Coronation Street reveals “painful” future for Nick as Leanne moves on

Coronation Street star Ben Price has teased details of a “painful” time for his character, Nick Tilsley. As well as dealing with the difficulties regarding his son Sam Blakeman, Nick struggles to cope when his ex-wife, Leanne Battersby, finds a new partner.

Though Nick is now in a relationship with Leanne’s stepsister Toyah, he still has some feelings for his ex-wife, to whom he was married twice. This is tested in upcoming scenes, when Leanne falls for newcomer Idris Nazir.

With Sam battling his own demons amid Leanne’s new storyline, it seems likely that Idris will become a part of the teenager’s life, with this development – as well as the newcomer’s involvement with Leanne – proving to be a bitter pill for Nick to swallow.

“That’s quite painful for Nick,” said Price in regards to Idris’s links with both Sam and Leanne. “He finds it very difficult. Idris has come in and you will see Sam opening up to him, and Nick then feels quite lost before getting angry and protective.”

“He also recognises, in a sad way, that maybe he’s not completely rounded. With teenagers going through any sort of angst, the last person they often speak to is their key caregiver,” added the actor.

“If there’s someone else who’s removed from it, they can talk to them. But it’s hard for the parents to stand by and watch that, particularly when it’s a new love interest for someone. There’s a lot wrapped up in those emotions.”

While Nick will feel a little lost following Idris’s arrival, the newfound dynamic also provides a sense of competition within the community, with Price explaining that the Weatherfield newcomer is very different to Leanne’s previous partners.

“Leanne has had other relationships, but Nick’s been a bit nonplussed,” said the actor. “With Idris, he’s a businessman and does quite well for himself, which Nick finds a bit tricky because he has a certain standing by owning the bistro.”

“It crumbles at times, which I think is fantastic. He sets himself up as being able to handle it all, and then the great bit is when he can’t. Idris will probably be a match for Nick in certain ways,” added the star.