Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He was born off screen during an episode broadcast on 31 December 1980, but made his first appearance on 5 January 1981. He was played by Warren Jackson from 1981 until 6 September 1996. Adam Rickitt took over the role on 15 October 1997 until 21 April 1999 but returned for three separate stints between 2002 and 2004 and made his final appearance as Nick on 11 July 2004. Ben Price took over the role on 21 December 2009. Price announced his intentions to leave the serial on 26 January 2017, before making his on-screen departure on 2 June 2017. However, on 23 April 2018, it was announced that Price would reprise his role as Nick, and he returned on 12 October 2018.
Nick is the first-born child of Brian and Gail Tilsley. He is the older brother of Sarah Platt and older half-brother of David Platt as well as the uncle of Bethany and Lily Platt and the grandson of Audrey Roberts and Ivy Tilsley.
Nick's storylines have included his adolescent problems and his role in the fraught relationship between his parents, his first and second marriages to Leanne Battersby and their divorces, and his engagement to Maria Connor. Since his return in 2009 his storylines have featured him remarrying and once again divorcing Leanne, his one-night stand with David's wife Kylie Platt, suffering brain damage after being involved in a lorry crash which was caused by David, and his business partnership with and later marriage to Carla Connor. In late-May 2017, after a trip to the seaside with his enemies Peter Barlow and Steve McDonald, he became trapped in quicksand. Since his return in 2018 his storylines have included: stealing £80,000 from grandmother Audrey, reuniting with ex-wife Leanne, going into business with Carla, opening a barber shop called Trim Up North with brother David, using stolen money and discovering that he has a son with his ex-girlfriend Natasha Blakeman.
Casting
The character of Nick first appeared in 1981, portrayed by Warren Jackson. In 1996, Jackson decided to leave Coronation Street to focus on his GCSEs and assumed that he would return to the role the following year after his exams were finished, but was later axed from the programme completely.The producers decided to reintroduce the character of Nick a year later in 1997, with the character being recast and now played by Adam Rickitt. After two years of playing Nick, Rickitt decided to leave the show and left in 1999, but he returned for two short stints in 2002 and from 2003 until 2004. He appeared as Nick for the last time in July 2004.
In early 2009, it was reported that producers were discussing bringing Nick back, but Rickitt was unavailable because he was starring in Shortland Street, a soap opera in New Zealand. The producers decided to recast the character for the second time. The role went to former Footballers' Wives star Ben Price. Commenting on the recasting, Ben Price said "I'm not playing Adam Rickitt - I'm playing Nick and Nick's moved on . It's been five years and you move a lot over that time. I'm sure people will think he's not like 'the other Nick', but hopefully they'll think I'm bringing something better, nicer or a bit different to the show. If I'm good enough, they'll go with it, but I can't worry about it too much." Price made his on-screen debut as Nick on 21 December 2009. In July 2010, it was reported that Rickitt turned down an offer to return. In June 2011, Price signed a new one-year contract.
Development
Background
Nick Tilsley is the first-born child and only son of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt, born on New Year's Eve 1980 and known as "Nicky". Nicky's first few years are spent in a happy home but Brian and Gail clash over Gail's desire to work and holier-than-thou attitude in her marriage, and Brian's immaturity. By 1986, Gail has had an affair with Tilsley family cousin, Ian Latimer, falling pregnant and splits up with Brian. The child, Sarah Louise, is Brian's but he refuses to believe it and begins dating lawyer, Liz Turnbull. Nicky is a major issue in the relationship; Gail resents Liz spending time with him and Liz dumps Brian when she realises Nicky means more to Brian than her. Gail, meanwhile, is dating plumber, Jeff Singleton. When Brian sees Jeff and Nicky together, he snaps and kidnaps Nicky. The police set up a nationwide search, leading to a standoff between Gail and Brian at a motorway service station where Brian leaves with his son. Finally, Brian realises that Nicky does need his mother and they reconcile.Characterisation
Nick has been described as sexy, a tease and handsome. When Nick returned in 2009, new actor Ben Price described the character as a smart businessman and always wanting control. He also stated that the character has changed a lot since 2004. "Nick's got to be a bit harder now. He's got to start running the Street and looking after his mum and start to get David into place, so I think it's good that they went with someone else."Relationship with Leanne Battersby
, who plays Leanne, said she was "intrigued" by the decision to re-introduce Nick played by a different actor, Ben Price. Nick was married to Leanne from 1998 until 1999. Leanne and Nick split in 1999 and Nick started dating Maria Connor. Speaking about Nick's re-introduction, Danson said it's interesting when an old character is re-introduced because even though it's a different actor, the previous baggage remains. Danson said that Nick has been involved with both Leanne and Maria and said obviously his family are there too so there is potential scope for that character. Danson said she does not know whether they will make anything of Leanne and him or not because she seems quite settled where she is. Danson revealed that there's always a possibility of revisiting it but Leanne would just wind up Nick.In an interview with Soaplife, Price said that even though Nick has told Leanne that he still loves her, Leanne wants to be with Peter. Price added that there is always a chance with Leanne and Nick to get back together.
Relationship with Erica Holroyd
In September 2014, it was announced that Coronation Street producers had signed up former Emmerdale and Bad Girls star Claire King for a guest stint as Erica Holroyd. It was revealed that the newcomer's arrival leads to some happier times for Nick as Erica immediately sets her sights on him, leading to a fling between the pair. Producer Stuart Blackburn said: "Erica is a woman who lives life to the full. Nick doesn't stand a chance once she has set her sights on him, but he's not complaining." Speaking about the storyline for the first time, Price said: "He's copped a stunner. I think he is going to have the best time of his life. He has had a depressing few years so I think this is great for him, really. I think he is just enjoying the moment, she is perfect for him at the minute. She's light, funny, has been around a bit and she is an adult about things. He has still got issues so he is not looking for anything serious. I think he is still struggling with himself and how he feels, so I think he just wants a laugh and a bit of fun." Price also revealed that he doesn't think Nick is ready for a long-term relationship at the moment saying; "I think he needs a bit of time especially after Leanne has come back to the Bistro," Price said. "It's great, he has seen what he has lost now but he is not the guy he was, so it will take a while to get back, I think." Praising the pairing, King revealed that Erica and Nick work well together as neither of them wants anything more serious; "Erica wants it to be a fling and I think he wants the same, but she's worried because it's New Year's Eve and she has to tell him that, not knowing how he really feels, Luckily he's thinking the same so it's quite a good little catch. She continued: "Perhaps because she's more mature and not a kid, she can handle just being friends with benefits. I think he's quite capable of doing that and enjoys having her around, she brings him out of his shell as well as his suits. It has been really good for both of them, so they possibly could just go on and there wouldn't be any jealousy and negative things you can get with someone that is a bit younger. They are both mature enough to handle it and to enjoy themselves sexually too." In April 2015, it was revealed that Nick would be given a huge surprise when Erica arrived back in Weatherfield and tells Nick that she is pregnant with his baby. Speaking of Nick's reaction to the pregnancy, Price said; "He's supposed to meet Carla and Erica puts her hands over his eyes which makes it a bit awkward, because he thinks she's Carla. Then he thinks great, she's a mate. When he finds out she's pregnant, it's very tricky for him. Not that he'd run away because he's always wanted a kid, it's just not the best situation. It's a shock! His reaction is that he's shocked, but he's there for her. They may not be a couple but he's there for her and she just needs to tell him what she needs. He's very practical about it." Asked if Erica wants them to bring up the baby together as a couple, Price answered; "No, she doesn't want them to be a couple. She's absolutely cool about it."Departure (2017)
On 26 January 2017, it was reported that Nick would exit in an "explosive storyline". ITV confirmed the reports a day later on 27 January 2017. A storyline was created to build up to his departure. A special week of the episodes aired from 29 May to 2 June alongside the Britain's Got Talent semi-final just like in previous years. His final scenes aired on 2 June 2017.Reintroduction (2018)
On 23 April 2018, it was announced that Price would reprise his role as Nick. He returned on 12 October 2018.Storylines
1981–2004
Nick was born on New Year's Eve 1980. After Brian's murder in February 1989, Nick began misbehaving, but Martin Platt proved a calming influence. In 1991, Martin, now married to Gail, adopted Nick and changed his name. Brian's mother Ivy Tilsley was furious and was devastated when she discovered this, igniting her feud with Gail and Martin. In order to not have a Platt name, Ivy changed her will to say Nick would inherit her house if he kept the name Tilsley. She persuaded him to become an altar-boy at St. Luke's in exchange for a place on the football team. Ivy also reported Gail to social services, saying that she was an unfit mother. Nick's relationship with Ivy caused friction with Martin. Nick began to rebel, taking up smoking and demanding to be called "Nick" rather than "Nicky". When Ivy died in 1995, she stipulated in her will that Nick would only inherit from her estate if he changed his surname back to Tilsley, which would come back to haunt Martin and Gail years later. He did so and arguments sprang up about the house, then occupied by Ivy's widower, Don Brennan, who eventually bought the house from Nick for £12,000.In July 1996, Nick stayed at home while the rest of the family went away on holiday, but, tired of his maternal grandmother Audrey Roberts' fussing, he ran away and was reported missing. Upon his return, he claimed to have been living rough in London and working in a cafe. Nick's stories cause Jamie Armstrong to want to run away to London; when confronted by Jamie's mother, Tricia, Nick admits that he only lasted two hours in London and spent the rest of his time in Torquay. Gail allowed Nick to go and live with her half-brother, Stephen Reid in Canada, hoping that it would improve his behaviour and his education.
Nick returned to Weatherfield in 1997 to study Physical Education at Tech. Gail did not approve of his relationship with troublesome sixteen-year-old Leanne Battersby, but Nick and Leanne eloped and rented a room from Ashley Peacock, due to Nick's desire to live independently. While Nick was at college, his class was visited by Darren Whateley, during a lecture on Criminology. When Darren described the details of the crime he had been imprisoned for, Nick realised that Darren was the man who killed his father. Wanting revenge, he wrote to Darren under Leanne's name, asking to meet. Darren agreed and, when released on parole, he visited Leanne; who was frightened and furious with Nick for putting her in danger. When Nick told Darren who he was, Darren threatened him. Nick reported him to the police and he was arrested and returned to prison for violating his parole conditions. In December 1998, Nick was short of money and started modelling for his art teacher. Leanne suspected him of adultery and confronted him as he posed in front of the art teacher. On New Year's Eve 1998, Leanne refused to attend his eighteenth birthday party and Nick was shocked to discover that she was pregnant. In April 1999, the art teacher suggested Leanne have an abortion and Nick demanded that she do so. Leanne reluctantly agreed and was upset to learn that he was telling people that she miscarried. Nick returned to Canada alone after Leanne told him that she no longer loves him.
Nick reappeared at Gail's wedding to third husband Richard Hillman in July 2002 and soon began dating Maria Sutherland. She agrees to join him in Canada, but learns from Audrey that he has a girlfriend. Heartbroken, she decides not to go. Later, having been reassured, she accompanies Nick to Canada, but she soon returns, saying that Nick was not spending enough time with her.
Nick returned in September 2003 and became friends with Sarah's boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw,. After a night of conversation and bonding, Todd, who was struggling with his sexuality, attempted to kiss Nick. In May 2004, Nick was disgusted when Sarah forgave Todd.
Nick found work at the Underworld factory. When Janice Battersby made fun of him, he had her sacked, but was forced to reinstate her when Harry Flagg reveals that he saw what Nick did. When Janice accidentally started a fire at the factory in March 2004, Nick saved her. At the hospital where Todd worked as a porter, Todd confessed to Karl Foster, that he kissed Nick. Nick reconciled with Maria and they moved into No. 8, despite Gail's disapproval. Leanne returned to Weatherfield around the same time, following a chance encounter with her father Les Battersby and Steve McDonald, who were on a night out together. Angry with Maria for sleeping with her stepsister Toyah Battersby's boyfriend John Arnley, Leanne attempted to come between them. Having lured Nick to her flat, she sent Maria a photo of them together. Maria dumps Nick and he leaves Coronation Street, accepting a job in Nottingham.