New Lily Platt Speaks Out! Coronation Street Star Breaks Silence on Recast

The world of Coronation Street is no stranger to casting changes, but few are as emotionally charged as those involving beloved child characters. This week, the new face of Lily Platt — the young daughter of Sarah Platt and granddaughter of the legendary Gail Rodwell — is making headlines as she finally breaks her silence following the surprise recast that caught viewers off guard.

After weeks of online speculation and debate among longtime fans, the new young actress portraying Lily has stepped forward, sharing her thoughts on inheriting one of the most iconic child roles on British television. And while change is always met with mixed reactions, her heartwarming honesty and genuine love for the role might just win over even the most skeptical viewers.

A New Face on the Cobbles

Viewers first noticed the change a few episodes ago, when Lily Platt appeared noticeably older, more confident, and — to many — quite different. The character, once portrayed by Brooke Malonie since infancy, had become a quiet but consistent presence on the show, particularly during the family drama surrounding David and Shona, and Sarah’s many relationship ups and downs.

With the storyline recently shifting focus toward Lily’s coming-of-age and her growing awareness of the chaos around her, producers made the decision to recast the role with an older actress better suited for the next phase of the character’s journey.

Meet the New Lily: Ava Devlin Steps Into the Spotlight

Enter Ava Devlin, the 10-year-old rising talent who’s now portraying Lily Platt. In an exclusive interview with Inside Soap, Ava opens up about the experience of joining the long-running ITV series and taking over a character who has grown up in front of millions of viewers.

“I was so nervous at first,” Ava admits, “but everyone on set was super kind and helped me feel like part of the family.”

She also adds, “Lily’s a really cool character. She’s cheeky, but she’s smart. I love how she stands up for herself — she’s not afraid to say what she thinks!”

It’s this blend of confidence and sensitivity that has already won praise from cast members and producers alike.

Why the Recast Happened Now

Producers say the timing was key. With upcoming storylines set to give Lily a more central role — especially around the Platt family’s ongoing turmoil — the creative team felt the character needed a performer with a stronger presence and the ability to handle more emotional scenes.

One insider explained, “Lily will be involved in some major storylines later this year. We’re talking real coming-of-age moments, situations that will test her character in big ways. We needed someone ready to take on that responsibility — and Ava delivered instantly in her audition.”

The Fans React: Mixed But Hopeful

As with any soap recast, the fan response has been mixed. Some loyal viewers expressed disappointment at losing the familiarity of the previous actress, while others embraced the change, noting the character’s more expressive and energetic presence.

Comments on social media range from:

• “Miss the old Lily, but the new girl’s got serious potential.”

• “Wow! Ava has amazing screen presence. I actually felt something during Lily’s last scene.”

• “Bit sudden, but I’m keeping an open mind. Hope they give her good storylines.”

It’s clear that while nostalgia runs deep, fans are open to giving Ava a chance — especially if the writing continues to elevate Lily as a meaningful part of the Platt household.

On-Set Support from Corrie Veterans

Ava has also been warmly welcomed by her on-screen family. Tina O’Brien (Sarah Platt) has reportedly taken the young actress under her wing, helping her adjust to the fast-paced environment of soap filming.

“She’s a star in the making,” Tina shared in a behind-the-scenes video. “She listens, she’s brave, and she already understands the emotional beats of the scene. I think viewers are really going to fall in love with her version of Lily.”

Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David Platt, echoed the sentiment: “She’s sharp — and she’s got this cheeky little spark, just like Lily should.”

What’s Next for Lily Platt?

With her new actress firmly in place, Lily Platt is set to become more than just a background character. Upcoming episodes will reportedly explore:

• Lily’s relationship with her father David as he continues to struggle with Shona’s ongoing memory issues.

• Her reaction to Sarah’s unstable love life and the impact of her recent choices.

• A school bullying plot that challenges Lily’s self-confidence and her place in the family.

One storyline in development will see Lily stepping up as a protective older sister figure to little Harry, showing maturity well beyond her years.

Producers tease that Ava will be “at the center of some very emotional moments — ones that may surprise even the most longtime Corrie fans.”

Ava’s Message to the Fans

In the final moments of her interview, Ava shares a sweet, heartfelt message to viewers who may still be adjusting to the change.

“I know it’s weird seeing someone new playing Lily,” she says with a shy smile, “but I promise I’ll do my best. I really love this character, and I hope I can make you proud.”

It’s a message that encapsulates everything Coronation Street stands for — tradition, heart, and the courage to grow.

Conclusion: A New Era for Lily — And Coronation Street

The recasting of Lily Platt marks more than a simple change in faces — it’s a shift in the show’s focus, a signal that the younger generation of Weatherfield is being positioned to take center stage. With Ava Devlin’s genuine excitement and undeniable screen presence, the future looks bright for Lily.

As Coronation Street continues to evolve, one thing remains the same: strong characters, compelling stories, and heartfelt performances. And with Ava at the helm, Lily Platt’s next chapter might just be her most memorable yet.