Tina O’Brien, famed for her iconic role as Sarah Platt on Coronation Street since 1999, is reportedly planning a bold new career shift — and it could potentially raise a few eyebrows, particularly with her ex-partner, Ryan Thomas. The actress, who shares a daughter, Scarlett, 17, with Ryan, is rumored to be eyeing an influencer career in the ever-expanding world of social media and reality TV.
While the former couple, who split shortly after Scarlett’s birth in 2008, have been co-parenting for years, recent developments suggest that Tina’s new career trajectory could ruffle some feathers in the Thomas family, especially as Ryan and his brothers, Adam and Scott, have built a massive following online.
From Soap Star to Social Media Sensation?
Tina’s reported desire to build her presence online comes after observing the success of fellow stars like Scarlett, who has amassed a significant following on social media, and Ryan, who, along with his brothers, has cultivated a loyal fanbase as part of the Thomas Brothers brand. Sources close to Tina have revealed to The Sun that seeing the success of others in the social media space has inspired her to pursue a similar path, with exciting brand deals and potentially a few reality TV appearances lined up.
The actress reportedly plans to avoid “cringe TikTok trends” but is keen to explore opportunities in the influencer world, leveraging her fanbase and tapping into new revenue streams. The move has left many speculating whether Tina’s new venture could stir some competition with Ryan, as well as with his brothers, who have also become known for their social media presence.
Tina recently signed with Alpha Talent Group, a prominent agency that represents several notable stars, including Tommy Fury and Max George. This partnership could open doors to even more brand collaborations in the future, solidifying her potential in the influencer space.
Timing of the Move: A Chance to One-Up Ryan?
The timing of Tina’s career move is certainly noteworthy, coming on the heels of some major drama involving the Thomas brothers. Adam Thomas recently stirred up controversy during his appearance on I’m a Celebrity South Africa, where he had a heated argument with fellow contestant Jimmy Bullard. The drama continued with an on-air clash in the live final, involving Adam, Jimmy, and David Haye. Friends of Tina have suggested that the timing could be advantageous for her, offering her a chance to step into the spotlight and potentially outshine Ryan and his family’s social media empire.
A source close to Tina shared with Entertainment Daily: “Tina would never admit it, but friends have said she really sees it as her chance to get one up on Ryan. Tina has no plans to leave Coronation Street, but she’s thinking about her future. She has a huge fan base — men love her, but women do, too. So things are looking very bright away from the cobbles.”
Tina’s Growing Influence
Although Tina has spent much of her career playing the role of Sarah Platt on the long-running ITV soap, she is no stranger to stepping out of her comfort zone. She previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing over a decade ago, an experience that helped the public see her personality beyond her character on screen. Tina is reportedly open to doing more reality TV in the future, which could further elevate her profile in the entertainment industry.
Her growing social media presence and new business ventures are set to make her one of the top influencers in the UK, alongside other stars from the Coronation Street universe. Tina’s ability to reinvent herself and navigate the competitive world of reality TV and influencer culture could be the key to her new chapter, one that might just leave the Thomas family with a run for their money.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
