Coronation Street 'Peter's got everything... apart from a drink!'

Feb 3, 2010

Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne says if anything can sober up Peter it will be losing his son!

Peter’s return to drinking coincided with Ciaran’s return. Is it really that simple?

"As soon as Ciaran found out Peter was off the booze he stopped offering him drinks. But the truth is Peter missed it. It’s the same for any addict. My dad hasn’t smoked for 20 years, but still gets strong cravings."

Does Peter accept he has a big problem?

"He’s full of self-loathing, but still trying to tell himself he can have a few drinks. He’s got Leanne, Simon, the bar... everything he wanted – apart from a drink. He’s deluded."

Leanne and Peter agree to talk over lunch... How does it go?

"It doesn’t. Peter stands her up. While she’s waiting he lets himself into Turners and pours himself a drink."

Where’s Simon while he’s getting drunk?

"Grandad George has him and it’s making Peter feel really anxious. He thinks a drink will make him feel better. But one is never enough. He gets blind drunk and goes and demands George hand his son over."

And George refuses?

"Yes… and when Peter carries on drinking George keeps on refusing to return Simon."

Does Peter listen at all when Leanne and his family try to talk sense into him?

"Leanne asks Ken for help then the Barlows and George trick Peter into a family meeting by saying he can see Simon. But Simon’s not there. Instead they tell Peter he needs to go into rehab. Peter’s furious, knocks Ken to the floor and does a runner."

Where does he go?

"Straight round to George’s to get Simon from Eve. But Leanne, Ken and George catch up with him and stop him. It’s a terrible scene and finally he admits he has to clean himself up... for Simon."

Word is George will try to get custody of Simon and Peter will end up arrested. Will George succeed in keeping Simon?

"I don’t know. Peter’s going to be desperate to get out of rehab to get back to Simon. He means everything to him..."