They’ve been locked in a bitter battle since their split – but now, an exclusive source tells us that Corrie exes Tina O’Brien and Ryan Thomas are putting past tensions behind them to launch their daughter Scarlett into the spotlight.
They’ve famously been at loggerheads for years – but now Coronation Street exes Tina O’Brien and Ryan Thomas have put old tensions on ice for an all-new mission: propelling their teenage daughter Scarlett Thomas into the spotlight. The 16-year-old, who made her screen debut in school drama Waterloo Road, has already racked up hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and millions of likes, with industry insiders suggesting she could be on the path to a £2 million career.
An exclusive source close to the family tells New! that, despite a famously rocky post-split relationship, Scarlett’s superstar potential is uniting the exes in a way unlike any other since they parted: “Ryan and Tina have had their rows and disagreements over the years, but now, they are joining forces and pulling out all the stops, as they can see that Scarlett is going to be a superstar. She’s stunning and has real talent, her TikTok profile is already going through the roof and they can really see the potential in her.”
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Our source also claims that the former couple can even see the 16-year-old cracking America to become a huge Hollywood star: “Ryan and Tina see this being bigger than Corrie, they want her to go to Hollywood – it’s the one thing they can agree on. After such frosty relations, it’s something that could bring them slightly closer together.”
It’s no secret that Tina and Ryan are in full support of their daughter’s entry into the spotlight. “Talk about a proud moment for the Thomases!” Ryan, 40, gushed after his daughter’s first TV appearance via Instagram. But, could Scarlett really become the next big teen star – and rake in millions of her own? A celebrity PR expert tells us exclusively that she’s well on her way.
Celebrity publicist Edward Hopkins certainly thinks so, telling New! “Scarlett is stepping into the spotlight with all the right ingredients for long-term success – a strong acting debut, a growing TikTok audience and a supportive showbiz family. She’s not just following in famous footsteps. She’s carving out a space of her own, that’s what makes her so exciting.”
“Opportunities such as brand partnerships, television roles, red carpet appearances, fashion edits and even launching her own line are all realistic. And yes — if she plays it right, a £2 million career is entirely achievable. Gen Z audiences value authenticity, and Scarlett already connects in a way that feels relatable and real.”
Scarlett’s parents were once one of Coronation Street’s golden couples – both on and off screen. Tina O’Brien who rose to fame as Sarah-Louise Platt and has played her for over 25 years, and Ryan Thomas, beloved as Jason Grimshaw, became a real-life item in the early 2000s, welcoming their daughter Scarlett in 2008.
But by 2009, the relationship had crumbled, and the years that followed were marked by reported tensions and speculation over co-parenting struggles, the pair reportedly disagreeing on aspects of parenting , and Tina notably absent from celebrations organised by Ryan – something fans were quick to notice.
But now, it seems the pair are drawing a line under past issues. For the first time in years, there appears to be a united front, as stunning teen Scarlett steps into the spotlight. At just 16, their daughter is already making serious waves. Landing her first major acting role in 2023, playing schoolgirl Izzy Charles in the BBC ’s Waterloo Road, her on-screen dad is played by her real-life uncle, Adam Thomas.
The role has brought her instant attention – not just through TV, but also social media, where she’s cultivated a following of 160,000 TikTok fans and amassed millions of likes for her fun, confident videos, Selena Gomez-esque looks and her impressive vocal talents – one viral video of her singing a song from The Little Mermaid aged 15 lead fans to dub her a “real life Disney princess”.
PR expert Edward explains that it’s not just her famous family that will set her up for success, though: “Being a ‘nepo baby’ can open doors, but talent, work ethic and authenticity are what keep them open. With the right strategy, she could absolutely become a household name.”
Ryan, who is engaged to and has two children with former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh, has always spoken warmly of his special bond with Scarlett, previously admitting that watching her grow up hasn’t always been easy. For her 16th birthday, Ryan took to Instagram to share, “Not easy seeing you grow up but I’m here for all of it!”
He’s not alone. The wider Thomas-O’Brien clan is rallying behind Scarlett, including uncle Adam Thomas, 36, whose own children, including young son Teddy, are already emulating their cousin’s stage-stealing instincts. Her actor uncle Adam, who has long championed his niece, said: “If I can help put a foot through the door then I’m going to do it… As a family we like to be the centre of attention… Teddy and Scarlett both have that abundance, they just love it.”
As for Tina, the mother-daughter bond is clear, as seen in girlie snaps where the Corrie star posed with her look-alike daughter during a girlie holiday they took in February and the mother and daughter duo often share what they get up to together on social media.
With a hit show under her belt, a famous surname, and TikTok buzz already brewing, Scarlett Thomas is in prime position to carve out a major career. With guidance from her parents – who know the highs and lows of life in the public eye – she has a safety net many aspiring young stars could only dream of.
Says Edward: “Her family background gives her a definite head start, but it’s clear she has her own spark. Combine that with the right team and steady support behind the scenes, and she’s got the potential to thrive across television, digital platforms and the wider entertainment industry.”
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