Nick Tilsley
Encyclopedia
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Tilsley (previously Platt) is a fictional character
in the British soap opera
Coronation Street
. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt (then Tilsley), and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt
from 1997 to 2004. Rickitt had left in 1999 but returned on two occasions in 2002 and 2003. Since December 2009, he has been portrayed by Ben Price
.
From 1981 to 1996, storylines involved Nick's adolescent problems and his role in the fraught relationship between his parents. He left in 1996 to live with his Uncle Stephen in Canada, returning in 1997 having considerably changed his appearance. The subsequent storyline dealt with his teenage marriage to Leanne Battersby
and their divorce. In 1999 he left again but made a brief comeback in 2002 for the wedding of his mother, Gail
, to Richard Hillman
. He returned again in late 2003 but left in 2004. In 2010, Nick bought into the local factory Underworld which he subsequently co-owned with Carla Connor
, before opening The Joinery bar with his ex-wife Leanne. As part of the show's 50th anniversary storylines in December 2010, an explosion at the bar caused a tram to crash from the viaduct, resulting in the deaths of three people.
(Sean Wilson) proved a calming influence. In 1991, Martin – now married to Gail – adopted Nick and changed his name, but Nick's paternal grandmother, Ivy, was furious and changed her will, leaving her house to Nicky in his own right. 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 as an unfit mother.
Nicky's relationship with his grandmother caused friction with Martin. Nicky begans to rebel, taking up smoking and demanding to be called "Nick". When Ivy dies in 1995, her will stipulates that Nick must revert to Tilsley to inherit her house. He did so and arguments sprang up about the house, then occupied by Ivy's widower, Don. Don eventually bought the house from Nick for £12,000.
In July 1996, Nick stayed at home while the rest of the family went on holiday but, tired of his grandmother Audrey
's (Sue Nicholls
) fussing, he ran away, and was missing for weeks. On his return, he claimed to have been living rough in London and working in a cafe. Nick's stories cause Jamie Armstrong (Joseph Gilgun
) to want to run away to London; when confronted by Jamie's mother, Tricia (Tracy Brabin
), Nick admits he only lasted two hours in London and spent the rest of his time in Torquay. Later in the year, Gail allowed Nick to go and live with his uncle, Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce), in Canada, in the hope that it would improve his behaviour and his education.
Nick (now played by Adam Rickitt
) returned in 1997 to study PE at Tech. His relationship with Leanne Battersby
(Jane Danson
) does not meet with Gail's approval. The young couple elope and, wanting to be independent, rent a room from Ashley Peacock
(Steven Arnold
) and live as a married couple.
While Nick was at college, his class was visited by a convicted murderer, Darren Whateley (Andy Robb), during a lesson about criminology. When Darren described the details of the crime he had been imprisoned for, Nick realised that Darren was his father's killer. 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.
Short of money, Nick started modelling for art teacher, Miranda Peters (Francesca Ryan). Leanne suspected him of adultery and confronted him as he posed for Miranda. Leanne even refused to attend his eighteenth birthday party, and Nick was shocked to learn that she was pregnant. Miranda suggested Leanne should have an abortion and Nick demanded 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 tells him that she no longer loves him.
Nick reappeared for his mother's wedding to Richard Hillman
(Brian Capron
) in July 2002, and soon began a relationship with Maria Sutherland
(Samia Smith
). She agreed to join him in Canada but discovers from Audrey that he is dating a woman there. Heartbroken, she does not go. Later, having been reassured, she accompanies Nick to Canada, but soon returns, saying that Nick was not spending enough time with her.
Nick returned in September 2003 and became friends with his sister's boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw
, (Bruno Langley
). One night, while Nick is asleep, Todd, a closet gay, kisses him. Nick was disgusted when Sarah forgave Todd.
Nick found work at Mike Baldwin's (Johnny Briggs
) factory, Underworld. When Janice Battersby
(Vicky Entwistle
) made fun of him, he had her fired but was forced to reinstate her when cleaner, Harry Flagg, (Iain Rogerson
) says that he saw what Nick did. When Janice accidentally starts a fire at the factory in March 2004, Nick saved her. At the hospital where Todd worked as a porter, Todd confesses to a gay co-worker, Karl Foster (Chris Finch
), that he kissed Nick.
Nick was reconciled with Maria and they moved into No. 8, despite Gail's disapproval. Nick's ex-wife, Leanne, returned to Weatherfield at about the same time. Angry with Maria for sleeping with her sister, Toyah's (Georgia Taylor
), boyfriend, 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, taking a job in Nottingham.
(Reece Dinsdale
) and that he's needed in Weatherfield. On 21 December 2009, Nick (now played by Ben Price
) is seen in a bar in Manchester where he meets Tina McIntyre
(Michelle Keegan
), ex-girlfriend of his half brother, David (Jack P Shepherd). They kiss and part without knowing each other's true identity. He returns to the Street on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with his family. When he meets Tina again, she is horrified to learn Nick is David's half brother. Nick returns to Nottingham to finish off some business.
Nick returns in February 2010 when he loses his business and flat in Nottingham around the time that Joe goes missing while Gail tries covering for him, unaware that he is dead. Nick believes Joe abused her as they had a fight before he sailed off to fake his own death, as part of an insurance scam. Nick becomes interested in buying a share of Underworld but Carla Connor
(Alison King
) declines his offer. He briefly meets Leanne again, who has warned Carla not to trust Nick.
When Gail is suspected of murdering Joe in March 2010, Nick supports her. He moves back in to number 8 and makes Carla another offer but she declines. Determined to invest, he starts dating Kelly Crabtree
(Tupele Dorgu
), and persuades her to get the accounts from Underworld so he can estimate how much he would need to buy the shares and makes Carla another offer. She accepts and he becomes a partner. However, Carla insists he fire Kelly if he wants to stay when she realises Kelly got Nick the information he needed. He does as Carla wishes and Kelly doesn't take it well, telling Nick to watch out because one day someone will stab him in the back for the way he treats people.
Nick steals money from the factory safe to bribe a witness to say that Gail didn't get on the boat the night Joe drowned. In early June, Carla's ex-husband, Tony Gordon
(Gray O'Brien
), escapes from prison and burns down the factory resulting in Nick trying to find a place from which to operate Underworld. He asks ex-wife Leanne's boyfriend Peter Barlow
(Chris Gascoyne) if he could find him somewhere but Peter declines. However, Leanne lets him use The Joinery where she and Peter meant to open a bar. While Carla is on holiday, he renames Underworld "Nick's Nicks". On Carla's return, she discovers what he has done and convinces Paul Stokes
(Mark Dexter
) to withdraw his order. However, Nick and Carla soon start working together again and employ Owen Armstrong
(Ian Puleston-Davies
) to rebuild the factory.
Nick begins to date Natasha Blakeman
(Rachel Leskovac
) and they rent a flat. He gets her pregnant to his delight. He also has a fling with Leanne but she ends it upsetting him. Over four weeks later, Gail tells Nick that Natasha had an abortion. Gail becomes suspicious of Natasha's behaviour and checks her medical records. Horrified, Nick disowns Natasha, and after failing to find any support, Natasha tries committing suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping tablets. Nick finds Natasha unconscious and calls an ambulance. Leanne goes to the hospital with Nick. While in the waiting room, he apologises to Leanne for wrecking their marriage and chances of having a baby together. He tells her it was always a big regret, leading to an emotional conversation about the past. Leanne tells Nick that she forgave them both a long time ago and it was time that he did the same. The doctor tells them that Natasha is regaining consciousness and Nick goes to see her. She apologises and he says that they will try again when she is better. Natasha is discharged the next day and Nick says he wants them to try again, which Natasha is delighted with. However, as he leaves, Audrey makes her realise that Nick is taking her back out of guilt, not love. Natasha realises this and takes revenge, insulting the factory girls by telling them what Nick calls them behind their backs. Nick says he loves her but Natasha rejects him, saying only one word, "Leanne". Natasha walks down the street and sees Nick leave the Rovers and pass Leanne and Peter. They both wave and as they walk past, he glances back at Leanne, prompting Natasha to get into a cab and leave Weatherfield behind while Nick looks on.
In October 2010, Nick terminates his partnership with Carla after arguments with her boyfriend Trevor Dean
(Steve Jackson), deciding to open the bar owned by Peter and Leanne, calling it The Joinery. Leanne, although disgusted initially, agrees to go into business with him. It is clear that Nick still has strong feelings for Leanne and after the opening, the pair succumb to temptation. Nick tells Leanne that he should never have let her go, only to be silenced by Leanne kissing him and eventually sleeping with him. Leanne lies to Nick saying she regrets it and creates rotas so they never work alone together but Nick sees through it, telling her that he loves his business but he loves her more and it's her choice what to do with it and they can't avoid their feelings. Leanne tries to avoid him, but it draws them closer together. One night while closing up, Nick asks Leanne to look him in the eye and say that she doesn't love him, but she just can't bring herself to do it and kisses him passionately. As of that night, they embark on a dangerous and passionate affair almost getting caught.
On Peter's stag night, Nick decides to come clean about his affair with Leanne. Before he can, however, an explosion causes Nick, Peter and Ashley to be trapped under the rubble. He and Ashley manage to get Peter safely out moments before it collapses. Peter is badly injured and Ashley is crushed to death by the falling debris, but Nick escapes relatively unharmed and is given a clean bill of health at the hospital. He expresses guilt that Ashley didn't make it out alive, offering support to Ashley's widow, Claire Peacock
(Julia Haworth
), on breaking the news to her sons. He visits Peter and Leanne in hospital, where she tells him that Peter has asked her to marry him. He tries to persuade her not to, but she tells him that she loves Peter, not him. Nick finally accepts this and is heartbroken.
Nick comes under investigation for failing to report that there was a problem with the gas in The Joinery on the night of the explosion. Claire discovers this and blames him for Ashley's death, also banning him from attending the funeral. Later she calls to see Nick, explaining that she cannot forgive him yet, but she acknowledges that he was a good friend to Ashley. It is later revealed that faulty equipment caused the explosion rather than human error, meaning that Nick was not responsible.
Although Leanne is now married to Peter, who is in a wheelchair following the explosion, Nick is still fixated on her and tries to persuade her to leave her new husband for him, but although they share a kiss at Christmas, she keeps turning him down. Determined to stay close to her, Nick persuades Peter to let him manage the bookies while he recovers. On New Years Eve 2010, Tracy Barlow
(Kate Ford
) turns up at the bookies in a flirtatious mood, and Nick, frustrated by Leanne's continued refusal to leave Peter for him, sleeps with her – not knowing that she had slept with his half brother David the night before him. Nick's night with Tracy is cut short, however, when a shocked Leanne walks in on them.
In January 2011, Nick becomes determined to split Peter and Leanne up. Working with Leanne at the bookies, he takes every opportunity to sow seeds of doubt in her mind. He also pretends to be a good friend to Peter, who is very depressed about the injuries he received in the Joinery explosion, and uses the opportunity to subtly encourage the vulnerable recovering alcoholic to start drinking again, in the hope that Leanne will find out and leave him. Peter reveals everything on Valentines Day and tells everyone that Nick persuaded him to drink. Later on Nick goes to his damaged pub and Peter follows him and hits him with his crutch. Nick then gets up and leaves.
In November 2011, when Nick begins to see Underworld struggling to cope, Nick goes back to working at the factory after being persuaded by Michelle Connor
(Kym Marsh
).
, a soap opera in New Zealand. The producers decided to recast the character for the third 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 [with his life]. 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 debut as Nick on December 21, 2009. In July 2010 it was reported that Rickitt turned down an offer to return. In June 2011 Price signed a new 1 year contract.
(Helen Worth
), 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 (Lynsay King
), 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 needs his mother and they reconcile.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the British soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
. Originally known as "Nicky", he was the first-born child of Brian Tilsley and Gail Platt (then Tilsley), and has been portrayed by three different actors. Warren Jackson from 1981 to 1996, then by Adam Rickitt
Adam Rickitt
Adam Peter Rickitt is an English actor, singer-songwriter and model.-Biography:Rickitt was born in Crewe, Cheshire, the youngest of four brothers. His father is co-owner of an estate agency...
from 1997 to 2004. Rickitt had left in 1999 but returned on two occasions in 2002 and 2003. Since December 2009, he has been portrayed by Ben Price
Ben Price
Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street...
.
From 1981 to 1996, storylines involved Nick's adolescent problems and his role in the fraught relationship between his parents. He left in 1996 to live with his Uncle Stephen in Canada, returning in 1997 having considerably changed his appearance. The subsequent storyline dealt with his teenage marriage to Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Anika Barlow is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Jane Danson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 4 July 1997....
and their divorce. In 1999 he left again but made a brief comeback in 2002 for the wedding of his mother, Gail
Gail Platt
Gail McIntyre is a long-standing fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Helen Worth, the character first appeared on screen on 12 July 1974...
, to Richard Hillman
Richard Hillman
Richard Charles Hillman was a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street, played by Brian Capron. Hillman is now rated as one of the best soap villains of all time.-Development:...
. He returned again in late 2003 but left in 2004. In 2010, Nick bought into the local factory Underworld which he subsequently co-owned with Carla Connor
Carla Connor
Carla Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. She is portrayed by actress Alison King. Carla was created by producer Steve Frost as part of the new Connor family....
, before opening The Joinery bar with his ex-wife Leanne. As part of the show's 50th anniversary storylines in December 2010, an explosion at the bar caused a tram to crash from the viaduct, resulting in the deaths of three people.
1989–2004
After his father's murder in 1989, Nicky began misbehaving but Martin PlattMartin Platt
Martin Platt is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, portrayed by Sean Wilson.-Departure:Actor Sean Wilson was axed from Coronation Street when a major storyline conference decided the character of Martin had been "played out". At the time, it was said that...
(Sean Wilson) proved a calming influence. In 1991, Martin – now married to Gail – adopted Nick and changed his name, but Nick's paternal grandmother, Ivy, was furious and changed her will, leaving her house to Nicky in his own right. 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 as an unfit mother.
Nicky's relationship with his grandmother caused friction with Martin. Nicky begans to rebel, taking up smoking and demanding to be called "Nick". When Ivy dies in 1995, her will stipulates that Nick must revert to Tilsley to inherit her house. He did so and arguments sprang up about the house, then occupied by Ivy's widower, Don. Don eventually bought the house from Nick for £12,000.
In July 1996, Nick stayed at home while the rest of the family went on holiday but, tired of his grandmother Audrey
Audrey Roberts
Audrey Roberts is a long-standing fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Sue Nicholls, the character first appeared during the episode aired on 16 April 1979....
's (Sue Nicholls
Sue Nicholls
Susan Frances Harmar Nicholls is an English actress, best known today for her long-running role as Audrey Roberts in British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
) fussing, he ran away, and was missing for weeks. On his return, he claimed to have been living rough in London and working in a cafe. Nick's stories cause Jamie Armstrong (Joseph Gilgun
Joseph Gilgun
Joseph William Gilgun is an English actor best known for playing Eli Dingle in ITV's Emmerdale, Woody in the film This Is England and Rudy Wade in series 3 of E4's Misfits.-Biography:...
) to want to run away to London; when confronted by Jamie's mother, Tricia (Tracy Brabin
Tracy Brabin
Tracy Brabin is an English actress and television writer.Brabin is best remembered for her roles as clumsy waitress Sandra opposite David Jason in A Bit of a Do , Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street from 1994 to 1997 and Ginny in Richard Harris's Outside Edge...
), Nick admits he only lasted two hours in London and spent the rest of his time in Torquay. Later in the year, Gail allowed Nick to go and live with his uncle, Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce), in Canada, in the hope that it would improve his behaviour and his education.
Nick (now played by Adam Rickitt
Adam Rickitt
Adam Peter Rickitt is an English actor, singer-songwriter and model.-Biography:Rickitt was born in Crewe, Cheshire, the youngest of four brothers. His father is co-owner of an estate agency...
) returned in 1997 to study PE at Tech. His relationship with Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Anika Barlow is a fictional character on the soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Jane Danson, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 4 July 1997....
(Jane Danson
Jane Danson
Jane Danson is an English actress, most famous for playing the role of Leanne Battersby in Coronation Street.-Acting:...
) does not meet with Gail's approval. The young couple elope and, wanting to be independent, rent a room from Ashley Peacock
Ashley Peacock
Ashley Sibelius Peacock is a fictional character from the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actor Steven Arnold, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 1 February 1995.On 23 April 2010, it was announced that the character had been axed along...
(Steven Arnold
Steven Arnold
Steven Arnold is an English actor best known for his role as Ashley Peacock in the long running hit show Coronation Street.- Early life :...
) and live as a married couple.
While Nick was at college, his class was visited by a convicted murderer, Darren Whateley (Andy Robb), during a lesson about criminology. When Darren described the details of the crime he had been imprisoned for, Nick realised that Darren was his father's killer. 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.
Short of money, Nick started modelling for art teacher, Miranda Peters (Francesca Ryan). Leanne suspected him of adultery and confronted him as he posed for Miranda. Leanne even refused to attend his eighteenth birthday party, and Nick was shocked to learn that she was pregnant. Miranda suggested Leanne should have an abortion and Nick demanded 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 tells him that she no longer loves him.
Nick reappeared for his mother's wedding to Richard Hillman
Richard Hillman
Richard Charles Hillman was a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street, played by Brian Capron. Hillman is now rated as one of the best soap villains of all time.-Development:...
(Brian Capron
Brian Capron
Brian Capron, born 11 February 1947 at Eye in Suffolk, is a British actor, who trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art . His father was an Algerian pilot, of French descent, who died in a plane crash before Brian was born....
) in July 2002, and soon began a relationship with Maria Sutherland
Maria Sutherland
Maria Jane Connor , is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, portrayed by actress Samia Smith. The character first appeared on-screen on 19 May 2000...
(Samia Smith
Samia Smith
Samia Maxine Ghadie , is an English actress best known for playing Maria Connor in the ITV Soap Coronation Street.-Early life:...
). She agreed to join him in Canada but discovers from Audrey that he is dating a woman there. Heartbroken, she does not go. Later, having been reassured, she accompanies Nick to Canada, but soon returns, saying that Nick was not spending enough time with her.
Nick returned in September 2003 and became friends with his sister's boyfriend, Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw
Todd James Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British television soap opera Coronation Street, played by Bruno Langley. He originally appeared from 13 January 2001 till 22 September 2004 and returned for a brief stint in from 15 October 2007 till 7 November 2007...
, (Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley is an English actor. He is best known for playing Todd Grimshaw in Coronation Street and Adam Mitchell in Doctor Who.- Early life :...
). One night, while Nick is asleep, Todd, a closet gay, kisses him. Nick was disgusted when Sarah forgave Todd.
Nick found work at Mike Baldwin's (Johnny Briggs
Johnny Briggs (actor)
Johnny Briggs, MBE is an English actor. He is best known for his role as Mike Baldwin in the soap opera Coronation Street, in which he appeared from 1976 to 2006...
) factory, Underworld. When Janice Battersby
Janice Battersby
Janice Bernadette Battersby is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Vicky Entwistle, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 6 January 1997....
(Vicky Entwistle
Vicky Entwistle
Vicky Entwistle is an English actress who is most famous for playing the role of "loudmouth" factory worker Janice Battersby in ITV1's long-running soap opera Coronation Street....
) made fun of him, he had her fired but was forced to reinstate her when cleaner, Harry Flagg, (Iain Rogerson
Iain Rogerson
Iain Rogerson is a British actor born in Cefn-y-bedd, Wrexham, Wales. Rogerson is best known for his portrayal of Harry Flagg in Coronation Street.- External links :...
) says that he saw what Nick did. When Janice accidentally starts a fire at the factory in March 2004, Nick saved her. At the hospital where Todd worked as a porter, Todd confesses to a gay co-worker, Karl Foster (Chris Finch
Chris Finch
Chris Finch is a character in the BBC comedy show, The Office. He is played by Ralph Ineson.Finch is an outside sales representative for the paper merchant Wernham Hogg, in whose Slough office the show is set, and as such is frequently on the road...
), that he kissed Nick.
Nick was reconciled with Maria and they moved into No. 8, despite Gail's disapproval. Nick's ex-wife, Leanne, returned to Weatherfield at about the same time. Angry with Maria for sleeping with her sister, Toyah's (Georgia Taylor
Georgia Taylor
Georgia Taylor is an English actress, known for her role as Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street and currently for playing Ruth Winters on Casualty. She was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester....
), boyfriend, 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, taking a job in Nottingham.
2009—
In December 2009, Audrey phones Nick to tell him about Gail's forthcoming wedding to Joe McIntyreJoe McIntyre (Coronation Street)
Joseph "Joe" McIntyre was a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. The character was portrayed by actor Reece Dinsdale. Joe was introduced as the father of Tina McIntyre, and made his first appearing onscreen during the episode that aired in the UK on May 26, 2008...
(Reece Dinsdale
Reece Dinsdale
Reece Dinsdale is an English actor of stage, screen and television.-Acting career:He trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama from 1977 until 1980...
) and that he's needed in Weatherfield. On 21 December 2009, Nick (now played by Ben Price
Ben Price
Ben Price is a British actor, best known for playing the third incarnation of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street...
) is seen in a bar in Manchester where he meets Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre is a fictional character in the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 7 January 2008...
(Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan
Michelle Elizabeth Keegan is an English actress who currently plays Tina McIntyre in the soap opera Coronation Street.-Biography:...
), ex-girlfriend of his half brother, David (Jack P Shepherd). They kiss and part without knowing each other's true identity. He returns to the Street on Christmas Eve to spend Christmas with his family. When he meets Tina again, she is horrified to learn Nick is David's half brother. Nick returns to Nottingham to finish off some business.
Nick returns in February 2010 when he loses his business and flat in Nottingham around the time that Joe goes missing while Gail tries covering for him, unaware that he is dead. Nick believes Joe abused her as they had a fight before he sailed off to fake his own death, as part of an insurance scam. Nick becomes interested in buying a share of Underworld but Carla Connor
Carla Connor
Carla Connor is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional town of Weatherfield. She is portrayed by actress Alison King. Carla was created by producer Steve Frost as part of the new Connor family....
(Alison King
Alison King
Alison King is an English actress. She has had major television roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One television series Dream Team, and as Carla Connor in Coronation Street since 2006.- Early life and education :...
) declines his offer. He briefly meets Leanne again, who has warned Carla not to trust Nick.
When Gail is suspected of murdering Joe in March 2010, Nick supports her. He moves back in to number 8 and makes Carla another offer but she declines. Determined to invest, he starts dating Kelly Crabtree
Kelly Crabtree
Kelly Louise Crabtree is a fictional character from the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Tupele Dorgu, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 6 September 2004....
(Tupele Dorgu
Tupele Dorgu
Tupele Dorgu is a British actress, best known for playing the role of Kelly Crabtree on the soap opera Coronation Street from 2004 to 2010....
), and persuades her to get the accounts from Underworld so he can estimate how much he would need to buy the shares and makes Carla another offer. She accepts and he becomes a partner. However, Carla insists he fire Kelly if he wants to stay when she realises Kelly got Nick the information he needed. He does as Carla wishes and Kelly doesn't take it well, telling Nick to watch out because one day someone will stab him in the back for the way he treats people.
Nick steals money from the factory safe to bribe a witness to say that Gail didn't get on the boat the night Joe drowned. In early June, Carla's ex-husband, Tony Gordon
Tony Gordon
Anthony "Tony" Gordon was a fictional character in the itv soap opera Coronation Street, portrayed by actor Gray O'Brien. The character first appeared on screen on 16 September 2007 and making his final appearance on 9 June 2010 after deciding to sacrifice himself in the Underworld fire. He is a...
(Gray O'Brien
Gray O'Brien
Gray O'Brien is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his portrayal of the villainous Weatherfield businessman Tony Gordon in the popular British soap opera Coronation Street from 2007 to 2010, and as Dr Richard McCaig on Casualty from 1996 to 1998.O'Brien was born in Stewarton,...
), escapes from prison and burns down the factory resulting in Nick trying to find a place from which to operate Underworld. He asks ex-wife Leanne's boyfriend Peter Barlow
Peter Barlow (Coronation Street)
Peter Francis Barlow is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera Coronation Street. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode aired on 15 April 1965...
(Chris Gascoyne) if he could find him somewhere but Peter declines. However, Leanne lets him use The Joinery where she and Peter meant to open a bar. While Carla is on holiday, he renames Underworld "Nick's Nicks". On Carla's return, she discovers what he has done and convinces Paul Stokes
Paul Stokes
Paul Stokes is a former Irish footballer.A striker he made a League of Ireland scoring debut for Waterford United at Bray Wanderers on the 31st of October 1993. In total he scored 7 goals in 13 appearances for the Blues before moving to Newry Town.Paul was then transferred to Cliftonville F.C...
(Mark Dexter
Mark Dexter
Mark Dexter is a British RADA trained actor.Dexter's early successes were on stage, in particular with two high-profile productions of Tennessee Williams plays, beginning with Sam Mendes' 1995 Olivier Award winning production of The Glass Menagerie at the Donmar Warehouse, in which he played The...
) to withdraw his order. However, Nick and Carla soon start working together again and employ Owen Armstrong
Owen Armstrong
Owen Armstrong is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by Ian Puleston-Davies. He made his first on-screen appearance on 9 June 2010.-Casting:...
(Ian Puleston-Davies
Ian Puleston-Davies
-Early life and career:Born in Flint, Wales, Puleston-Davies has starred in the ITV drama Vincent alongside Ray Winstone, and Ghostboat , alongside David Jason. He has also played the lead roles in Conviction and the BBC Three series Funland.He has starred in long-running dramas such as Holby...
) to rebuild the factory.
Nick begins to date Natasha Blakeman
Natasha Blakeman
Natasha Blakeman is a fictional character from the British ITV1 soap opera Coronation Street, played by Rachel Leskovac. The character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 12 May 2008...
(Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac
Rachel Leskovac is an Olivier award-nominated British actress best known for playing hairdresser Natasha Blakeman in the British soap opera Coronation Street.-Early life:...
) and they rent a flat. He gets her pregnant to his delight. He also has a fling with Leanne but she ends it upsetting him. Over four weeks later, Gail tells Nick that Natasha had an abortion. Gail becomes suspicious of Natasha's behaviour and checks her medical records. Horrified, Nick disowns Natasha, and after failing to find any support, Natasha tries committing suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping tablets. Nick finds Natasha unconscious and calls an ambulance. Leanne goes to the hospital with Nick. While in the waiting room, he apologises to Leanne for wrecking their marriage and chances of having a baby together. He tells her it was always a big regret, leading to an emotional conversation about the past. Leanne tells Nick that she forgave them both a long time ago and it was time that he did the same. The doctor tells them that Natasha is regaining consciousness and Nick goes to see her. She apologises and he says that they will try again when she is better. Natasha is discharged the next day and Nick says he wants them to try again, which Natasha is delighted with. However, as he leaves, Audrey makes her realise that Nick is taking her back out of guilt, not love. Natasha realises this and takes revenge, insulting the factory girls by telling them what Nick calls them behind their backs. Nick says he loves her but Natasha rejects him, saying only one word, "Leanne". Natasha walks down the street and sees Nick leave the Rovers and pass Leanne and Peter. They both wave and as they walk past, he glances back at Leanne, prompting Natasha to get into a cab and leave Weatherfield behind while Nick looks on.
In October 2010, Nick terminates his partnership with Carla after arguments with her boyfriend Trevor Dean
Trevor Dean
Trevor Dean is a fictional character in the British soap opera Coronation Street, played by actor Steve Jackson. He first appears during the episode airing on 28 January 2010 as a lodger for Janice Battersby ....
(Steve Jackson), deciding to open the bar owned by Peter and Leanne, calling it The Joinery. Leanne, although disgusted initially, agrees to go into business with him. It is clear that Nick still has strong feelings for Leanne and after the opening, the pair succumb to temptation. Nick tells Leanne that he should never have let her go, only to be silenced by Leanne kissing him and eventually sleeping with him. Leanne lies to Nick saying she regrets it and creates rotas so they never work alone together but Nick sees through it, telling her that he loves his business but he loves her more and it's her choice what to do with it and they can't avoid their feelings. Leanne tries to avoid him, but it draws them closer together. One night while closing up, Nick asks Leanne to look him in the eye and say that she doesn't love him, but she just can't bring herself to do it and kisses him passionately. As of that night, they embark on a dangerous and passionate affair almost getting caught.
On Peter's stag night, Nick decides to come clean about his affair with Leanne. Before he can, however, an explosion causes Nick, Peter and Ashley to be trapped under the rubble. He and Ashley manage to get Peter safely out moments before it collapses. Peter is badly injured and Ashley is crushed to death by the falling debris, but Nick escapes relatively unharmed and is given a clean bill of health at the hospital. He expresses guilt that Ashley didn't make it out alive, offering support to Ashley's widow, Claire Peacock
Claire Peacock
Claire Peacock , is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Julia Haworth, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 9 April 2003, as the new nanny of established character Ashley Peacock's son Joshua...
(Julia Haworth
Julia Haworth
Julia Louise Haworth is an English actress best known as Claire Peacock on ITV's Coronation Street, a role she has played since 2003...
), on breaking the news to her sons. He visits Peter and Leanne in hospital, where she tells him that Peter has asked her to marry him. He tries to persuade her not to, but she tells him that she loves Peter, not him. Nick finally accepts this and is heartbroken.
Nick comes under investigation for failing to report that there was a problem with the gas in The Joinery on the night of the explosion. Claire discovers this and blames him for Ashley's death, also banning him from attending the funeral. Later she calls to see Nick, explaining that she cannot forgive him yet, but she acknowledges that he was a good friend to Ashley. It is later revealed that faulty equipment caused the explosion rather than human error, meaning that Nick was not responsible.
Although Leanne is now married to Peter, who is in a wheelchair following the explosion, Nick is still fixated on her and tries to persuade her to leave her new husband for him, but although they share a kiss at Christmas, she keeps turning him down. Determined to stay close to her, Nick persuades Peter to let him manage the bookies while he recovers. On New Years Eve 2010, Tracy Barlow
Tracy Barlow
Tracy Lynette Barlow is a fictional character in the British television soap opera Coronation Street. She is currently portrayed, since 2002, by Kate Ford, the latest in a series of actresses who have played Tracy at various ages...
(Kate Ford
Kate Ford
Kate Connerty is a British actress best known for playing the role of Tracy Barlow in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street from 2002 to 2007. Kate returned to Coronation Street on Christmas Eve 2010....
) turns up at the bookies in a flirtatious mood, and Nick, frustrated by Leanne's continued refusal to leave Peter for him, sleeps with her – not knowing that she had slept with his half brother David the night before him. Nick's night with Tracy is cut short, however, when a shocked Leanne walks in on them.
In January 2011, Nick becomes determined to split Peter and Leanne up. Working with Leanne at the bookies, he takes every opportunity to sow seeds of doubt in her mind. He also pretends to be a good friend to Peter, who is very depressed about the injuries he received in the Joinery explosion, and uses the opportunity to subtly encourage the vulnerable recovering alcoholic to start drinking again, in the hope that Leanne will find out and leave him. Peter reveals everything on Valentines Day and tells everyone that Nick persuaded him to drink. Later on Nick goes to his damaged pub and Peter follows him and hits him with his crutch. Nick then gets up and leaves.
In November 2011, when Nick begins to see Underworld struggling to cope, Nick goes back to working at the factory after being persuaded by Michelle Connor
Michelle Connor
Michelle Sinéad Connor is a fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Kym Marsh, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 3 April 2006...
(Kym Marsh
Kym Marsh
Kimberley Gail Marsh is an English actress and singer.- Early life :Marsh was born in Wigan, Greater Manchester and raised in Garswood, in the Metropolitan Borough of St Helens, Merseyside...
).
Casting
The character of Nick first appeared in 1981, when he was born; portrayed by Warren Jackson. In 1996 Warren Jackson decided to leave Coronation Street. The producers decided to bring back Nick a year later in 1997, this time played by Adam Rickitt. After three years of playing Nick, Rickitt decided to leave and left in 1999 but he returned for three stints in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He played the role of Nick for the last time in July 2004. In early 2009 it was reported that producers were discussing bringing back Nick, but Adam Rickitt was unavailable because he was starring in Shortland StreetShortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
, a soap opera in New Zealand. The producers decided to recast the character for the third 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 [with his life]. 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 debut as Nick on December 21, 2009. In July 2010 it was reported that Rickitt turned down an offer to return. In June 2011 Price signed a new 1 year contract.
Personality
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."Backstory
Nick Tilsley is the first-born child and only son of Brian Tilsley (Chris Quinten) and Gail PlattGail Platt
Gail McIntyre is a long-standing fictional character in the UK television ITV soap opera, Coronation Street. Portrayed by actress Helen Worth, the character first appeared on screen on 12 July 1974...
(Helen Worth
Helen Worth
Helen Worth is an English actress, best known for her portrayal of the Coronation Street character Gail McIntyre- Early life :...
), 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 (Lynsay King
Lynsay King
Lynsay King is a British actress. She played the part of Sarah-Louise Platt in the popular ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She played the part from 1987 to October 1999, when she was replaced by Tina O'Brien....
), 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 needs his mother and they reconcile.