Coronation Street has officially confirmed the casting details for new characters Mick and Lou Michaelis.

The chaotic couple – billed as “nightmare neighbours” – will be moving into nearby Mawdsley Street in upcoming episodes.

Farrel Hegarty has been cast in the role of Lou, who appears for the first time on February 12.

Lou strikes up a friendship with Gemma Winter-Brown as they recognise each other from Bessie Street School, where Gemma’s quads and Lou’s two young daughters attend.

Joe Layton has signed up for the role of Mick, who makes his debut on February 14.

In a twist, Mick is revealed as the mysterious man in the silver van who has been tormenting Gemma’s husband Chesney in recent weeks.

For the time being, Chesney remains oblivious to who Mick really is. However, with Mick and Lou moving to live right at the back of Chesney and Gemma’s house, on the other side of the ginnel, it’s surely only a matter of time before the truth comes out.

Show bosses have warned that Coronation Street’s residents should watch their backs, as Mick and Lou will make life difficult for anyone who crosses them.

They also have a previous connection to corrupt police detective Kit Green and will expose his secretive past.

Speaking about her role as Lou, Farrel Hegarty commented: “I’m delighted and so grateful to be joining the cast of Coronation Street. I have genuinely been blown away by how ridiculously warm and nice everyone is.

“Lou is definitely an exciting character to play because she’s got good and bad parts to her, she’s a life force and full of beans. She’s a very colourful person who likes to make waves and try to cause chaos.

“But she also has that strong family loyalty, especially between Mick and Lou. They are thick as thieves and will stick up for each other, even when they probably shouldn’t.”

Joe Layton added: “Coronation Street is such an institute in British television and to get to walk down the cobbles in Mick’s shoes is so exciting. To also do it alongside Farrel is awesome – we are having great fun together and connecting really well whilst developing our characters.

“It also gives the opportunity to get a look behind the curtain of this huge machine and be a small cog within the big picture of Coronation Street and to work alongside people who take such pride in their work. It’s just a really happy place, friendly and welcoming. I’m going to relish every moment of it.”

Coronation Street‘s producer Kate Brooks said: “Chaotic and loud, Mick and Lou bulldoze their way into Weatherfield, causing absolute carnage for the residents of Coronation Street.

“Their relationship is volatile to say the least, but at the heart of it lies a fierce sense of family loyalty, and woe betide anyone who tries to come between them. Although they’re the life and soul of any party, they’re equally not everyone’s cup of tea, and they soon find themselves at the root of some explosive drama.

“We’re thrilled to introduce these new characters into the mix, and the cobbles certainly won’t be quiet with this family around.”