THE “Corrie killer” chosen to play the Devil in this summer’s York Mystery Plays has spoken of his delight at landing the role.

Graeme Hawley, 37, who played one of Coronation Street’s most infamous villains, John Stape, said: “I am used to playing bad guys and they don’t get much bigger than the devil!”

He said the plays were a really important part of York’s heritage and it was an honour for him to be chosen to take part in something of such importance.

“I can’t imagine a better place to spend the summer than working on this amazing production,” he said. “I am sure it will be a fantastic experience for me and hopefully for the thousands of people who come to watch.

“It has been an ambition of mine to work with York Theatre Royal for many years, so I am over the moon to finally get that opportunity.”

Graeme was at the centre of a number of major story lines in TV’s biggest soap, involving kidnap, manslaughter and murder, and has appeared in Shameless, A Touch of Frost and Emmerdale. He said he was looking forward to meeting and rehearsing with the rest of the 500-strong cast of local amateur actors next month.

He will be joined then by fellow professional actor Ferdinand Kingsley, 24, who will play both God and Jesus.

The plays, described by organisers as the biggest outdoor theatre production in the UK this year, will be staged in the Museum Gardens against a backdrop of the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey throughout August.

Organisers say that, due to popular demand, they are offering people one last chance to star in the plays alongside Graeme and Ferdinand if they missed workshops held earlier this year.

One more workshop will take place at 11am on Sunday June 10 at the De Grey Rooms. To guarantee a space on the workshop, phone 01904 715450.