What was the process of you coming back to Coronation Street? Why did you decide to return?
It was a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for what the show has done for me. When they told me Eileen was leaving, it felt right to be a part of that storyline for her and revisit where it all started.
Were you nervous about returning?
Absolutely, I couldn't sleep the night before. Even though I'd been there half my life, I felt like the new kid at school. It took me half a day to get rid of the nerves.
Was it nice to see familiar faces on your first day back?
It was. It's a reflection of how amazing the show is and how much people love being a part of it. A lot of the same crew and cast were still there, and it felt normal and comfortable.
Did you find it easy to get back into the character of Jason?
It was a bit of a shock to the system at first. I even went on YouTube to rewatch old scenes and got nervous. But it became the norm again very quickly. Everything about the script made it easy for me. There are the little golden nuggets of mother and son, you know, the flirty banter he has with the ladies and the fact that the friendship he has with Steve MacDonald is still there. And of course he and his brother winding each other up.
Tell us about Jason in 2025 – is he different, or is he fundamentally the same guy?
Jason is still that happy-go-lucky, lovable guy. He makes it up as he goes along, has a loving heart, and is all about family. And he certainly hasn’t changed when it comes to women, straight away he is taking someone back home with him and getting himself into hot water with his brother!
What brings him back to Weatherfield?
He's struggling for money, his girlfriend left him, and he needs his mum. He says he's come back for Eileen, but he really needs a cuddle and his safety net.
Jason's style is different now – he's not wearing the builder's outfit anymore. Tell us a bit about his new look and lifestyle in Thailand.
He's embraced the Thai way of life. I really wanted to come back in the builder's outfit, but it made sense that he's in a different phase of his life now. He is all linen trousers and bracelets and beads. It gives you a feel of this older Jason whose life is now away from the cobbles.
Your kids have never seen you as Jason. Do you think they'll watch the show?
I'll have to explain it to my son. Even if they don't understand it now, there will come a time when we can sit down and show them. Coronation Street will always be a reminder of who I am and where I came from.
Was it the right decision to come back?
Absolutely, I have no regrets. It's been the perfect storyline and a real memory I can cherish. It felt like the old days, we've all been in the canteen, having lunch together and I had real fun.
Glenda Young
Bestselling novelist published by Headline
X: @Flaming_Nora
BlueSky: GlendaYoung
BlueSky: GlendaYoung
Facebook: GlendaYoungAuthor
Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here!
No comments:
Post a Comment