Duffy Jnr lands soap role

Keith Duffy's son Jay has landed a role in 'Hollyoaks'.

The 15-year-old actor - who will first appear in the Channel 4 soap in early August - will play newcomer Declan Brady, the son of bad boy gangster Brendan (Emmett J. Scanlan) and Eileen Brady (Rachel Doherty).

While the youngster will first feature in the soap in a guest role, his alter-ego will become a central character in 'Hollyoaks' by the end of the year.

Keith - who portrays hunky barman Ciaran McCarthy in ITV1 soap 'Coronation Street' - explained the casting had nothing to do with him, as Jay was first spotted playing the lead role in a school production of 'Peter Pan'.

He said: "I have to say, this is nothing to do with me being in the business at all - an agent came to see him when he was doing 'Peter Pan'. They were looking for an Irish guy in 'Hollyoaks'. They rang Jay up, he went to London, did an audition, did a screen test, they called him back and they gave him the job."

Meanwhile, show bosses are hoping Jay will be a huge hit with female viewers.

A spokesperson added: "He's a little Justin Bieber lookalike and will no doubt be a sure hit with Hollyoaks' female fans."