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NAME IN LIGHTS

TV actor with a huge rock star brother lands lead role in Stranger Things West End show – can you guess who he is?

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel play to the smash Netflix series
the cast of stranger things the first shadow pose for a photo

STRANGER Things: The First Shadow has announced its new cast for the upcoming months – with one name proving familiar to some.

The play, which is a prequel to the events of the smash Netflix series, is extending its run on London's West End through to April 2025.

three people pose for a picture in front of a bfi london film festival sign
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Denise Welch with son Louis Healy and Louis' dad Tim HealyCredit: Getty
Louis will play Henry Creel in Stranger Things The First Shadow. The character was first seen in the Netflix series, played by Jamie Campbell Bower
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Louis will play Henry Creel in Stranger Things The First Shadow. The character was first seen in the Netflix series, played by Jamie Campbell BowerCredit: Netflix
a poster for the movie stranger things the first shadow
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An exclusive showing of the production is being held this week for Virgin Media broadband and O2 customers

An exclusive showing of the production is being held this week for Virgin Media broadband and O2 customers.

Now it's been announced that Louis Healy – son of Denise Welch and brother of The 1975's Matt Healy – will be taking on the leading role.

The 23-year-old will play Henry Creel, who on the series is played as an adult by Jamie Campbell Bower, as he comes into his powers in 1959.

The star will make his debut on November 14, and has already shared his excitement on his first leading role.

READ MORE STRANGER THINGS

Sharing the news on Instagram five weeks ago with a group photo of the new cast, Louis wrote: "Delighted, ecstatic, c***ping myself, but overwhelmingly proud to lead this wonderful cast into a new semester at Hawkins High.

"I say thank you to this amazing company, and to the phenomenal original cast who precede us. I am in awe of you - We promise it will be in safe hands!"

Louis is joined by Callum Maxwell as Bob Newby, Miranda Mufema as Patty Newby, Luke Mullins as Dr Brenner, Jessica Rhodes as Joyce Maldonado and George Smale as Jim Hopper Jr.

Proud mum Denise has shared her excitement for her son to tread the board, responding in the comments: "Can't even begin!!!!"

Her husband, Lincoln Townley, added: "SOOOO PROUD"

Kate Thornton added: "Can't wait to come and see you - congratulations superstar! x"

Watch as Netflix reveals first look at Stranger Things' final series

"Congratulations!!!! Can't wait to come and see it x" wrote comedian Stephen Bailey.

Angela Townley wrote: "Soo so proud of to be ya aunty x x"

Louis has picked up the acting bug from his mum and dad, Benidorm star Tim Healy, and has been acting from an early age.

He appeared in Emmerdale as Danny Harrington between the years of 2019 to 2021, and has also starred in gritty drama The Pact and BBC favourite, Ackley Bridge.

Most recently, he has been seen on screen in Britbox period drama, Hotel Portofino.

a group of people posing for a picture in front of a poster that says future
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Louis has a famous family including brother Matt and mum DeniseCredit: Instagram/denise_welch
the cast of stranger things the first shadow pose for a photo
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The theatre show has been extended to next year with Louis in the castCredit: Instagram/healytymd
a man stands on a stage in an empty theater
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Louis has shared pictures of his time on stage on InstagramCredit: Instagram/healytymd
a group of people posing for a picture with one wearing a headband that says ' peace ' on it
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The play is set in 1959 before the events of Stranger ThingsCredit: Instagram/healytymd
a woman in a yellow suit stands next to a boy in a grey suit
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Proud mum Denise has already shared her excitement at her son's new roleCredit: Rex
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