Coronation Street star reveals 'lifesaver' job that 'saved their bacon' after shock soap exit

Coronation Street star reveals 'lifesaver' job that 'saved their bacon' after shock soap exit
-Credit: (Image: PA)


A Coronation Street star once opened up about a career “lifesaver” that "saved their bacon". Actor John Thomson is best known for playing Jesse Chadwick on the ITV soap. The character made his debut in December 2008, before becoming a regular character the following year.

During his stint on the soap, he famously dated Corrie legend Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver). In 2010 though, Jesse said his goodbyes to Weatherfield. However, this month, Jesse was back on the cobbles. It was then revealed that he had struck up a romance with Gail Platt (Helen Worth) a few years back. Hoping to rekindle things, he came back to Weatherfield - much to the shock of several residents.

However, away from the soap, John has starred in the likes of The Fast Show, Men Behaving Badly and Cold Feet. He’s also narrated several TV shows like Ultimate Police Interceptors and Bargain Loving Brits by the Sea.

Jesse Chadwick returns to Coronation Street
Jesse actor John returned to Corrie this month -Credit:ITV

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But in 2020, John opened up about how a shock career change “saved his bacon" during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Talking to Express, John shared how voiceover jobs allowed him to carry on working during the lockdown period.

He said: “Working from home, I set up a studio in my basement which has been a lifesaver. That's what saved my bacon and gave me the foresight."

John went on: "I turned the broom cupboard in the basement into a recording studio just for voices. Downloaded software, got some decent recording equipment and microphones.”

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The actor opened up about a 'lifesaver' job

He also revealed a certain show “saved his bacon” too. John said: "Ultimate Police Interceptors on Channel 5 which I did the narration for, has also been the job that saved my bacon. Otherwise I would've had no work. Nothing for six months."

Talking about his return to Coronation Street, actor John said: “I was a bit shell shocked when I first came in because I’d forgotten the speed of the turnaround so it was an absolute baptism of fire. But everyone in the Platts has made me feel so welcome. I just feel secure and proper looked after.

"Helen [Worth, who plays Gail] and I are absolutely thrilled to be working together, everyone's good company and there's always fun to be had on set with the Platts, which is great,” he added.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX