To millions of ITV viewers, Ryan, Adam and Scott Thomas are the ultimate Mancunian success story — charming, family-driven and effortlessly likeable.
When the celebrity brothers were sent to India in 2019 to explore their roots for the emotional six-part ITV series Mancs in Mumbai, audiences were won over. The show followed Coronation Street star Ryan, Emmerdale actor Adam and former Love Island finalist Scott as they reconnected with their estranged father Dougie and uncovered their family’s journey from India to Britain in 1947.
With quick wit and Northern warmth, the trio embraced the culture — entertaining children at their grandfather Nolan’s former school, tasting street food and marvelling at the Taj Mahal. The series boosted their profiles and reinforced an image of grounded, grateful stars who hadn’t forgotten where they came from.
But away from the cameras, insiders claim a very different story.
Multiple sources in Manchester suggest the brothers’ friendly on-screen personas may mask a far less popular reputation in their home city — with some locals branding them ambitious, entitled and increasingly difficult to deal with.
One source familiar with the family claims:
“Their TV personas are all smiles. They play the game brilliantly — good-looking, well-connected and signed to one of the biggest talent agencies because they truly believed they were going to hit the big time.
“But locally, when they’re out, it can be a different vibe. They act like they own the place. If they arrive at a bar or restaurant, it becomes a whole performance. People notice — and not always fondly.”
Another insider adds:
“They behave like they’re something really special. You often see people leaving early when they turn up. There’s an arrogance there, and clashing with them isn’t for the faint-hearted.”
Some go further, describing the brothers as “pretty ruthless” behind the scenes — pointing to their decision to abruptly part ways with a long-serving agent who had helped shape their careers, in favour of a more high-profile, glitzy showbiz agency.
Ryan, now 41, was the first to find fame in 2000 as Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street. His early success brought tabloid attention, including a high-profile relationship with co-star Tina O’Brien. In 2018, he entered Celebrity Big Brother, where he became embroiled in a major controversy after Roxanne Pallett accused him of punching her — a claim she later retracted, apologising publicly.
Ryan is now engaged to former TOWIE star Lucy Mecklenburgh and has rebuilt both his career and finances after filing for bankruptcy in 2013 over an unpaid £40,000 tax bill.
Adam, 37, followed his brother into acting with roles on Doctors, Waterloo Road and later Emmerdale, before boosting his public profile with a stint on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016.
Scott, Adam’s twin, carved out a different path — appearing twice on Love Island, reaching the final in 2016 and returning for a celebrity edition in 2025. He now runs a successful influencer management agency, The Social PR, based in central Manchester.
Their combined fame has made the trio highly visible on Manchester’s nightlife circuit — often spotted at the city’s most exclusive venues, driving luxury cars and dining at high-end restaurants.
Friends say their lavish lifestyle is frequently supported by close friend Umar Kamani, the fast-fashion tycoon behind PrettyLittleThing. Ryan served as best man at Kamani’s wedding, and the group regularly holiday together.
“Umar’s connections definitely help,” one source claims. “He’s one of the wealthiest men in the North West and has opened doors for them that others could only dream of.”
Despite the glamour, personal struggles have followed them. Ryan’s relationship with Tina O’Brien has remained turbulent, with a widely reported incident two years ago in which she smashed his Range Rover during a row over their daughter Scarlett’s schooling. Earlier this year, it emerged Scarlett did not sit her GCSEs after difficulties at her private school.
Scott, meanwhile, has spoken openly about his gambling addiction, revealing he was banned from every casino in Manchester after losing thousands. He admitted borrowing money from family and friends to fund his habit before his brothers intervened.
“I was furious at the time,” Scott admitted. “But it was the right decision. Sometimes you need tough love.”
Those close to the family say Ryan and Adam are particularly close, while Scott is often seen as more independent — focused on business rather than spotlight-chasing.
Still, the family’s influence appears firmly established. Ryan’s daughter Scarlett now stars in Waterloo Road, alongside her uncle Adam and cousin Teddy, reinforcing claims that the Thomas name continues to carry weight behind the scenes.
As one insider puts it:
“They joke that they run Manchester — but sometimes it feels like they actually do.”
