He’s spent 25 years as David Platt, one of Coronation Street’s most iconic characters, but cobbles star Jack P Shepherd admits that he’d never have anything to do with his alter ego in real life.
“He’s too hard work, he’s an idiot and an a******e”, Jack laughs. “I wouldn’t go anywhere near him, for love nor money.
” He’s a massive control freak, he stresses, he panics and he’s so rash with his decision making. He’s always so ‘ woe is me ‘ as well. I wouldn’t be friends with him, God no, he’d do my head in! “
Many viewers, who were adamant about David’s transformation from the cheeky bunny-loving nine-year-old we met in 2000 to one of the show’s most troubled characters, have seen his long list of misdemeanours, including pushing his mother Gail down the stairs and smashing up the street.
And Jack certainly had a fantastic start to his anniversary year. The Platt house will be on fire next week, with the death of at least one character expected. Many people are already questioning David’s potential role in the drama because early teasers of the shocking scenes have already been making headlines.
It’s just one of dozens of juicy plots, Jack, 37, has been involved with.
The dad of two, who lives in Manchester with his fiancée Hanni Treweek, says:” I was 12 when I joined.
“I don’t remember all the storylines but I do remember the laughter, the conversations and the people. That’s why I’ve stayed so long – because I have such a good time”.
Jack, who took over the role from child actor Thomas Ormson, still never takes the job for granted. After the soap has had five notable departures and counting in recent months, it is especially poignant now. So far, he’s only one way he’s found to cope with the constant fear of the hangman’s noose.
“You can’t become too settled, because that’s when they’ll let you go”! he laughs.
You’ve got to be prepared because you might be notified that your character has run out when you get called upstairs. If that happens it’s fine.
“I’ve been lucky enough to do 25 years, there’s not many in the cast who have been there that long. But you can never rest on your laurels and think: ‘ I’m here to stay. ‘
” Helen Worth (Jack’s screen mother Gail) never did. She had no idea whether or not her contract would be renewed. I used to say to her: ‘ of course they will. ‘
“But she was never confident. And I’m the same. When my contract is up for renewal, I get a bit nervous – everybody does.
” But that’s good. It shows you’re not too comfortable and that you’re always ready if the s**t hits the fan and they say: ‘ you’re done. ‘ You can move on to the next step because you are already mentally prepared for it.
Helen Worth exited the show at Christmas after 50 years and Paddy Bever, who plays David’s screen son Max, will also leave shortly”. He’s done three years, he’s 21, he’s no kids or commitments and he wants to go and have a little go elsewhere, “Jack explains.
Away from the cobbles Jack co-hosts the popular podcast On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben, with co-stars Colson Smith (Craig Tinker) and Ben Price (Nick Tilsley).
” It’s being going for seven years, which is a long time for a podcast, “Jack says proudly.
Although the trio are close, Colson’s departure from the show was just announced. I was upset when I heard. You would be when it’s anybody you’re close to, “Jack says.
” I never thought he’d get the call, but he’s done 14 years when he only came in for two episodes. I’m sure he’ll move on to some good stuff, maybe presenting or radio – he’s got lots of fingers in lots of pies. “
For Jack, 2025 will be dedicated to making the most of his 25th year in the show. The actual anniversary falls on March 15 but he’s got enough memories to make it a year-long celebration. Here, he talks us through the very best of his Cobbles ‘ highlights…
2000 – King Charles’s schoolboy error
” I’d just joined when Prince Charles visited to mark Coronation Street’s 40th anniversary. I was 12 and playing a nine year-old. They said I had to be in character, so I was wearing school uniform. He said to me: ‘ What are you doing here? ‘ And he inquired about my parents’ identities; he apparently assumed that I was the child of a worker there.
2001 – Jack’s frosty relationship with David’s bunny Barney
” I hated that rabbit, I really did. When I was holding it, it used to bite me during scenes. I preferred dogs and cats over those kinds of animals, but David loved it, so it required a lot of acting as if I liked it!
2003 – Fancy a dip, Jack?
In February, the Manchester Canal was being filmed, and it was so cold that they had to break the ice before submerging Tina (O’Brien) in the water. Nowadays, breaking the ice and putting two kids in a canal wouldn’t be permitted due to Coronation Street’s health and safety!
“Richard Hillman was attempting to murder David and the rest of the Platts,” according to Hillman. We had to be inoculated to prevent the rats from peeing in the canal.
2007 – Kiss Me Kate!
When I saw David and Tracy going to snog, my head sank. I was 19 and Kate Ford was 30; however, David was only 16 at the time.
” I didn’t want to say anything to Kate in case she went: ‘ Eew! Gross! I’m going to tell the producers I’m not doing that! ‘ When the day came, I was quite nervous, but Kate was more nervous. She walked in and she said: ‘ Oh my God you’re in school uniform! This is weird! “
2008 – Pushing his luck
” When they said: ‘ Action ‘ the stunt double who played Gail whispered: ‘ Push me. ‘ I thought she would just fall herself. She claimed that she needed to physically push her while she was seated with her back to the stairs. It was really weird.
People would look at me strangely and leave, as I recall for a few weeks when I was at the top of an escalator in a shopping center.
2010 – Getting shade from Camilla
“Camilla visited the set for our 50th anniversary celebrations. She claimed to have watched the show, letting me know who our characters were. She said to me: ‘ I know you – you’re the naughty one! ‘”
2016 – The Death of Kylie Platt
The episode I ever had was the most flawless. After being stabbed, David’s wife, Kylie, was crying in his arms on the cobbles, and he let out an animal cry. In The Godfather, Part III, I actually stole it from Al Pacino.
He holds his daughter in his arms and screams when she is shot on the theater steps.
2019 – Sue’s His Girl
“Sue Nicholls, who plays my gran Audrey, is a marvellous actress, but she always thinks what she’s doing is rubbish. I keep telling her that she is doing a fantastic job. We have a lot of fun working together, and I think she really enjoys working with me. The two characters have a special relationship too, they’re very close”.
2025, airing next week – Burning Down The House: The Platts ‘ are on fire
“It’s a privilege to be a part of such significant storylines. They install flame bars on the cobbles to film this; they are controlledlable flame pipes that are installed inside the house.
They constructed a replica of the Platt house for the interior scenes, burned it down and left inside the streetside Underworld factory.
AND FINALLY…. David’s Infamous Death Stare
” This came about by accident. I had these dark bags under my eyes from a long night of sleeping, which made me appear demonic.
“I quite liked that, so whenever I had a scene where David was being evil, I’d stay up late. They then started writing it in the scripts, but it has to come naturally. You can’t force these things. I constantly improvise and add lines or alter things. It adds something new and unique, keeps it fresh, and makes you laugh.
On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben is available on all podcast providers
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply