The star reflects on hardships before landing dream role

Calum Lill, known for his role as Joel Deering in Coronation Street, recently opened up about his challenging journey into acting. Before his big break in 2023, Lill faced a moment where he considered giving up his acting aspirations.

In a heartfelt discussion with Digital Spy, Lill shared his experiences juggling car sales while chasing his acting dreams. “I was selling cars while auditioning for Corrie, and I hated it,” he admitted. The continuous struggle led him to a point of near resignation from acting after 15 years of effort.

The turning point came with a call from his agent, revealing he had secured the part in Coronation Street. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lill recounted the moment as a dramatic release of pent-up hope and struggle, symbolising the end of his fears of having to abandon his acting career.

Moving to Manchester with his girlfriend for the role, Lill described the transition as tough but ultimately rewarding. His casting in the iconic soap felt like a validation of his and his family’s working-class roots and their dreams of success.

Lill also touched on his girlfriend Roberta’s support during his journey. Her understanding of his passion for acting and the struggles that came with it made the news of his casting even more significant. He emphasised the shared relief they felt, knowing that his persistence had finally paid off.

Lill’s story is a testament to the resilience required in the acting industry, highlighting the personal victories and challenges behind the scenes of our favourite shows.