williams is a long-standing fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by former music hall star Betty Driver. Driver was cast as Betty in 1969, after first auditioning for the role of Hilda Ogden...
(Betty Driver
Betty Driver
Elizabeth Mary "Betty" Driver, MBE was an English singer, actress and author, best known for her role as Betty Williams on the British soap opera, Coronation Street, appearing in more than 2,800 episodes...
) for over 40 years. This angers Betty and Liz who claim they have seen rats in The Joinery to scare potential customers off. On Peter's stag party The Joinery explodes with everyone attending Peter's party, including Ciaran, inside. He helps the wounded, including ex-fiancee Sunita whom he has to carry from rubble, until the paramedics arrive. In January 2011, Ciaran is offered a job on a cruise and accepts although Michelle does not want him to he decides to leave. On his last night Michelle turns up late from a meeting which annoys him. Neither one of them want to admit they are wrong so Ciaran leaves. On 24 January 2011 Ciaran returns and asks Michelle to join him on the cruise. Michelle accepts his offer and they leave together while kissing in the back of the taxi.
In November 2011, Ciaran and Michelle return to Weatherfield and announced their engagement. They are shocked to discover that Carla has been raped by Frank Foster
Frank Foster (Coronation Street)
Frank John Foster is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. Frank is played by Andrew Lancel and was introduced as a business associate of Carla Connor...
(Andrew Lancel
Andrew Lancel
Andrew Lancel is an English actor. He is best known for his current role as Frank Foster in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street, and formerly in his role as DI Neil Manson in The Bill.-Biography:...
). Michelle and Ciaran initially want to marry in the Bahamas but later decide to marry in Manchester. Ciaran is given a job at the bistro by Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Tilsley is a fictional character in the British soap opera Coronation Street. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt , and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt...
(Ben Price
Ben Price
Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street...
). Michelle gives him the deposit for the wedding venue they choose but when Ciaran arrives it has already closed. He partakes in a game of poker with Peter, Dev, Kirk Sutherland
Kirk Sutherland
Kirk Sutherland is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 22 May 2000, played by an uncredited actor ....
(Andrew Whyment
Andrew Whyment
Andrew "Andy" Whyment is an English television actor, best known for comedy roles, including his roles as Darren Sinclair-Jones in The Royle Family and Kirk Sutherland in the soap opera Coronation Street.-TV career:...
) and Karl Munro (John Michie
John Michie
John Michie is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his role as DI Robbie Ross in the STV Scottish detective television series Taggart and for playing Karl Munro in Coronation Street.-Early life:...
). He insults Karl and later gambles the deposit which he loses to Karl. Ciaran asks Peter to lend him money to pay the deposit but he refuses. Ciaran pretends to be co-owner of the Bistro and plans to cater for a client while keeping the money for himself without telling Nick. Nick finds out so fires Ciaran and takes the money from Ciaran which he was given by the customer. Michelle finds out that Ciaran lost the deposit. Michelle agrees not to marry Ciaran and to leave Weatherfield to return to the cruise ship. Michelle changes her mind and Ciaran leaves alone.
Reception
At the 2002 TV Quick Awards Duffy was nominated for the "Best Soap Newcomer" award.For his portrayal of Ciaran, Duffy was nominated for "Sexiest Male" at the 2004 British Soap Awards
British Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards is an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of British soap operas.The first event took place in 1999 and takes place in May each year. Although it is an ITV production, the events were held at the BBC Television Centre, in London until 2010. The 2011 awards relocated to...
. Duffy was nominated for the "Sexiest Male" award at the 2010 and 2011 British Soap Awards. Duffy was later nominated for "Sexiest Male" at the 2010 and 2011 Inside Soap Awards
Inside Soap Awards
The Inside Soap Awards is a yearly award ceremony run by Inside Soap magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate the British and Australian soap operas and their actors. Until 2007, EastEnders had won the award for "Best Soap" on every occasion...
. For his portrayal Duffy was voted 10th "top soap stud" in a poll ran by entertainment site Digital Spy. Duffy was offered the chance to return as a regular after the character received a "warm reception". In his initial stint Duffy "impressed" show bosses and became a "big favourite with viewers". Ciaran was voted third in a poll finding Coronation Street's "top three sexiest men" run by Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
. A Coronation Street source told the Sunday Mirror
Sunday Mirror
The Sunday Mirror is the Sunday sister paper of the Daily Mirror. It began life in 1915 as the Sunday Pictorial and was renamed the Sunday Mirror in 1963. Trinity Mirror also owns The People...
that Ciaran was on of the show's "most popular characters". After complaints that Soap operas encouraged binge drinking a storyline which had Ciaran "intent on drinking Weatherfield dry on his stag night, with the police being called to deal with a disturbance" was criticised. Digital Spy chose Ciaran's return as their "pic of the day" feature, before choosing his return from his cruise job and his schemes to make money to save his wedding for the same feature. Duffy claimed that his return to the role had reinvented him as a "sex symbol" after show producers were "brainwashing" viewers into believing he was "irresistible to women". Kris Green of Digital Spy said he wasn't "sold" on the idea of Ciaran's return but said he would "reserve judgement" until he heard "echoes of the potential payoff". On a storyline which saw Tracy try to convince Ciaran to steal money from Penny Tina Ogle of the Daily Mail commented "the brave lad stands up for what is right, even if he does have the misfortune to blurt out that he loves the deranged girl on Wednesday". Jaci Stephen of the Daily Mail felt bad for Michelle as "her on/off love life with Ciaran has to be conducted to fit in with Boyzone's tour dates". On Ciaran's exit Stephen later commented that he was "doomed to a life slaving over a hot Weatherfield stove – and we know Boyzone’s talents never lay in the kitchen department – Ciaran’s only solution by the end of the week is to run away back to the cruise ships". Jane Simon of the Daily Mirror questionned whether Michelle would stay with Ciaran, "for richer, for poorer, for dumb and dumber?" After Ciaran lost the deposit for his and Michelle's wedding venue Simon commented that "like the resourceful chef that he is, he’s cooking up all kinds of excuses to try to get himself out of this jam". On the same storyline Tony Stewart of the Daily Mail questionned whether Ciaran with his "mixture of Irish charm and blarney, is this a storm that he can weather? On this occasion, probably not". Stewart later commented that it was "hard to imagine that even a Salty dog
Salty dog (slang)
“Salty Dog” is nautical slang for an experienced sailor who has spent much of their life aboard a ship at sea. A salty dog is often given increased credibility by ship mates in matters pertaining to ship-board life and duties...
like Ciaran McCarthy has had such bad luck on the ocean waves as he’s had on dry land". Stewart added that Duffy "will probably never have a row of Baftas or Oscars to go with that wall full of platinum discs he’s been awarded as part of Boyzone" but that he has "likability" and "obvious chemistry with Kym Marsh as Michelle". Yahoo!
Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is an American multinational internet corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, United States. The company is perhaps best known for its web portal, search engine , Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, advertising, online mapping ,...
commented on him gambling away the money for a wedding venue saying "We all know he’s got the gift of the gab – but really, is he that nice?"
External links
- Ciaran McCarthy at itv.comITVITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
- Ciaran McCarthy at What's On TVWhat's On TVWhat's on TV is a weekly television listings magazine published by IPC Media, a Time Warner subsidiary.-Overview:What's on TV is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and competitions...