Nick Tilsley

Nick Tilsley
Ben Price as Nick Tilsley (2018)
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by Warren Jackson (1981–1996)
Adam Rickitt (1997–2004)
Ben Price (2009–)
Duration 1981–1999, 2002–2004, 2009–
First appearance Episode 2062
5 January 1981
Introduced by
Book appearances Coronation Street:
The Complete Saga
Classification Present; regular

Nick Tilsley (also Platt; formerly credited as Nicky) is a fictional character from the English 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 Rickett 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 is due to be back on screen from 12 October 2018.

Nick is the first-born child of Brian (Christopher Quinten) and Gail Tilsley (Helen Worth). He is the older brother of Sarah (Tina O'Brien) and older half brother of David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) as well as the uncle of Bethany (Lucy Fallon), and Lily Platt (Brooke Malonie) and the grandson of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and Ivy Tilsley (Lynne Perrie).

Nick's storylines have included his adolescent problems and his role in the fraught relationship between his parents, his teenage marriage to Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and their divorce, and his engagement to Maria Connor (Samia Smith). Since his return in 2009 his storylines have featured him remarrying and once again divorcing Leanne, his one-night stand with David's wife Kylie Platt (Paula Lane), suffering brain damage after being involved in a lorry crash which was caused by David, and his business partnership with and later one-day marriage to Carla Connor (Alison King). In late May 2017, after a trip to the seaside with his enemies Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), he became trapped in quicksand.

Storylines

1981–1999

Nicky was born on New Year's Eve 1980. After Brian's murder in February 1989, Nicky 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 discover this, causing her feud with Gail and Martin. In order to not have a Platt name, Ivy first changed her will to say Nicky would get 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 as an unfit mother. Nicky's relationship with Ivy caused friction with Martin. Nicky begun to rebel, taking up smoking and demanding to be called "Nick". When Ivy died in 1995, her will stipulated that Nick must change his name back to Tilsley to inherit her house, which shocked Gail and Martin. He did so and arguments sprang up about the house, then occupied by Ivy's widower, who eventually bought the house from Nick for £12,000.

In July 1996, Nick stayed at home while the rest of the family went on holiday but, tired of Gail's mother Audrey Roberts' (Sue Nicholls) fussing, he ran away and was missing. On his return, he claimed to have been living rough in London and working in a cafe. Nick's stories cause Jamie Armstrong (Joseph Gilgun) to want to run away to London; when confronted by Jamie's mother, Tricia (Tracy Brabin), Nick admits he only lasted two hours in London and spent the rest of his time in Torquay. Gail allowed Nick to go and live with her half-brother, Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce), in Canada, in the hope that it would improve his behaviour and his education.

Nick returned in 1997 to study PE at Tech. Gail did not approve of his relationship with Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) but Nick and Leanne eloped and, wanting to be independent, rented a room from Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold) and live together. While Nick was at college, his class was visited by Darren Whateley (Andy Robb), during a criminology lesson. When Darren described the details of the crime he had been imprisoned for, Nick realised that Darren had killed Brian. Wanting revenge, he wrote to Darren under Leanne's name, asking to meet. Darren agreed, and, when released on parole, he visited Leanne, who was frightened and furious with Nick for putting her in danger. When Nick told Darren who he was, Darren threatened him. Nick reported him to the police and he was arrested and returned to prison for violating his parole conditions. Short of money, in December 1998, Nick started modelling for his art teacher. Leanne suspected him of adultery and confronted him as he posed for the art teacher. On New Year's Eve 1998, Leanne refused to attend his birthday party and Nick was shocked to learn that she was pregnant. In April 1999, the art teacher suggested Leanne have an abortion and Nick demanded she do so. Leanne reluctantly agreed and was upset to learn that he was telling people that she miscarried. Nick returned to Canada alone after Leanne told him that she no longer loved him.

2002–2004

Nick reappeared for Gail's wedding to Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) in July 2002, and soon began dating Maria Sutherland (Samia Smith). She agreed to join him in Canada but discovers from Audrey that he has a girlfriend. Heartbroken, she does not go. Later, having been reassured, she accompanies Nick to Canada, but soon returns, saying that Nick was not spending enough time with her.

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 is 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 Janice Battersby (Vicky Entwistle) made fun of him, he had her fired but was forced to reinstate her when Harry Flagg, (Iain Rogerson) says that he saw what Nick did. When Janice accidentally started a fire at the factory in March 2004, Nick saved her. At the hospital where Todd worked as a porter, Todd confessed to Karl Foster (Chris Finch), that he kissed Nick. Nick was reconciled with Maria and they moved into No. 8, despite Gail's disapproval. Leanne returned to Weatherfield about the same time. Angry with Maria for sleeping with her stepsister Toyah Battersby's (Georgia Taylor) boyfriend John Arnley, Leanne attempted to come between them. Having lured Nick to her flat, she sent Maria a photo of them together. Maria dumps Nick and he leaves Coronation Street, taking a job in Nottingham.

2009–2017

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 after arguments and decides to open a bar/restaurant, calling it The Joinery. Leanne, although disgusted initially, agrees to become manageress. 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 Christmas Day but Leanne visits Peter after he admits that he wants her back and Leanne's sister, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley), reveals all at the wedding; causing Nick to leave. That evening, Nick confides in David's wife Kylie Platt (Paula Lane), and she reveals to him that Eva has been quietly causing trouble between him and Leanne. After a heart to heart, they sleep together. However, the next morning, they agree that it was a mistake. In January 2013, Nick and Leanne reconcile and finally marry, just as Kylie announces she is pregnant. Nick encourages Kylie to have an abortion and she gives it serious thought but changes her mind after David stops her, as he wants to start a family. Nick and Kylie agree to keep quiet about their one night stand as there is a chance that David could be the baby's father. In August 2013, Nick and David are involved in a car accident after David overhears Kylie talking about her one-night stand with Nick and then begins a vendetta against Nick and Leanne. Eventually Nick and David argued about Nick's night with Kylie. David was desperate to stop Nick from telling Kylie and Leanne everything, fearing that he would lose Kylie. Panicking, he tried to get Nick to stop the van. In the struggle, David removes Nick's seatbelt and stopped the van in the middle of the road, resulting in the van being hit by a lorry and knocking them unconscious. David only suffers minor injuries but Nick is in a coma and has an emergency operation to remove a blood clot from his brain. While Nick is in his coma, Kylie has a baby girl, Lily Platt. When Nick awakes, he has a panic attack when he sees David. Later, when Nick can talk more fluently, he blackmails David to get a paternity test to see who Lily's father is or he will tell the police and the Platt family how the accident really happened. David does and is relieved to find that he is Lily's father. Nick later gets easily frustrated as he has trouble with his short term memory and is discharged from hospital with a walking stick, moving in with Leanne so that she can look after him. On the day of Lily's christening, everything is revealed. The Platt family disown David but Nick is distraught by Leanne leaving Weatherfield. The next few weeks are extremely difficult for Nick so he is delighted when Leanne returns and wants to give their marriage another go, but struggles to cope with his tantrums and short tempers. She is shocked when he lashes out at her adoptive son Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) and promptly moves in with Stella Price (Michelle Collins), telling Nick that they need a bit of space but Nick tells Leanne to stay with Stella permanently. They remain friends and business partners.

In December 2014, Nick begins a fling with Erica Holroyd (Claire King). When Nick starts to think that their fling is a relationship, Erica puts 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 hospital, where Nick and Erica learn 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 he gives her an engagement ring. In May 2016, on the wedding day, Nick finds out about Carla's one night stand with Robert and that Tracy 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 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 the father of the 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, Michelle and Nick kiss before Nick tells Michelle that he still loves Leanne. However, in May 2017, on a family day trip to 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.

Casting

Warren Jackson played Nick between 1981 and 1996.

The character of Nick first appeared in 1981, when he was born; portrayed by Warren Jackson. In 1996 Warren Jackson decided to leave to focus on his exams and assumed he would return to the role the following year at the end of his exams but was later axed. Speaking of his shock at his axing in 2004, Jackson revealed that he was adamant that he was returning to the show after his exams and didn't know until he was told by the press. He told The Mirror newspaper at the time: "I remember saying goodbye to Helen Worth who played my screen mum Gail and she said 'Stay in touch and see you next year. She thought I'd be back, everyone thought I would, I never dreamed they'd get rid of me the way they did. It would have been better if they'd told me straight, because a reporter came round my door. They said I wouldn't be coming back because I wasn't sexy enough. That was a blow and a bit strange and it took me a good year to come to terms with it. Back then I was maybe a bit angry, although not now."[1]

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.[2] After three years of playing Nick, Rickitt decided to leave and left in 1999 but he returned for three stints in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He played the role of Nick for the last time in July 2004.

In early 2009 it was reported that producers were discussing bringing back Nick, but Adam 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.[3] 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 debut as Nick on 21 December 2009.[4] In July 2010 it was reported that Rickitt turned down an offer to return.[5][6] In June 2011, Price signed a new one-year contract.

Development

Background

Nick Tilsley is the first-born child and only son of Brian Tilsley (Chris Quinten) and Gail Platt (Helen Worth), born on New Year's Eve 1980 and known as "Nicky". Nicky's first few years are spent in a happy home but Brian and Gail clash over Gail's desire to work and holier than thou attitude in her marriage, and Brian's immaturity. By 1986, Gail has had an affair with Tilsley family cousin, Ian Latimer, falling pregnant and splits up with Brian. The child, Sarah Louise (Lynsay King), is Brian's but he refuses to believe it and begins dating lawyer, Liz Turnbull. Nicky is a major issue in the relationship; Gail resents Liz spending time with him and Liz dumps Brian when she realises Nicky means more to Brian than her. Gail, meanwhile, is dating plumber, Jeff Singleton. When Brian sees Jeff and Nicky together, he snaps and kidnaps Nicky. The police set up a nationwide search, leading to a standoff between Gail and Brian at a motorway service station where Brian leaves with his son. Finally, Brian realises that Nicky needs his mother and they reconcile.

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."[7][8]

Relationship with Leanne Battersby

Jane Danson, who plays Leanne, said she was "intrigued" by the decision to re-introduce Nick played by a different actor, Ben Price.[9] Nick was married to Leanne from 1998 until 1999. Leanne and Nick split in 1999 and Nick started dating Maria Connor (Samia Smith).[9] Speaking about Nick's re-introduction, Danson said it's interesting when an old character is re-introduced because even though it's a different actor, the previous baggage remains. Danson said that Nick has been involved with both Leanne and Maria and said obviously his family are there too so there is potential scope for that character. Danson said she does not know whether they will make anything of Leanne and him or not because she seems quite settled where she is. Danson revealed that there's always a possibility of revisiting it but Leanne would just wind up Nick.[9]

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.[10] Price added that there is always a chance with Leanne and Nick to get back together.[10] Speaking to The Sun, Price commented: "Nick started with Tina, then he moved to Kelly. I'm getting through the whole of the Street, I'll be on to Rita by the end of the year!" Price added that he is expecting a storyline to develop between Nick and Leanne. He added: "You'll see him bump into Leanne soon. I'm sure stuff will come out of that, there's a story there." Asked whether if he wants to see Leanne and Nick to get back together, Price said: "There'd have to be a big journey to get to that point, but yeah, I would. But who knows? I don't know how it's going to go! But I think that would be great. But I think it could also be great if there's someone else on the Street who could come into his life. It's nice to keep spicing things up, really."[11]

Relationship with Erica Holroyd

In September 2014, it was announced that Coronation Street producers had signed up former Emmerdale and Bad Girls star Claire King for a guest stint as Erica Holroyd. It was revealed that the newcomer's arrival leads to some happier times for Nick as Erica immediately sets her sights on him, leading to a fling between the pair. Producer Stuart Blackburn said: "Erica is a woman who lives life to the full. Nick doesn't stand a chance once she has set her sights on him, but he's not complaining."[12] Speaking about the storyline for the first time, Price said: "He's copped a stunner. I think he is going to have the best time of his life. He has had a depressing few years so I think this is great for him, really. I think he is just enjoying the moment, she is perfect for him at the minute. She's light, funny, has been around a bit and she is an adult about things. He has still got issues so he is not looking for anything serious. I think he is still struggling with himself and how he feels, so I think he just wants a laugh and a bit of fun." Price also revealed that he doesn't think Nick is ready for a long term relationship at the moment saying; "I think he needs a bit of time [before a new relationship] especially after Leanne has come back to the Bistro," Price said. "It's great, he has seen what he has lost now but he is not the guy he was, so it will take a while to get back, I think."[13] Praising the pairing, King revealed that Erica and Nick work well together as neither of them wants anything more serious; "Erica wants it to be a fling and I think he wants the same, but she's worried because it's New Year's Eve and she has to tell him that, not knowing how he really feels, Luckily he's thinking the same so it's quite a good little catch. She continued: "Perhaps because she's more mature and not a kid, she can handle just being friends with benefits. I think he's quite capable of doing that and enjoys having her around, she brings him out of his shell as well as his suits. It has been really good for both of them, so they possibly could just go on and there wouldn't be any jealousy and negative things you can get with someone that is a bit younger. They are both mature enough to handle it and to enjoy themselves sexually too."[14] In April 2015, it was revealed that Nick would be given a huge surprise when Erica arrived back in Weatherfield and tells Nick that she is pregnant with his baby. Speaking of Nick's reaction to the pregnancy, Price said; "He's supposed to meet Carla and Erica puts her hands over his eyes which makes it a bit awkward, because he thinks she's Carla. Then he thinks great, she's a mate. When he finds out she's pregnant, it's very tricky for him. Not that he'd run away because he's always wanted a kid, it's just not the best situation. It's a shock! His reaction is that he's shocked, but he's there for her. They may not be a couple but he's there for her and she just needs to tell him what she needs. He's very practical about it." Asked if Erica wants them to bring up the baby together as a couple, Price answered; "No, she doesn't want them to be a couple. She's absolutely cool about it."[15]

Departure (2017)

On 26 January 2017, it was reported that Nick would exit in an "explosive storyline".[16] ITV confirmed the reports a day later on the 27 January 2017. A storyline was created to built up to his departure. A special week of episode 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, he is due to be back on screen from autumn.

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 SORAS (soap opera rapid ageing syndrome), but this usually happens to child or teen characters, not characters in their late twenties. However, it must have happened to Nick – how else would you explain him returning to the soap ten years older than he should be? Casting a much older actor was never going to be the easiest transition, but that aside, there doesn't seem to have been an awful lot of point to his on/off return. He wasn't the most likeable character when he was in it before and he isn't particularly interesting now."[17] In August 2017, Price was longlisted for Best Exit at the Inside Soap Awards, while Nick's quicksand accident was longlisted for Best Show-Stopper.[18] Neither nominations progressed to the viewer-voted shortlist.[19]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Jackson, Marc (2015-05-03). "Ex-Coronation Street star Warren Jackson claims 'drugs videos' have been doctored | Daily Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  2. ↑ Tracy Barlow has had four, soaps have always changed actors Archived 23 June 2010 at the Wayback Machine.. Beehive City (2010-06-07). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  3. ↑ 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 2011-09-05.
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Adam Rickitt turned down offer to return to Coronation Street | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment. Entertainment.stv.tv (2010-07-23). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  6. ↑ "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 2015-06-25.
  7. ↑ Ben Price promises 'edgier' Nick Tilsley – Coronation Street News – Soaps. Digital Spy (2009-12-15). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  8. ↑ Ben Price (Nick Tilsley, Corrie) – Coronation Street Interview – Soaps. Digital Spy (2009-12-15). Retrieved on 2011-09-05.
  9. 1 2 3 "Jane Danson excited over ex-husband's return to Corrie". STV (TV network). 13 September 2009. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 2 February 2012.
  10. 1 2 "With Nick and Leanne, there's always a chance!". What's on TV. 16 August 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  11. ↑ "Corrie's Ben Price on Leanne, live ep and more". Digital Spy. (Hachette Filipacchi UK). 14 September 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  12. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (2014-09-23). "Coronation Street casts Emmerdale star Claire King as newcomer Erika - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  13. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (2014-11-20). "Coronation Street's Ben Price: 'Nick's new romance is great' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  14. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (2014-11-20). "Coronation Street's Claire King on Erika plot: 'She wants a fling' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  15. ↑ Dainty, Sophie (2015-04-21). "Coronation Street's Ben Price: 'Erica pregnancy is tricky for Nick' - Coronation Street News - Soaps". Digitalspy.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-25.
  16. ↑ https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/corries-nick-tilsley-exit-soap-9701204
  17. ↑ 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.
  18. ↑ Harp, Justin (22 August 2017). "Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks all make the Inside Soap Awards longlist". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 22 August 2017.
  19. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (31 October 2017). "Inside Soap Awards 2017 shortlist revealed – which Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks stars are up for prizes?". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 31 October 2017.

Bibliography

  • Little, Daran (1998). The Coronation Street Story: Celebrating Thirty-Five Years of the Street. Boxtree. ISBN 0-7522-1019-X.
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