Coronation Street star James Burrows has revealed he's now working as a builder, despite landing roles in shows including Happy Valley and Silent Witness.

The actor previously played Ali Neeson on the soap from 2018 to 2020, but left the show six years ago.

James set up a company as a builder, which specialises in driveways and landscaping, in 2024, and promotes his work on his Facebook page.

He has also shared photos of some of his completed works on social media.

Alongside his Corrie work, James has appeared in a string of hit series, and even appeared opposite Idris Elba in the Apple TV+ show Hijack.

A source said: 'James is a talented actor and had huge success but he's a jobbing actor ultimately and has a family to provide for.'

They went on to tell The Sun: 'He's got no problem taking on building work during quiet times between acting jobs. He's not afraid of hard work.'

During his time on Corrie, James's character Ali featured in one of the soap's most dramatic and explosive storylines.

It was revealed that Ali was the biological son of Michelle Connor, after she learned she and her supposed son Ryan were switched at birth.

The truth wasn't revealed until the boys were teenagers, and Ali didn't arrive in Weatherfield until he was an adult. 

James previously shared in 2023 that he decided to quit Corrie after realising the role of Ali 'wasn't for him'.

He told Metro: 'It just wasn't really for me personally hence why I left,' before saying he was getting 'bored of playing the same character'. 

Corrie has faced behind-the-scenes drama in recent months with claims stars were furious to learn they would be hit by pay cuts.

According to The Sun, back in February, stars were informed of 'harsh changes to their contracts' due to ITV 'drastically reducing the number of guaranteed episodes offered to its actors'.

An insider told the publication: 'The way things are being handled by ITV bosses is appalling, and some big stars are talking about walking away altogether.

'They are completely fed up.'

Those who have been on the shows longer, are 'protected' by their contracts, but those who have joined more recently, aren't.

Another source said: 'Many feel ITV is bending the rules for some favoured stars, quietly assuring them they will be looked after, while others are being hung out to dry and are prepared to walk if necessary.

'It’s a total mess – a mixture of anger towards bosses and now jealousy and irritation among the castmates themselves because it’s such an uneven playing field.'

The likes of Tina O'Brien, Lucy Fallon, Dame Maureen Lipman, Catherine Tyldesley and Alison King are the cast members from the Cobbles thought to be hit by the new cuts.

Meanwhile, Emmerdale legends Amy Walsh, Ryan Hawley and Danny Miller are thought to be facing the same.