Coronation Street Chris Gascoyne: 'I like Peter's unpredictability'

Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne reveals all on why playing ‘blue Peter’ has made him happier than ever...

How are you getting on with your screen son Alex Bain who plays Simon?
"Great but as soon as he’s been on the Smarties or the Coca Cola, you’ve had it. He’s a lovely little lad and we get on fantastically. As an actor he just gets better. He has a natural talent but now he’s getting to know the mechanics of acting and what’s required of him. Tony Valentine who plays Simon’s granddad George filmed his last scenes for a while the other day and someone said, 'I hope you come back' and he said, 'Well if I come back in ten years when Alex is 18, we’re all going to be in trouble, because he’s very good!' He’ll steal every scene from us - though to be honest he does that already!"

We hear your youngest Belle is just a day older than Alex. Have they met?
"Not yet but he’s seen a picture of my daughter and I think he’s got his eye on her, so I’m trying to keep them apart! I don’t want her going out with an actor! She loves coming into work with me. She thinks it’s a fantastic job because everyone treats her so well so I have to say to her, 'Life’s not really like that!'"

How about playing Peter? It seems a rollercoaster of a role?
"I like Peter when he’s more together but as an actor I prefer him when he’s on the edge! I like his unpredictability. There’s no point looking at him objectively, I have to always understand his motivations. I always have to be on his side."

And what it is like working with a TV legend like Anthony Valentine?
"Peter’s never trusted George and he’s very good at backstabbing, Valentine! He’s always played characters that on the surface are seemingly genuine but underneath there’s another side – he’s made a career of that!"

What about the upcoming storyline when Simon goes missing? Was that tough?
"It would be without a doubt my worst nightmare. They don’t know where he is, where he’s gone… I would have no rest, like Peter has no rest until he finds him."

And are you looking forward to Tracy (Kate Ford) coming back?
"Yes it will be great. Whenever Kate comes into it things go wrong. Tracy comes in with a huge wooden spoon and stirs everything up. You know, Peter’s just troubled, he’s got demons, but she’s actually murdered someone!"

With your contract up for renewal in July, do you see yourself sticking around for Peter to mess up again?
"According to the wife, I won’t be taking a break, we’ve got the cellar we’re doing up to pay for! I’ve really enjoyed this last year on Corrie because I’ve got a bit older, I’m more relaxed and I don’t take the work home. The attention you get on the streets, I’ve come to enjoy."

And, of course there is the much-anticipated 50th anniversary in December?
"There’ll be lots of merchandise out, I know there are some slippers being made with characters' faces on. I’m not joking. I hope they don’t feature my face for other people’s sake, but I might be on the huge family slipper. Do you remember the 1980s family slipper? They could have the whole street on there, couldn’t they? It’s a fantastic idea, as a family you all put the slipper on and watch Coronation Street!"

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