Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley | |
---|---|
Coronation Street character | |
Portrayed by | Warren Jackson (1981–1996) Adam Rickitt (1997–2004) Ben Price (2009–present) |
Duration | 1981–1999, 2002–2004, 2009–present |
First appearance | Episode 2062 5 January 1981 |
Classification | Present; regular |
Introduced by |
|
Book appearances | Coronation Street: The Complete Saga |
Crossover appearances | Brian Tilsley |
Mother | Gail Platt |
Adoptive father | Martin Platt |
Stepfather |
|
Sisters | Sarah Platt |
Half-brothers | David Platt |
Half-sisters | Charlotte Platt (adoptive) |
Wife |
|
Sons | George Shuttleworth |
Nick Tilsley (also Platt) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He was born off screen during an episode broadcast on 31 December 1980, but made his first appearance on 5 January 1981. He was played by Warren Jackson from 1981 until 6 September 1996. Adam Rickitt took over the role on 15 October 1997 until 21 April 1999 but returned for three separate stints between 2002 and 2004 and made his final appearance as Nick on 11 July 2004. Ben Price took over the role on 21 December 2009. Price announced his intentions to leave the serial on 26 January 2017, before making his on-screen departure on 2 June 2017. However, on 23 April 2018, it was announced that Price would reprise his role as Nick, and he returned on 12 October 2018.
Nick is the first-born child of
Nick's storylines have included his adolescent problems and his role in the fraught relationship between his parents, his teenage marriage to
Storylines
1981–2004
Nick was born on New Year's Eve 1980. After Brian's murder in February 1989, Nick began misbehaving, but Martin Platt (Sean Wilson) proved a calming influence. In 1991, Martin, now married to Gail, adopted Nick and changed his name. Brian's mother Ivy Tilsley (Lynne Perrie) was furious and was devastated when she discovered this, igniting her feud with Gail and Martin. In order to not have a Platt name, Ivy changed her will to say Nick would inherit her house if he kept the name Tilsley. She persuaded him to become an altar-boy at St. Luke's in exchange for a place on the football team. Ivy also reported Gail to social services, saying that she was an unfit mother. Nick's relationship with Ivy caused friction with Martin. Nick began to rebel, taking up smoking and demanding to be called "Nick" rather than "Nicky". When Ivy died in 1995, she stipulated in her will that Nick would only inherit from her estate if he changed his surname back to Tilsley, which would come back to haunt Martin and Gail years later. He did so and arguments sprang up about the house, then occupied by Ivy's widower, Don Brennan, who eventually bought the house from Nick for £12,000.
In July 1996, Nick stayed at home while the rest of the family went away on holiday, but, tired of his maternal grandmother
Nick returned to Weatherfield in 1997 to study Physical Education at Tech. Gail did not approve of his relationship with troublesome sixteen-year-old
Nick reappeared at Gail's wedding to third husband
Nick returned in September 2003 and became friends with Sarah's boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw, (Bruno Langley). After a night of conversation and bonding, Todd, who was struggling with his sexuality, attempted to kiss Nick. In May 2004, Nick was disgusted when Sarah forgave Todd.
Nick found work at the Underworld factory. When
2009–present
On Christmas Day 2009, Nick (now played by Ben Price) returns to Weatherfield. He becomes interested in buying a share of Underworld but Carla Connor (Alison King) declines his offer. He briefly meets Leanne, who has told Carla not to trust Nick but she accepts and he becomes a partner. Nick ends his partnership with Carla a few months later and decides to open a bar/restaurant, calling it The Joinery. Leanne, although disgusted initially, agrees to become manager. It is clear that Nick still has strong feelings for Leanne. Although Leanne is dating Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), Nick is still in love with her and asks her to leave Peter, but despite sharing a kiss, she refuses. Eventually, Nick succeeds in seducing Leanne and they have an affair. After Leanne ends it, Nick pretends to be Peter's friend to annoy Leanne and threatens to tell Peter about their affair. In December 2010, when Peter is critically injured in a gas explosion that destroys The Joinery and the subsequent tram crash, he and Leanne marry in hospital. When Peter learns of the affair in February 2011, he forgives Leanne. In February 2012, Leanne eventually ends her marriage to Peter after his affair with Carla and reconciles with Nick in June 2012.
In December 2012, Nick and Leanne book their wedding for
In December 2014, Nick has a fling with Erica Holroyd (Claire King). When Nick starts to think that their fling is a relationship, Erica sets him straight. She then leaves the street to look after her mother. When Erica returns, she tells Nick that she is pregnant and he decides to be there for Erica. At a pub quiz in May 2015, Erica has stomach pains and she is rushed to the hospital, where Nick and Erica learn that she has had a miscarriage. In July 2015, Nick soon starts a relationship with Carla and he helps her get help for her gambling addiction. In December 2015, Carla later proposes to Nick and Nick accepts. The next day, Nick gathers his and Carla's families together and gives her an engagement ring. In May 2016, on their wedding day, Nick finds out about Carla's one night stand with Robert and that Tracy had blackmailed her to give Robert the business. He forgives her and they marry, but he soon regrets it. He hits Robert before Carla goes on the rampage trying to knock Tracy over but accidentally hits Cathy. This causes the majority of the street to hate her, so she leaves Weatherfield for good.
In August 2016, Nick learns that Leanne is pregnant and is moving to Liverpool to be closer to Toyah. After a heart-to-heart with David, he realises that he still has feelings for Leanne. When Simon secretly phones Nick, Leanne admits that she still loves him and he persuades her to stay. Leanne later admits that the father of her baby is Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) and Nick struggles to accept it. When the truth comes out about Steve being the father of Leanne's son, Oliver, Michelle and Nick kiss before Nick tells Michelle that he still loves Leanne. However, in May 2017, on a family day out at the seaside, Nick gets stuck in quicksand but is rescued. In June 2017, after saying goodbye to Gail, Nick gets in his car and drives out of town to start a new life elsewhere.
Nick returned in October 2018 following Leanne's involvement in a car accident. Nick remained at her bedside until she regained consciousness. Due to her being on medication, a drowsy Leanne told Nick to stay and that she loved him, but later on, when she had fully recovered from the effects of her medication, she was shocked to see Nick and asked him to leave. Even so, Nick continued to visit until Leanne told him that she could not forgive him or love him again due to what he had put her through and his absence during her lowest moments.
In May 2019, while on a Platt family holiday, David confessed to Audrey that Nick stole her money and not Lewis. Nick initially tried to deny involvement and blame the theft on their junior stylist Natalie Watkins, but decided it was the right time to finally come clean about what happened. Audrey was devastated upon finding out her grandson's deceit and slapped Nick across the face.
During 2020, the family discovers that his stepson Oliver has
Following the death, Nick builds a relationship with Sam, whilst Leanne becomes a depressed hermit in her flat. Due to piling debt, Simon is forced to deal drugs to help his step-mother. This eventually leads to Sam seeing Simon try to set someone on fire, and running off with Simons bag off drugs in his backpack. When Nick finds out about what Sam had seen, he confronts Simon, and Leanne soon learns the truth. Leanne tried to protect Simon by taking his place and dealing for his new boss Harvey (Will Mellor). Nick, who by this time is staying in Natasha's flat with Sam, begins to suspect that Leanne is having an affair, however she soon informs the police of Harvey's actions. A sting operation leads to Harvey's arrest and after making a statement, Leanne and Simon decide to go into hiding out of fear of reprisal. At the last minute, Nick decides to leave with them, saying goodbye to Sam and his family.
On 21 April, Sharon Gaskell makes a surprise return. It soon becomes clear that she is Harveys aunt, and that he is using her to find Leanne. She begins talking to Sam in order to find out their location through Nick. On 28 April, Sam manages to call Nick, but Nick does not reveal their location.
On 30 April, Peter is called into hospital to receive a donor liver, he tries to make contact with Simon by calling him, meanwhile Sharon informs Sam that Simon's father is receiving a transplant, she convinces him to phone Nick to inform him of the news. Simon overhears Nick informing Leanne about Peters surgery, and he runs off to see his dad. Whilst visiting Peter in the hospital, the doctor reveals the liver is unviable. A man is then seen informing someone over the phone of Simon's location, and when the pair are leaving, Peter overhears the man mention Simon's surname and tells him to run, Peter is attacked whilst Simon successfully escapes back to Leanne and Nicks secret flat. Peter is then told that the attack makes him appear unstable and therefore likely not a candidate for a transplant. When Peter is discharged from hospital, the same attacked is waiting in the car park to follow them, however Carla manages to slip away to visit Leanne and Simon to inform him that his dad is okay. Sharon later manages to find the address on Carla's phone, but when she sends the attacker to the address, it is empty. Sharon continues to find ways to track them down, eventually leading to Nick's son Sam getting kidnapped. Nick returns to the street upon hearing the news and when Sam is safe, Nick enters a taxi whose driver is revealed to be working for Harvey. He warns Nick that if Simon and Leanne give evidence against Harvey that he would harm Sam.
Casting
The character of Nick first appeared in 1981, portrayed by Warren Jackson. In 1996, Jackson decided to leave Coronation Street to focus on his GCSEs and assumed that he would return to the role the following year after his exams were finished, but was later axed from the programme completely.
The producers decided to reintroduce the character of Nick a year later in 1997, with the character being recast and now played by Adam Rickitt.[1] After two years of playing Nick, Rickitt decided to leave the show and left in 1999, but he returned for two short stints in 2002 and from 2003 until 2004. He appeared as Nick for the last time in July 2004.
In early 2009, it was reported that producers were discussing bringing Nick back, but Rickitt was unavailable because he was starring in Shortland Street, a soap opera in New Zealand. The producers decided to recast the character for the second time. The role went to former Footballers' Wives' star Ben Price.[2] Commenting on the recasting, Ben Price said "I'm not playing Adam Rickitt - I'm playing Nick and Nick's moved on [with his life]. It's been five years and you move a lot over that time. I'm sure people will think he's not like 'the other Nick', but hopefully they'll think I'm bringing something better, nicer or a bit different to the show. If I'm good enough, they'll go with it, but I can't worry about it too much." Price made his on-screen debut as Nick on 21 December 2009.[3] In July 2010, it was reported that Rickitt turned down an offer to return.[4][5] In June 2011, Price signed a new one-year contract.
Development
Background
Nick Tilsley is the first-born child and only son of
Characterisation
Nick has been described as sexy, a tease and handsome. When Nick returned in 2009, new actor Ben Price described the character as a smart businessman and always wanting control. He also stated that the character has changed a lot since 2004. "Nick's got to be a bit harder now. He's got to start running the Street and looking after his mum and start to get David into place, so I think it's good that they went with someone else."[6][7]
Relationship with Leanne Battersby
In an interview with Soaplife, Price said that even though Nick has told Leanne that he still loves her, Leanne wants to be with Peter.[9] Price added that there is always a chance with Leanne and Nick to get back together.[9]
Relationship with Erica Holroyd
In September 2014, it was announced that Coronation Street producers had signed up former
Departure (2017)
On 26 January 2017, it was reported that Nick would exit in an "explosive storyline".[14] ITV confirmed the reports a day later on 27 January 2017. A storyline was created to build up to his departure. A special week of the episodes aired from 29 May to 2 June alongside the Britain's Got Talent semi-final just like in previous years. His final scenes aired on 2 June 2017.
Reintroduction (2018)
On 23 April 2018, it was announced that Price would reprise his role as Nick.[15] He returned on 12 October 2018.
Reception
In her review of soaps during the first half of 2010, Low Culture columnist Ruth Deller criticised the casting of Ben Price in the role of Nick, by stating: "we're all familiar with the way characters can suffer from
See also
References
- ^ Tracy Barlow has had four, soaps have always changed actors Archived 23 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Beehive City (7 June 2010). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
- ^ Coronation Street actor Ben Price on why playing Nick Tilsley means he's finally in a TV show that won't scandalise his local church. mirror.co.uk. Retrieved on 5 September 2011.
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ Adam Rickitt turned down offer to return to Coronation Street | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment. Entertainment.stv.tv (23 July 2010). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
- ^ "事故車でも査定前に修理する? | 事故車を高値で買取してもらう方法". Harrypottering.com. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Ben Price promises 'edgier' Nick Tilsley – Coronation Street News – Soaps. Digital Spy (15 December 2009). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
- ^ Ben Price (Nick Tilsley, Corrie) – Coronation Street Interview – Soaps. Digital Spy (15 December 2009). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
- ^ STV (TV network). 13 September 2009. Archived from the originalon 14 July 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
- ^ a b "With Nick and Leanne, there's always a chance!". What's on TV. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (23 September 2014). "Coronation Street casts Emmerdale star Claire King as newcomer Erika - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 November 2014). "Coronation Street's Ben Price: 'Nick's new romance is great' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 November 2014). "Coronation Street's Claire King on Erika plot: 'She wants a fling' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (21 April 2015). "Coronation Street's Ben Price: 'Erica pregnancy is tricky for Nick' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
- ^ Methven, Nicola (26 January 2017). "Coronation Street's Nick Tilsley to exit soap in explosive storyline". Mirror.
- ^ Brown, David (23 April 2018). "Nick Tilsley is returning to Coronation Street". Radio Times. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
- ^ Ruth Deller (4 July 2010). "Soapstar Superstars: January – June 2010". LowCulture.co.uk. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
- Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
- ^ Ross, Alex. "31 popular actors who switched soaps". Planet Radio. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
Bibliography
- Little, Daran (1998). The Coronation Street Story: Celebrating Thirty-Five Years of the Street. ISBN 0-7522-1019-X.