He’s been a familiar face on our telly for nearly two decades as Gary Windass in Coronation Street, and it appears Mikey North is staying put on the cobbles for the time being.

The soap star has become an essential part of the Coronation Street cast, with his character Gary finding himself in all sorts of scrapes over the years.

Most recently, the character vanished from Weatherfield and was missing from several episodes. It was later revealed that he was in a coma, battling for his life in Weatherfield General.

As more details about Gary’s storyline start to emerge, let’s delve into actor Mikey’s life off-screen…

Mikey’s early years

Mikey, whose real name is Michael, hails from the Cayton area of Scarborough. He began acting at the age of 12, featuring in local productions in the town, reports Leicestershire Live.

At 18, Mikey, now 38, was spotted by an agent while performing in a play at Scarborough Sixth Form College.

Career

Mikey’s first professional role was in the play Bottle Universe in London’s West End. His performance earned him the British Theatre Guide’s award for the most promising newcomer.

He went on to secure minor roles in shows including The Bill, Britannia High, Waterloo Road and The Revenge Files of Alistair Fury.

In 2008, Mikey hit the big time when he scored the role of Gary Windass in Coronation Street. He’s remained on the ITV soap ever since, tackling numerous major storylines and becoming a key player in the popular show.

Who is Mikey’s wife?

Mikey is blissfully wed to his wife Rachael Isherwood, who’s a star in her own right.

Rachael, a fitness instructor, also had a memorable part in the Hollywood hit, Captain America: The First Avenger, where she shone as a USO dancer in 2011.

Family life

Delving into Mikey’s family life, he and Rachael have been happily married since 2016, following a three-year romance. The couple are proud parents to two adorable children, their son Archie born in 2017, and daughter Eliza arriving in 2019.

The proposal was nothing short of magical, with Mikey popping the question during a romantic Lake District escape in 2015. Overwhelmed with emotion, he admitted that he “couldn’t stop crying”.

Chatting with OK!, Mikey reminisced about the engagement, sharing: “I asked her to shut her eyes. When she opened them I was down on one knee with the ring. I was looking up at Rachael, with my knees getting wet, and I just said: ‘Will you marry me?'”

He also revealed how nervous he was before proposing, saying: “In the moment before I proposed I was shaking like a leaf. Then when she said yes, I called my mum and just couldn’t stop crying.”

Mikey’s future on Coronation Street

Turning to his Coronation Street career, Mikey discussed his character’s recent on-screen troubles and his future on the show.

During an appearance on This Morning, when quizzed about his potential departure after a trailer hinted at Gary’s adversary Mick’s return, Mikey commented: “I hope not … If I am, it’s been a pleasure being on this show.”

Rumours suggest the actor has inked a deal with Coronation Street once more, marking his 18th year on the ITV soap.