'Coronation Street' star is joining 'Neighbours' in a starring role

Coronation Street's Ryan Thomas is set for a starring role in long-running Australian soap Neighbours.

After 16 years spent on the Weatherfield cobbles, the Mirror reports that Ryan is set to trade up for the warmer climes of Erinsborough.

Ryan, 33, who played Jason Grimshaw on the famous ITV soap from 2000 until 2016, appears likely to travel to the other side of the globe to flex his acting muscles to a new audience.

Neighbours launched the international careers of stars including Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, Margot Robbie and Jason Donovon. 

Meanwhile, Guy Pearce and Holly Valance also ignited their careers on the much-loved drama.

Not much is known yet about his character Raphael and how large a role he will have on screen, but insiders expect him to go down well with Aussie audiences.

A well-placed source told The Sun: 'Ryan would be superb in the jungle and there has never been a family member following a family member into the outback ever in all the series.' 

Ryan's brother Adam appeared on the previous series and quickly became a fan favourite.

The source added: 'Fans would no doubt get behind him like they did Adam, and it'd be interesting to see if he reacts to the bush tucker trials in the same funny way.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is republished here with permission.