In 2023, Luca Toolan began his role of Mason Radcliffe, having joined the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street, working closely with a cast including Charlie Wrenshall as Liam Connor, and he left the role earlier this year. Further projects for Luca include the short film Once Upon a Time in Avalon as Lancelot, which he is also producing, and the short film Milkshakes and Burger Phones as Freddie, and it has been announced that he will be in the cast of the upcoming pilot Grass Roots, which he has already filmed and is made by the same team behind Gavin and Stacey. Catching up with Luca, he answered our questions about his time as Mason Radcliffe in Coronation Street, filming for the upcoming pilot of Grass Roots and short films Once Upon a Time in Avalon and Milkshakes and Burger Phones.
You’ve recently finished playing the role of Mason Radcliffe in Coronation Street, how was it seeing the response to your character/storylines and your exit?
It’s been a whirlwind. The response was honestly more intense than I expected – Mason definitely stirred things up, and that’s always a good sign from a storytelling perspective. I know he wasn’t exactly the most liked character, but that’s part of the job – to spark conversations, provoke, and reflect things going on in real life. I was proud to be part of something that opened up a dialogue, especially around youth violence and bullying. Seeing people emotionally invested meant we did our job.
How did you find the experience filming your final scenes and what was it like reading the scripts for your last episodes for the first time?
Reading the final scripts was bittersweet. There’s that excitement of knowing Mason’s arc is coming to a head, but also a sadness because you’re saying goodbye to this character you’ve spent so long with. Filming those scenes was intense – the atmosphere on set was focused, everyone was locked in. I’ll always remember it. It felt like a proper send-off, and the team gave the story the weight it deserved.
What was Mason like to play and how was it developing the character over time?
Mason was challenging – in a good way. You never want to play a one-note villain, and I was always trying to explore why he did what he did. What made him tick? Where did that need for control and aggression come from? Over time, I worked to bring in those cracks in his armour – those little moments where the mask slips. Playing that kind of complexity is what excites me as an actor. He wasn’t easy to play, but I learned so much.
Was there anything that drew you to the role and how did you feel finding out you’d be joining the cast of Coronation Street in 2023?
Honestly, just the words Coronation Street were enough to make my jaw drop. It’s an institution. When I found out I’d got the part, I was on a train – and I think I scared a few passengers by shouting out loud. What drew me to the role was the depth the character offered. I knew Mason wouldn’t be an easy watch, but he was layered, and that’s what actors crave. And the chance to work on a show with that kind of legacy? You don’t say no.
What did you enjoy most about filming alongside the rest of the cast, which includes Charlie Wrenshall as Liam Connor?
Working with Charlie was brilliant – he’s such a talented actor, and so grounded. Even in the heavy scenes, he handled everything with real maturity for his age. The whole cast was incredibly supportive, especially considering the nature of Mason’s storyline. Off-camera, everyone was welcoming and warm, which makes a massive difference in the energy on camera especially when you’re joining a long-running show. It becomes a little family. Liam is just an old man in a boy’s body, he makes me laugh, he still holds my hand through it all. I’ve got a lot of love for them both.
Do you have any favourite highlights from your time on set of Coronation Street and filming for a long-running soap that you can tell us about?
A real stand out for me was filming the scene where Mason pulls a knife on Liam – that moment was so charged. I love playing energetically intense scenes, the ones where you’re fully in your body, fully in the moment. You’ve got to find the truth in the madness. Beyond that, the off-camera stuff is what stays with you too – the laughs in the green room, the nerves before a take, chatting rubbish with the crew between scenes. You become part of a real working family on a long-running show like that.
It has been announced that you’ve been filming for the upcoming pilot of Grass Roots, how was this to film?
Grass Roots was a total shift from anything I’ve done before – it’s a comedy about an under-11s football team, and it’s being made by the same team behind Gavin and Stacey, which is wild. I had a great time filming it. There’s a proper warmth to it, and I think people are going to love it if it gets picked up. Right now, we’re waiting to hear if it gets commissioned – fingers crossed.
What can you say about the upcoming short film Once Upon a Time in Avalon, in which you play Lancelot and that you are producing?
This one means a lot. It’s being made by a close mate of mine who actually gave me my very first short film role, so to come full circle and now be producing with him is class. Once Upon a Time in Avalon is a modern reimagining, but the themes – loyalty, love, betrayal – are timeless. Playing Lancelot was a completely different challenge for me. It’s more poetic, more emotionally exposed. The whole thing has this cinematic, stripped-back style I think people won’t expect from an Arthurian piece.
We understand you are also part of the short film Milkshakes and Burger Phones, what was it like filming as Freddie?
Milkshakes and Burger Phones is wild – in the best way. It’s bright and chaotic and full of heart. Freddie is this lovable mess, which was such a fun switch-up for me. It gave me room to lean into comedy and timing in a looser way. Smaller set, smaller team, but honestly, those are sometimes the most rewarding shoots because there’s no ego – just creativity.
How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
Yeah, I think I’ve always had it in me. It started with school plays, messing around, and then suddenly I realised it wasn’t just messing around – it was a craft, and I loved it. Acting gave me a way to express things I didn’t know how to put into words when I was younger. I realised early on I wanted to take it seriously, so I just kept pushing, learning, putting myself in the room.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?
I’m obsessed with Aftersun – that’s a raw performance. Nothing overdone, nothing flashy – just honest. Paul Mescal was unreal in that. I also have to say Joker – Joaquin Phoenix gave a masterclass. Dark, layered, tragic – I love stuff that pushes you into uncomfortable territory. On the TV side, Breaking Bad is just perfect. Every season, every arc – it’s bulletproof storytelling.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I’m on the golf course when I can be – bit of a new obsession, to be honest. There’s something calming about it, even when I’m hacking it around. I also day trade, which keeps my brain sharp. I like the discipline of it. It’s a bit of a different world to acting, but weirdly there’s a crossover – patience, timing, staying grounded under pressure.
Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?
The best advice I’ve had is simple: Throw the rule book out. Stop trying to be perfect. My best work always – always – comes when I get out of my own way and stop trying to plan how it should look or sound. When it just happens, that’s when it feels real. You’ve got to trust the moment more than your ideas about the moment.
What are you hoping this year brings for your career and do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about?
I’d love to get stuck into some gritty TV work. Something with depth, something where the characters are messy and real. But honestly, I’m enjoying life as it is right now. I’m not in a rush. I just want to keep making good work – and keep learning.
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