In a revelation that has left Coronation Street fans reeling, actress Vicky Myers has disclosed that she came perilously close to missing out on her now-iconic role as DS Lisa Swain. The tough-talking detective has become a cornerstone of the ITV soap, captivating audiences with her no-nonsense attitude and evolving personal storylines. But as Myers recently shared, her journey to the cobbles was anything but straightforward, with a twist of fate nearly robbing her—and viewers—of one of Weatherfield’s most beloved characters. With her star on the rise and fans clamoring for more, this near-miss has sparked a wave of intrigue and gratitude. Here’s the full story behind Vicky Myers’ almost-rejection and how she defied the odds to claim her dream role.

A Star on the Cobbles

Vicky Myers first stepped onto Coronation Street as DS Lisa Swain in May 2021, initially appearing in a recurring capacity to investigate the brutal assault on Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin, which tragically ended in Seb’s death. What started as a brief stint—originally slated for just four episodes—blossomed into something far greater. By March 2024, Myers was promoted to a regular cast member, with DS Swain taking center stage in high-stakes storylines like the hunt for serial killer Stephen Reid and the disappearance of Lauren Bolton. Her character’s personal life has also unfolded, revealing a teenage daughter, Betsy, and a budding romance with Carla Connor that has fans dubbing them “Swarla.”

Myers’ portrayal of the steely yet vulnerable detective has earned her a legion of admirers, with viewers praising her authenticity and depth. But as she revealed in a recent interview on the podcast Off Script… Coronation Street and Emmerdale with Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, her casting was nearly derailed by a surprising hesitation from the show’s casting team. The confession has sent shockwaves through the Corrie fandom, prompting a deeper look at how close the soap came to losing one of its brightest stars.

Coronation Street’s Vicky Myers revealed she was almost rejected from her popular DS Lisa Swain role (Image: ITV)

The Near-Miss Moment

Speaking candidly on the podcast, Myers recounted how her prior appearances on Coronation Street almost cost her the role of DS Lisa Swain. “I have been in Coronation Street twice before, and the second time I didn’t even audition!” she admitted, laughing. Her earlier roles included a nurse in 1998 during Des Barnes’ death scenes and a driver in 2010 who aided Tyrone Dobbs after a car crash involving his wife, Molly. These bit parts, while minor, left an impression on casting director Gennie Radcliffe—so much so that she hesitated to consider Myers for DS Swain.

“She pulled me to one side when we were casting for Betsy,” Myers explained, referring to the introduction of Swain’s daughter, played by Sydney Martin. “She said, ‘This is quite surreal—I very nearly didn’t ask you to audition for Lisa because you had played a policewoman a couple of times before previously.’ She just wondered whether I’d be interested in doing it.” Radcliffe’s concern stemmed from Myers’ earlier police-related role in the soap, fearing it might feel repetitive. At the time, “DS Swain” was just a nameless detective for a four-episode arc, with no hint of the major character she’d become.

Myers herself was stunned by the revelation. “I thought, ‘Wow, I nearly didn’t get this chance,’” she told the Fletchers. “It’s been four years this week since I first stepped onto the cobbles as Lisa, and look how far she’s come!” That near-rejection now feels like a sliding-doors moment—what if Radcliffe had stuck to her initial instinct? Fans might never have seen DS Swain’s fierce determination or her tender moments with Carla.

Vicky Myers plays DS Lisa Swain in Coronation Street (Image: ITV)

From Bit Parts to Big Break

Myers’ journey to Coronation Street stardom is a testament to perseverance. Born in Stockport, Greater Manchester, on February 5, 1976, she grew up as the daughter of pub landlords, dreaming of acting while working jobs like telesales, waitressing, and cleaning. By age 20, she was married with a daughter, Meghan, but her passion for performance never waned. “I picked up a Yellow Pages and found an acting agency,” she told The Mirror in 2024. “I wanted to show my daughter you can make your dreams come true.”

Her early Corrie roles were walk-ons—small but memorable. In 1998, she played a nurse during Des Barnes’ demise, and in 2010, she was the driver who helped Tyrone in a crisis. These gigs were stepping stones, but Myers’ career took off in 2016 with a role in Harlan Coben’s The Five, followed by appearances in Ackley Bridge, Unforgotten, and The Long Shadows. Yet, her heart remained with Coronation Street. “In the North, people always ask, ‘Have you been in Corrie?’” she said. “Now I can say yes—and it feels like home.”

When the call came for DS Swain in 2021, Myers seized the opportunity, unaware of Radcliffe’s hesitation. Her initial contract was for eight episodes across two stints, but her compelling performance kept bringing her back. “I was just focused on getting the truth of this woman right,” she told Manchester Evening News. “I never imagined it’d become this.”

A Personal Triumph

Myers’ professional near-miss isn’t the only hurdle she’s overcome. In 2010, her life unraveled with a bitter divorce and a skin cancer diagnosis, discovered by chance when a doctor spotted a mark on her leg during her nephew’s appointment. “I thought, ‘If this is it, I’ve missed so much time with my daughter,’” she recalled to The Mirror. The melanoma was caught early, and after reconstructive surgery, she recovered—but the ordeal forced her to pause her acting dreams. She took on ironing jobs and office work to support Meghan, now 28 and a teacher, stepping away from auditions for two years.

“I needed a break to breathe,” she said. “Rejection was relentless, and I had bills to pay.” But by 2016, she was back, landing roles that paved the way to Corrie. Her cancer battle and divorce reframed her priorities, making her Coronation Street success all the sweeter. “Every time I see that sign, it’s overwhelming,” she said. “I’m so proud to be here.”

The Rise of DS Swain

Since that shaky start, DS Lisa Swain has evolved into a fan favorite. Her investigations—tackling hate crimes, acid attacks, and murders—showcase her grit, while her personal life adds layers. The death of her partner, Becky, and her struggles with Betsy reveal a softer side, and her slow-burn romance with Carla Connor has sparked a frenzy online. “Swarla” trended on X after a charged moment in October 2024, when Carla begged Lisa not to risk her life, hinting at deeper feelings.

Fans almost lost this dynamic due to Radcliffe’s initial doubts. “Imagine Corrie without Swain!” one X user posted. “Thank goodness they took the chance.” Myers herself marvels at the twist of fate. “It’s a massive opportunity I never saw coming,” she told Digital Spy. “We’re just scratching the surface with Swain.”

What Could Have Been

The revelation has fans pondering the what-ifs. If Myers hadn’t landed DS Swain, who might have played her? Would the character have the same impact? Swain’s blend of toughness and vulnerability—shaped by Myers’ own life experiences—has made her unique. Another actress might not have brought the same spark to her clashes with Stephen Reid or her tender scenes with Carla.

The near-rejection also highlights the unpredictable nature of soap casting. Myers’ prior Corrie roles, meant to be footnotes, nearly wrote her out of history. Instead, they’ve become trivia for eagle-eyed fans, who’ve spotted her in reruns from the ‘90s and 2000s. “I forgot she was the driver!” one TikTok commenter exclaimed, reflecting the surprise rippling through the fandom.

A Grateful Star and Excited Fans

Now 49, Myers is savoring her Coronation Street milestone. Celebrating her first year as a regular in March 2025, she posted on Instagram, “My goodness, how time flies when you’re having fun. Thank you for all the lovely messages—you’re the best!” Fans flooded her with praise, with comments like “You’re smashing it!” and “Best decision Corrie ever made.”

Her near-miss story has only deepened their appreciation. “Vicky’s journey is so inspiring,” one fan wrote on X. “From cancer to the cobbles—she’s a fighter.” As DS Swain’s future unfolds—potentially with more “Swarla” drama or new cases—Myers remains grounded. “It’s a dream come true,” she told Inside Soap. “I’m just happy to be here.”

The Legacy Ahead

Vicky Myers’ close call with rejection is a reminder of how fragile success can be—and how resilience can turn the tide. From bit parts to battling personal demons, she’s earned her place on Coronation Street. Fans can’t wait to see what’s next for DS Swain, and neither can Myers. “It’s looking good so far!” she teased. Tune in to ITV this spring to watch her shine—because this is one star who almost wasn’t, and now, she’s unforgettable.