All bets are off in Coronation Street as Peter Barlow’s (Chris Gascoyne) on-going drink problem finally comes to a head in a fire that totally destroys the bookies.
Virgin Media asked actor Chris what odds he’d give on survival for him and son Simon.
The big story starts when the fire breaks out, can you tell us what happens?
The fire’s raging, they’re breathing in pretty lethal smoke but Simon wakes up and tries to get Peter up. Peter’s drunk, he’s also inhaled all the smoke so he wakes up with a start. He tries to get Simon out, but as he stands up he falls and passes out. He’s got hold of Simon who can’t then get out of his arms.
So how does Peter feel when Simon’s in hospital as a result of the fire?
He’s devastated, he’s put his son’s life in danger and it doesn’t get much worse than that.
Was it difficult to film this storyline?
There are some great scenes where he’s at Simon’s bed. He’s going through real emotional turmoil, he’s crying as he’s trying to read to him and he’s breaking down. It’s a great storyline to play but it’s very draining and you go home completely knackered.
Is this the worst Peter’s alcoholism has been?
He’s always had a problem with drink and he’s been struggling to cope with Simon and now with Leanne leaving he thinks it’s another thing he’s failed at so it’s spiralling out of control.
Could the fire could finally shock Peter into doing something about it?
This is a wake-up call. At the moment he’s not drinking but he feels so much guilt about what happened to Simon it may make him want to drink again.
Corrie spoiler: dramatic street fire
