Emrhys Cooper spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview as he prepares to spend the festive season in Merseyside

Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper can’t wait to perform in front of a Merseyside crowd again. The soap star is set to play Prince Frederick in a pantomime adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which premieres at the St Helens Theatre Royal tonight.

The show is being performed until January 12, 2025 and the 39-year-old is excited to be back on the stage in the UK for the first time in 17 years. He told the ECHO in an exclusive interview: “Growing up, pantomime was literally the highlight of my holidays. I used to look forward to it.

“It bring everyone together in terms of a celebration. It was actually one of the first times I wanted to be a performer was doing pantomime. And then I started doing pantomime from about 14 years old so it’s really special to me because it’s where it all started.”

Emrhys previously performed in Merseyside when Fame the Musical arrived at the Liverpool Empire 20 years ago and he has fond memories from his time here. He added: “The northern audiences get it. [With this show] I there’s hope a lot of noise. Please, please I want to hear you. I’ve lived in Manchester this past year with Coronation Street. I’ve got some friends in Liverpool and I’m excited to explore Merseyside some more and spend some time in St Helens.”

Emrhys had lived in America before he returned to the UK when he bagged the role in Corrie. The actor played the villainous Rowan Cunliffe in the show, who wrecked havoc as the head of The Institute.

It seemed as though this storyline had reached its end when he was arrested in September after Leanne Battersby tricked him into revealed he was guilty. However, spoilers have revealed he will make a shock return on Monday’s episode when he goes on trial.

Emrhys remained tight lipped on his Cobbles future as he said: “I can’t give anything away yet, but it’s good fun. I look back on my Corrie journey as an amazing gift. I met great people and I’ve had a lot of fun.”

The soap star described the job on the Cobbles as a dream come true as he shared what makes the soap so special. He said: “The first time I shot at the Rovers was pretty special and then I got to do a scene with Bill [Roache] and that was iconic because I’ve literally been watching him since I was 10 years old and he is part of the institution. That was my pinch me moment.

“The people make it, it’s like a family. A well oiled ship. Everyone loves what they do and they’re really talented and trust with a lot of laughs.”

Maureen Nolan as Wicked Queen and Emrhys Cooper as Prince Frederick at the press call for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs(Image: Liverpool Echo)

In a extraordinary twist of fate, Emrhys was given the role without soap bosses knowing the extraordinary personal connection he had with the story as his parents fell victim to a cult 22 years ago. Emrhys explained the personal element made the role more challenging in a way, but it helped bring him closer to his dad. He added: “We never really discussed it. I think he was a bit embarrassed about the experience so I actually consulted with him about Rowan because he’s had a first hand experience with these types of characters.

“He was very proud and its been healing in that sense because I’ve got to know what happened and closed that door. There’s sometimes roles that come along and you want to make sure there as accurate and truthful as possible. Soaps can change people’s lives. It was very important to me because my parents were in a cult so getting to shine a light on that and spread awareness was very special.”

Emrhys is now dedicated to using his platform to tackle important causes as he is ran the Manchester Half Marathon in support of the Alzheimer’s Society as his mother in law is battling the devastating condition. Emrhys said: “I’ve got a lot of passion for charities and using my voice and platform for positive change.

“This industry is very ego driven and can be narcissistic. I like to find avenues I can channel my passion and creativity still. I like to use my journey and hopefully give back in any way I can and be of service in any way that I can.”

Emrhys is excited to see what the future brings after his festive spell on Merseyside now that Corrie has brought him back to the UK. He said: “I’ve adapted very easily.

“I left the UK at 23, uncomfortable in myself and my sexuality, drinking a lot of alcohol. I’m really happy to come back at 39, happy with who I am, proud of who I am, making better life choices, eating more healthy food and just trying to be of service and inspire through my work.”