Coronation Street fans have been surprised to learn that two of the show’s characters are actually brothers off-screen.

Actor Matt Milburn, known for his role as local football hero Tommy Orpington since October 2016, has been a recurring presence until he and Tracy McDonald (played by Kate Ford) left Weatherfield for Spain in a steamy storyline.

The surprising connection was revealed in real life between Matt and actor Greg Wood, best known as the menacing gangster Rick Neelan.

Rick Neelan’s reign of terror shook the ITV soap’s denizens after its debut in 2009, culminating in his death at the hands of Gary Windass (portrayed by Mikey North) in 2019.

Except his nefarious ones Corrie Greg Wood also starred as Trevor Royle in Hollyoaks and Terry Gibson in Brookside.

It was watching his older brother Greg that inspired Matt to pursue acting, although the siblings never graced the cobbled streets of Weatherfield at the same time.

Open about his inspiration, Matt once told TV Times: “Seeing my brother in his first college play lit my fire for it (acting),” adding: “When I saw the adrenaline flowing through him afterwards, I thought :” I’d love to give it a shot.” But I never did.”

“Greg was scheduled to film a college play, but after getting a role in Brookside, he recommended me without my knowledge. The play was Patrick Marber’s Dealer’s Choice, which revolves around poker.

He continued: “We filmed in the basement at night, and it was exciting! About three weeks later I auditioned for Hollyoaks – it was like my university experience.”

On Facebook, Coronation Street fans expressed their surprise to discover that Matt and Greg are brothers. One fan wrote: “SAY WHAT? ! Years old today when I found out Rick (Greg Wood) and Tommy O (Matt Milburn) are real life brothers.”

Another commented: “It’s funny because when Tommy came back I thought that was the guy Gary killed, that would explain why they look so alike lol.” A third fan added: “Wow….No wonder I think he’s the one Gary killed.” Other fans reacted with surprise, saying “Didn’t know that” and “They look alike.”