Fans of Coronation Street have been left in utter shock after only now discovering that two legends are brothers in real-life – but never appeared on the ITV soap at the same time

Coronation Street fans have been left shocked after discovering two character’s are related in real life. Actor Matt Milburn first appeared as Weatherfield footballer Tommy Orpington in October 2016.

He played the reoccurring character until earlier this year when he ran off to Spain with Tracy McDonald (Kate Ford) in an affair plot. The pair got together when Tommy was working as a painter and decorator, and when he was offered a job abroad, the pair jumped at the chance.

But some fans of the ITV soap are only now realising Matt is the real-life brother of Greg Wood, who played gangster Rick Neelan on the Cobbles. As viewers will know, Rick first appears in 2009, and terrorised Weatherfield’s residents.

Matt Milburn played Tommy Orpington in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

He repeatedly tormented Gary Windass (Mikey North) who eventually retaliated in 2019 in a bid to save his family, murdering Rick and burying his body in the woods. Villainous Rick was also the dad of Kelly, who was played by Doctor Who actress Millie Gibson.

Greg also played Trevor Royle in Hollyoaks and Terry Gibson in Brookside with Matt also turning to acting after being inspired by his brother, though the pair never starred on Corrie at the same time.

“Watching my brother in his first college play ignited my fire for it [acting],” Matt told TV Times.

Greg Wood played Rick Neelan in Coronation Street(Image: ITV)

“Seeing the adrenaline surge through him afterwards, I thought: ‘I’d love to give that a go.’ But I just never did.

“Greg was due to film a play for his mates at university, but he got a part in Brookside, so he put my name forward without telling me. It was called Dealer’s Choice by Patrick Marber – it’s about poker.”

He added: “We filmed it in the basement at night, and it was the best buzz! About three weeks after that, I got an audition for Hollyoaks– it was like my university.”

Matt is the real-life brother of actor Greg(Image: ITV)

Taking to Facebook, Corrie fan have shared their surprise of Matt and Greg being brothers with one person writing: “SAY WHAT?!! Today years old when I found out Rick (Greg Wood) and Tommy O (Matt Milburn) are brothers in real life.”

A second replied: “It’s funny cause when Tommy came back in I thought it was the guy Gary killed, that would explain why they look so alike lol.”

A third added: “Wow …. No wonder I’m thinking it was him who Gary killed.”

“Didn’t know that”, added one fan as another exclaimed: “They look similar.”

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX