[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street bosses have confirmed that the soap will introduce a new disabled character named Howie in the autumn.

The show's team have put out a public casting call as they begin the hunt for the right actor to play the role.

Writing on Twitter, Coronation Street's casting director Janet Hampson described Howie as a "cheeky chap" in his 40s who will have a visible disability.

A Coronation Street spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: "Howie is a new disabled character that is being written into storylines starting on screen in the autumn.

"He will be connected to a current cast member, although that's all we can say at this stage."

Auditions for the new role are expected to take place over the next few weeks.

Current character Izzy Armstrong, played by wheelchair user Cherylee Houston, is the first disabled Coronation Street regular and has been on screen for four years.

DS