My Parents are Aliens cast now from Coronation Street star to bearded singer

My Parents Are Aliens was a beloved family favourite, gracing our screens on CITV just as we got home from school, so it's scary to think it aired more than 20 years ago.

It rapidly became one of the most memorable kids' programmes of the early noughties, serving up plenty of laughs after alien parents crash-landed on Earth and fostered three kids into their vibrant household. Throughout the series, which wrapped up in 2006, the kids endeavoured to assist their alien foster parents in acting like normal humans, but chaos seemed to follow the family wherever they went.

Tony Gardner portrayed the extraterrestrial dad, Brian, and Barbara Durkin portrayed mum Sophie, until flame-haired Carla Mendonça stepped into the role from the third series onwards. While we saw a variety of child actors throughout the show's run, there are three cast members who most of us will instantly recall: Mel, played by Danielle McCormack, Josh, portrayed by Alex Kew and Lucy by actress Charlotte Francis.

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While primarily a children's show, it contained numerous cheeky references to adult topics that would have gone unnoticed by younger viewers. The child stars of the show have long grown up and are almost unrecognisable, while many of the familiar faces achieved further success when the show ended.

So, where are the cast of this hit show today? Here's everything we know...

Brian - Tony Gardner

Tony Gardner played the alien dad, Brian, from the first episode over 20 years ago to its final episode in 2006. Appearing in all seven series, Tony provided humorous dialogue as he navigated parenthood and became a fan favourite on the show.

After his success on CITV, the now 61-year-old went on to star as Dan Miller in The Thick Of It and featured in Lead Balloon, The Lenny Henry Show, Doctor Who and Last Tango in Halifax. He also played the sleazy professor, Tony Shales in Channel 4's Fresh Meat, where he had an affair with his student, Oregon.

In 2019, he went viral after a fan spotted him at Glastonbury Festival having a blast while dancing around in a leopard-print suit, proving he's still very much an icon.

Sophie - Barbara Durkin

Barbara Durkin portrayed Sophie, the alien mum from the first series until the start of series three. In the storyline explaining why she was replaced on the show in 2000, her character morphed into a new body and got stuck - a moment we still remember to this day!

But Barbara's acting career didn't end there as she went on to appear in other TV shows, including Midsomer Murders, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Heartbeat. The now 60-year-old also made guest appearances in Doctors, The Bill and My Family.

Sophie - Carla Mendonça

The second alien mum, Carla Mendonça, arrived in series three and took to her part like a natural, playing the role until the final episode. After her stint on My Parents are Aliens, the now 64-year-old starred in the comedy Roman's Empire alongside IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd and Gavin and Stacey's Mathew Horne.

Like Barbara, she also appeared on Doctors, playing completely different characters each time. She then returned to children's television, starring in CBBC shows such as My Dad's the Prime Minister, Dani's House, Scoop, and So Awkward.

In a surprising twist, fans were shocked when she joined the cast of Coronation Street in 2021 as Deputy Head of Weatherfield High, Orla Crawshaw - a role she still holds today.

Mel - Danielle McCormack

Viewers will remember the moody teenager, Mel, portrayed by Danielle McCormack on the CITV show from series one until series six. She later returned for the series seven finale.

The character was known for her sarcastic comments, quirky style and wild hairstyles. Originally from Yorkshire, Danielle continued her acting career with roles in Where the Heart Is, Casualty and Doctors.

The now 41-year-old also appeared in the film Wrecked in 2009. Taking a break from acting, Danielle began writing songs with Geordie Walker from Killing Joke.

Josh - Alex Kew

Middle child Josh, played by Alex Kew, was always scheming to tease his sisters or find new ways to make money. Known for his over-gelled and spiked hair, the star is now unrecognisable with a rugged beard and longer hairstyle.

After gaining fame on My Parents are Aliens, Alex turned to music and joined a local band called The Wutars in 2009. Although he didn't stop acting altogether, as he briefly appeared in 2Point4 Children, The Bill and Coming of Age, along with a small part in About A Boy alongside Hugh Grant.

Nowadays, the 38-year-old is believed to be concentrating on his solo music career.

Lucy - Charlotte Francis

The youngest and most intelligent member of the family, Lucy, was portrayed by Charlotte Francis, who has grown up a lot since her CITV days. With a keen interest in science, this compassionate schoolgirl often assisted her alien foster parents in understanding human life and distinguishing right from wrong.

Charlotte, now 36, is still best known for her role as Lucy in the children's comedy but has also appeared in Office Gossip and The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries.

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