2020-04-08_Daily_Express

Daily Express Wednesday, April 8, 2020 23

EXCLUSIVE: SAM ASTON INTERVIEW

FAMILY MAN:

Grown-up

Chesney with

his screen

partner

Gemma

and the

quadruplets

Pictures: ITV , PA

lost out on anything, but it had its
challenges and I had to be careful –
I had to watch what I was doing,
because I was in the public eye,”
he explains.
“Looking back, it was a bit
surreal, but the pros have definitely
outweighed the cons, so it’s not
like I have any regrets.
“I’m on a fantastic show, working
with lovely people who have
always been there for me, so I feel
like one of the lucky ones.”

S

AM has now chalked up
17 years in Weatherfield
but far from getting
restless and imagining himself in
exciting new roles, he can still
picture himself in the show when
he’s an old man.
Soap legend William Roache,
who plays Ken Barlow, celebrates
60 years in the show later this year,
so could Sam imagine emulating
him? “Do you know what, yes I
could, if they would have me,” he
says. “There’s nothing not to like.
“I can see it through the eyes of
my sister who’s a jobbing actress. I
know it’s very tough out there,

whereas I’m very settled in my life.

Away from work, I run an embroi-

dery and screen printing business

with my brother, I’m settled down

with my missus, we’ve got our dogs

and I’m happy where I’m living.

“I have a lot going, so I don’t feel

anything needs to change. I don’t

feel restless. Corrie has been

amazing. I’ve had some unbelieva-

ble experiences and I feel very

lucky to have grown up on it as a

child actor and to still be here. I’ve

had loads of different storylines, so

from a work point of view that’s

great, because you get different

challenges all the time and there’s

lots to get my teeth into.”

Sam’s latest storyline saw kebab

shop manager Chesney and

girlfriend Gemma become parents

to quads Bryn, Carys, Aled and

Llio in February.

But while Chesney has taken it

all in his stride and been his usual

calm self, Gemma has increasingly

found it difficult to cope. After

the bus drama, he finally realises

that she needs more help than he

can offer.

Sam says: “Chesney sees what

happens and charges after the bus.

At first he just wants answers from

Gemma, but when she explains

how she feels and tells Chesney

that she thinks she’s a terrible

mother and no longer feels in

control, he realises she needs

professional help.

“He’s shocked when the doctor

tells them that she’s suffering from

postnatal depression. He knew she

was stressed, but he didn’t realise

the severity.”

Thoughtful and polite, Sam has

always had an old head on young

shoulders and while many young

men in their 20s spend their week-

ends at clubs and parties, he much

prefers the quiet life, staying at

home with Briony, walking their

two dogs or indulging in his

favourite pastimes, playing golf

or reading.

“I’m an old soul,” he says. “I like

the simple life, but there’s nothing

wrong with that. You can’t change

who you are.”

●Coronation Street is on ITV

tonight at 7.30pm

From cheeky schoolboy

Chesney to stressed dad

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MEETING THE QUEEN: Sam in

2005 and, right, with his yoga

teacher wife Briony Gardner