Ryan Thomas has shared his pride and excitement after his daughter Scarlett Thomas signed a major record deal at just 17, marking a milestone moment for the next generation of one of soap’s most recognisable families.
The former Coronation Street star revealed the news on social media, describing the occasion as one of the most meaningful days of his life. Posting a video and photos from the day Scarlett signed the contract, Ryan wrote: ‘Today is one of the best days of my life. Watching my little girl sign a record deal is a moment I will cherish forever.’
He went on to reflect on how fate appeared to play a part in the emotional day, adding: ‘The stars were all aligned today. As we turned up at the restaurant to sign the deal Scarlett said “I’ve been here before dad!!” & then we found this video.’
Ryan also shared throwback footage of Scarlett performing at the same venue five years earlier, when she was just 12. He wrote: ‘Stood on the chair in front of all her family singing A Million Dreams & here we are 5 years later making her dream come true.’
Scarlett later confirmed the news herself, sharing photos of her signing the deal and opening up about what the opportunity means to her. She wrote: ‘Wow what an experience I have had so far, and what an experience I’m about to have, I am beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity.’
She continued: ‘Today was a life-changing moment for me. I’ve been working hard behind the scenes, but I can now finally share it with you all. I can’t wait for what this year brings, hopefully some amazing music.’
The teenager has signed with Big Family Music, with the deal reportedly finalised during the restaurant meeting Scarlett and Ryan documented online.
Scarlett is the daughter of Ryan Thomas and his former partner, Tina O’Brien, both of whom are highly respected figures in British television. Ryan, now 41, is best known for his long-running role as Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street, a character he played for 16 years and which earned him widespread popularity. Tina, meanwhile, has portrayed Sarah Platt on the ITV soap for over two decades, becoming one of its most recognisable and enduring characters.
Scarlett has already begun carving out a career of her own. In 2023, she made her television debut in BBC’s Waterloo Road, appearing as Izzy Charles, and quickly attracted attention for her confident screen presence.
Tina previously expressed her pride at the time, writing on Instagram: ‘So proud of @scarlettjthomas26, she’s worked so hard on Waterloo Road and I’ve absolutely loved watching her portrayal of Izzy.’ She added: ‘Wonderful to see her talent recognised by @tvtimesmagazine as she’s been nominated for an award.’
Away from television, Scarlett has built a significant online following, regularly sharing singing videos on TikTok. She currently has more than 165,000 followers on the platform and a further 138,000 fans on Instagram, with both accounts launched when she turned 16.
As Ryan and Tina watch their daughter step into the spotlight, it’s clear the Thomas and O’Brien family legacy in entertainment is entering an exciting new chapter.
