CORONATION Street has cast its first full-time disabled character - months after rival soap DeadEnders did the same thing.
Wheelchair user Cherylee Houston, 35, starts filming next month following David Proud's arrival in Walford as Adam Best in September.
Street fans have seen disabled actors briefly appear in the soap before.
Ryan Connor's mate Phil was played by wheelchair user Richard Sargent and Emily's niece Freda was played by deaf actress Ali Briggs.
Cherylee, who suffers a degenerative tissue disorder, will star as new girl Izzy, a love interest for loafer Kirk Sutherland.
The pair meet through an internet dating service but bosses hinted it won't be love at first sight.
The actress has previously appeared in Holby City, The Bill, Little Britain and Emmerdale.
She told TV Biz: "I grew up with Coronation Street and can't wait to start on the show."
A Corrie spokesman added: "Izzy is a real firebrand who wastes no time in taking on some of the Street's feistiest females.
"However, the people she slams so savagely are usually the ones who end up liking and respecting her the most."
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