This Hollyoaks star is finally being taken seriously after surprise role

Will Mellor is finally being taken seriously thanks to his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

For years he’s been typecast as a cheeky lad, but starring on such a landmark drama has changed all that. Since it aired earlier this year, he’s been offered new types of roles and he’s thrilled.

He told the Daily Star Sunday: “Mr Bates vs The Post Office has opened a lot of doors for me. Sometimes people need to see you do a certain role because they realise what you can do.

“I used to often get Jack The Lad parts and comedy roles, but now that’s changing. It’s strange because I haven’t changed, but the offers I’m getting are changing.

“I’m getting different roles. I’m really grateful because things are really taking off.”

Will played Lee Castleton — one of the real-life victims who was falsely accused of stealing by the Post Office. Getting to take on such an important role was a dream for him.

He said: “The director we had was James Strong and he was in my corner and saying, ‘Will can do this part’.

“You need people like that in this industry. I’m really grateful. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have got the role. People have got to be willing to see you in a role and give you the job.

“I’ve always wanted to be a performer, but when you come from a council estate, you need someone to believe in you. When that happens, you can fly.

“I’ve always believed in what I can do. But you need someone else to believe in you.”

Will has been a regular on TV for three decades. After finding fame on Hollyoaks, he’s starred on shows including Coronation Street, Line of Duty, Death In Paradise and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

But even after all his success, he doesn’t take anything for granted.