Danny Cunningham is making his Coronation Street debut this week as Paul and Gemma’s estranged father, Denny. If you feel like you’ve seen him somewhere before, you’re not mistaken! Danny has been gracing our television screens for over thirty years, appearing in a wide range of shows including Happy Valley, New Tricks, Waterloo Road, Peak Practice, I’m Alan Partridge, Casualty, Last Tango in Halifax, and The Walk-In. He even made his mark on the big screen in movies like Spike Island and 24 Hour Party People.
Soap aficionados might recognize Danny as Connor Cooper from Emmerdale, a shady character connected to Vinny’s dad, Paul Ashdale. But for die-hard Coronation Street fans, Danny may trigger some nostalgia as he previously appeared on the cobbled streets back in 2000, playing the role of Jimmy Sykes, Linda Sykes’s brother.
In his current storyline on Coronation Street, Danny’s character Denny tracks down Paul and Gemma following an interview Paul did on Amy Barlow’s radio show. Bernie, Gemma’s mom, does her best to keep Denny away from his children by fabricating a story about Paul’s demise. However, Denny remains determined to reconnect with his kids despite the past troubles which include abusive behavior towards Paul. As the family navigates through their complex relationship dynamics, tensions run high. Can they mend fences before it’s too late?
If we rewind a bit to his Emmerdale days, Danny portrayed Connor Cooper, a gambling addict who had a beef with Paul Ashdale over unpaid debts. This character arc saw Connor entangled in a web of lies and deceit spun by Paul, which eventually unraveled thanks to the intervention of Liv and Aaron. The storyline took a dramatic turn as Paul’s dark secrets were exposed, leading to a thrilling climax.
Back in the year 2000, Danny graced Coronation Street as Jimmy Sykes, one of Linda Sykes’s troublesome brothers. Linda, a factory worker with a penchant for troublemaking, had a tumultuous past filled with affairs, deceit, and even a faked death. With siblings like Dean, Ryan, and Jimmy, it’s no wonder Linda’s life was anything but dull. Jimmy was portrayed as a troublemaker who caused havoc in the world of Mike Baldwin, Linda’s love interest at the time.
As Danny Cunningham brings his multi-faceted acting skills to the cobbled streets of Coronation Street once again, fans can expect a rollercoaster ride of emotions, drama, and unexpected twists. So, buckle up and tune in to witness Denny’s journey as he navigates the complexities of family relationships in the iconic soap opera we all know and love.
