Coronation Street casts TikTok star Noah Olaoye as Max’s prison buddy Gav as newcomer teases what’s to come for his character
Coronation Street has announced that they have cast TikTok star Noah Olaoye as Max Turner’s prison friend Gav.
The actor, 24, best known for his impersonations of Match Of The Day & Gogglebox star Micah Richards, made his ITV soap debut in Friday’s episode.
Fellow student Gav meets Max at the STC and the two quickly form a close friendship as Gav becomes a shoulder to lean on for the troubled Max.
Speaking of joining the cast, Noah said, ‘I’m so excited to be joining the Coronation Street family, such an iconic show and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone Gav!
“People know me as the Micah Richards guy, but not many people know that I’m a professional actor, and I’m glad people get to see a different side of me, on a TV screen instead of a phone screen!
Newcomer: Coronation Street announced that they have cast TikTok star Noah Olaoye as Max Turner’s prison buddy Gav
Friends: Fellow student Gav meets Max in the STC and the two quickly form a close friendship as Gav becomes a shoulder to lean on for the troubled Max
“It’s been a great experience and I’ve loved every second of it and I hope everyone else does too!”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian-born and Liverpool-raised actor teased what’s to come for his character.
He said in an interview, “Gav is a sweet rogue. He’s not a bully, he’s not one to throw his weight around.
“He’s a really likeable guy but he does have a screw loose so there’s a side to him where people fear him but not because he’s going to push people around the classroom but because he’s going to do something a little bit unhinged if you get on his wrong side.’
On what draws Max to Gav, Max actor Paddy Bever said: ‘Gav is quite respected within the STC and before they met, this was something Max was afraid of.
“But Gav has a great energy about him that is so upbeat, playful and fun and Max has really missed that in his life. He hasn’t had fun for years!’
He continued: ‘Max has missed a lot of childhood and I think there’s something very childish about Gav. Noah brings that into the character really well and Max is drawn to the idea that life isn’t always miserable.
“It’s a wonderful feeling for Max because Gav brings light to Max’s life, which has been very dark for years.”
Excited: I am so excited to be joining the Coronation Street family, such an iconic show and really looking forward to meeting everyone Gav!”
While Noah added: ‘I agree with that as a lot of people see Gav as the unofficial ‘Head Boy’ and they see him as a show of respect as Paddy has said.
“People recognize Gav as ‘the man’, and you don’t mess with Gav or you’ll get in trouble.
“He’s not an authoritative figure, just his presence and his aura let people know you don’t mess with him.”
Meanwhile, Noah, who started making TikTok videos during the pandemic, shared what viewers will see in their friendship.
Friendship: Max has missed a lot of childhood and I think there is something very childish about Gav. Noah brings that very well into the character’
“Every friendship has its ups and downs and I think we’ll see that with Gav and Max,” he said.
“There will be a lot of trouble and I think Max is just trying to sit out his time in the STC and get through it, while Gav’s attitude is, “I might as well have fun while I’m here!”
‘Max will definitely tell Gav to chill! They are similar in some ways but quite different in that respect; Max tries to keep his cool and Gav tries to get rid of his boredom.
“It’s a very interesting friendship and I’m excited to see how people will receive it.”