Nepo baby 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 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.
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.
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”
“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.