Ryan Thomas has officially joined the cast of 'Neighbours'.

Ryan Thomas

Ryan Thomas

The 33-year-old actor - who portrayed Jason Grimshaw in ITV's longstanding soap 'Coronation Street' for 16 years - has confirmed he will be starring in the popular American show and will be jetting off across the globe to play the role of Rafael Humphreys.

And the dark-haired hunk is excited for the project because he has always been a fan on the show.

Speaking about his new role, Ryan said: "I grew up watching 'Neighbours' so to get the chance to join the cast is amazing.

"I was on holiday with my daughter when I got a phone call from my agent asking if I'd like to play this part.

"I spoke to the producer and found out more - it was very different from anything I'd played before - it was quite a deep, dark story, that really interested me.

"It's a new challenge and I can't wait to start filming."

Not much is known about Rafael Humphreys except he is an individual with a dark secret who turns up on Ramsay Street to confront a difficult chapter from his past.

And Ryan has been hailed as the "perfect handsome devil" to take on the position.

Greg Barnett, commissioning editor at Channel 5, said: "With his good looks and Corrie years under his belt, Ryan is the perfect handsome devil.

"His arrival in Erinsborough marks the start of darker times for a particular Ramsay Street favourite. Prepare to be gripped."

Ryan - who has eight-year-old daughter Scarlett with his former partner Tina O'Brien - left the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in 2016, and ever since he has been desperate to have a "complete change" in his career, and he was eager to break into Hollywood because he felt he needed to be taken out of his "comfort zone".

Ryan - who is currently dating former 'The Only Way Is Essex' beauty Lucy Mecklenburgh - is set to make his debut on the Channel 5 show in early 2018.

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