The drama behind the scenes at Coronation Street has taken a fascinating twist this week after it was revealed that one of the soap’s newest cast members — already being dubbed “the UK’s most hated” by fans for their fiery on-screen persona — had actually auditioned for multiple Corrie roles in the past before finally landing the part that’s now sending shockwaves through Weatherfield. The actor in question, newcomer Oliver George, who plays the scheming and controversial Nathan Hartley, has been at the center of some of the most explosive episodes this year, stirring outrage among viewers with his manipulative and cold-hearted actions. From the moment he stepped onto the cobbles, his character’s mix of charm and menace has made fans furious — and fascinated — in equal measure. But as the hate mail piles up for Nathan the villain, the man behind the role couldn’t be more different, and now he’s breaking his silence to share how long and hard he fought to be part of Britain’s most iconic soap. “It’s wild, isn’t it?” Oliver laughed during a recent interview. “People absolutely despise Nathan — and that’s the biggest compliment you can give an actor. It means I’m doing my job.” What few fans know is that this isn’t his first time trying to join Coronation Street. In fact, Oliver auditioned for three different parts over the past decade — including a short-lived factory worker role in 2016 and a brief appearance as one of Sarah Platt’s friends back in 2019 — but was turned down each time. “It became a bit of a running joke,” he admitted. “Every year or so, I’d get another audition, come in, give it everything, and walk out thinking, ‘Well, maybe next time.’ I guess this was the one I was meant to play all along.” And indeed, it seems fate was saving him for something special — or rather, something scandalous. Nathan Hartley was introduced earlier this year as a seemingly charming property developer who quickly became entangled with several Weatherfield residents, including Daisy, Daniel, and even Carla Connor in a twist that fans never saw coming. His shady deals, double-crosses, and ruthless manipulation have made him one of Corrie’s most despised villains in recent memory, drawing comparisons to legendary soap baddies like Richard Hillman and Pat Phelan. But while viewers can’t stand Nathan, producers are thrilled with Oliver’s performance. “He’s been phenomenal,” said executive producer Iain MacLeod. “He walked into his audition and completely transformed the room. We knew immediately — this was the guy. He brought danger, depth, and unpredictability. You can’t take your eyes off him.” The irony, of course, is that Oliver himself is as humble and kind-hearted as they come. Castmates describe him as a “gentle giant” who spends his breaks chatting with crew and helping new extras find their way around the set. “It’s hilarious how different he is from his character,” said co-star Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgeley. “He’s always making people laugh, apologizing after intense scenes — and then he goes on screen and makes half the country scream at their TVs!” Despite his growing notoriety, Oliver says he’s taking the backlash in stride. “The hate is all for Nathan, not for me,” he smiled. “It’s part of the job. You know you’ve done something right when people say they can’t stand you.” Fans have already begun speculating about what’s next for Nathan, with some convinced that his days are numbered after recent episodes hinted that his crimes are about to catch up with him. “There’s a lot more to come,” Oliver teased. “Nathan’s not the kind of guy who goes quietly. He’s always three steps ahead — or so he thinks.” But even as he becomes Coronation Street’s most talked-about villain, Oliver remains grounded. He shared that his family — especially his mum — has been his biggest supporter, though she struggles to watch his darker scenes. “She texted me after one episode and said, ‘I raised you better than this!’” he laughed. “I have to keep reminding her it’s not real.” What makes Oliver’s journey even more inspiring is how close he came to giving up on acting before Coronation Street called. After years of small roles and rejections, he had started considering a career behind the camera instead. “I was thinking maybe I’d move into directing,” he revealed. “Then, out of nowhere, my agent called about this new Corrie role. I didn’t expect much — I thought, ‘Here we go again.’ But something clicked that day. I just felt different in the audition. I think all those rejections before gave me the fire I needed to nail it.” And nail it he did. Within weeks of his debut, social media exploded with reactions — mostly furious. “Nathan Hartley is pure evil,” one fan wrote on X, while another said, “This guy gives me chills. Amazing acting but I can’t wait to see him get what’s coming to him.” It’s that balance between hatred and admiration that cements a true soap legend, and Oliver seems to be embracing the chaos. “If they love to hate you, you’ve won,” he said. “It means you’re part of the story. That’s what acting’s all about.” Behind the scenes, his rise has been equally impressive. Cast insiders say he’s one of the most prepared actors on set, often arriving early to rehearse scenes and discuss character motivations with the writers. “He’s not just playing a villain — he’s building one,” a producer revealed. “He knows Nathan’s backstory inside out, down to what kind of coffee he drinks and what makes him tick. That’s rare.” Fans may soon get to see new layers of the character as the show begins to peel back Nathan’s mysterious past. Rumors suggest upcoming episodes will reveal a tragic family history that may explain — though not excuse — his manipulative behavior. “Every villain thinks they’re the hero,” Oliver hinted. “Nathan doesn’t see himself as evil. He thinks he’s surviving. But the line between survival and destruction can get blurry fast.” As for what’s next after Coronation Street, Oliver says he’s open to anything but isn’t in a rush to leave. “This has been a dream. I grew up watching this show with my grandparents — now I’m part of its history. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.” Whether fans love him or loathe him, one thing’s certain — Oliver George has made his mark on Weatherfield, and his journey from persistent auditionee to the UK’s most hated soap villain is proof that sometimes rejection isn’t the end of the road, but the beginning of something unforgettable.