Former Coronation Street villain Rowan Cunliffe may be firmly locked away in Weatherfield’s past, but the actor behind the character has been quietly stepping into a very different chapter. Nearly a year after his dramatic exit from the Cobbles, Emrhys Cooper is turning heads again, this time for reasons that go far beyond his on-screen scheming.
Rowan Cunliffe’s Rise And Fall On Coronation Street
Viewers first met Rowan Cunliffe at the start of 2024, when he arrived in Weatherfield as the confident and persuasive leader of The Institute. Rowan quickly made an impression, especially after crossing paths with Leanne Battersby at a hotel and presenting himself as the calm, reassuring face of a self-help group.
Using charm and carefully calculated manipulation, Rowan slowly drew Leanne into the organisation. Over time, his influence deepened, and Leanne even persuaded Amy Barlow to join.
She went as far as encouraging Amy to invest her inheritance into a new resource centre, a move that perfectly suited Rowan’s hidden agenda. Rowan’s control began to unravel when Leanne discovered damaging files on his computer.
The documents not only exposed Toyah and Nick’s secret affair but also revealed that Rowan had been blackmailing the pair. Realising the danger he posed, Nick passed a crucial notebook to DS Swain.
Justice Catches Up With Rowan Cunliffe
By December 2024, Rowan finally faced the consequences of his actions. As leader of The Institute, he stood trial for fraud and blackmail, with Leanne, Nick, and Amy all giving evidence against him in court, determined to see justice served.
The case proved far from straightforward. Rowan’s defence barrister put each witness under intense scrutiny, attempting to dismantle their testimonies. Despite the pressure, the court delivered its verdict on the same day.
The outcome sparked celebrations back on the Street. Nick, Leanne, Amy, Steve McDonald, and Tracy Barlow gathered at the Rovers Return, relieved that Rowan’s reign of manipulation had finally come to an end. After leaving Coronation Street, Emrhys Cooper wasted no time embracing new opportunities. He stepped into the role of Prince Frederick in a pantomime production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which opened at St Helens Theatre Royal in Liverpool in December 2024.
Fans recently noticed just how different Cooper looks now after he shared photos from The Bay’s premiere on Instagram. He has traded Rowan’s long, bleached hair for a shorter, darker style, added a neat moustache after trimming his beard, and completed the look with a gold hoop earring. In another post, he showed off his fresh haircut while open-water swimming during training for an Iron Man challenge. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for the latest Coronation Street updates and cast news.