Craig Tinker goes to visit his dad in prison in Corrie and his world is turned upside down by shocking revelations, says Colson Smith
Craig meets his jailbird dad, Darryl, but the reunion soon turns from sweet to sour, as Corrie’s Colson Smith tells Soaplife...
How did Craig feel when he learnt about his dad’s criminal history? “He was relieved to find out more about his dad, Darryl [ex-Emmerdale actor Paul Loughran], but he’s worried about what his criminal record entails.”
What’s Craig’s relationship with Beth like at this point? “He feels betrayed by his mum. She’s told so many lies. He feels he should have known the truth a long time ago. This is why Craig isn’t speaking to Beth [Lisa George].”
How does Craig get in touch with his father? “Faye Windass [Ellie Leach] starts things off by writing to Darryl behind Craig’s back. He’s furious at first because it feels like his best friend has betrayed him, but then he’s actually relieved, too. He’d never have had the courage to write to his dad.”
And Darryl asks Craig to visit. How does he feel? “Craig’s torn about whether to visit his dad. In his head, he’s listening to his mum, even though he doesn’t want to. He doesn’t know what to expect from the visit because Beth’s always painted Darryl in such a bad light. Darryl’s never been there for him. But then he thinks his dad could add a lot to his life.”
He doesn’t think that for long, though, does he? “To begin with, Craig and Darryl get on really well and there’s a real father-son bond. Then Darryl asks him to bring drugs into the prison and he realises his mum was right all along. Craig stands up to his dad, but then Darryl drops a bombshell that completely wrecks his relationship with his mum.”
How does Craig react? “He’s in shock and he doesn’t know what to do. When he gets home, he’s very nasty but it’s because he’s so affected by the news that Darryl’s given him. Beth’s done something that goes against everything Craig believes in.”
What will happen? “Darryl’s revelation will cause turmoil in the family. Kirk [Andrew Whyment] and Beth may break up, Sinead [Katie McGlynn] may no longer want anything to do with her auntie. It could well tear the whole family apart.”
Coronation Street, ITV
