“Chesney can’t face the outside world!”
AS CHES’ PANIC ATTACKS PUT HOPE AND RUBY IN DANGER, SAM ASTON EXPLAINS THE DETAILS OF HIS CHARACTER’S HEARTBREAKING STRUGGLE…
Chesney is lucky to be alive after his gruesome stabbing at the Bistro – and although his wounds have healed, the tormented fella has a long way to go before he makes a full emotional recovery. Unbeknown to his friends and family, Ches has been suffering with crippling anxiety and panic attacks since the day of the assault – and while his character is at his lowest ebb, star Sam Aston is making the most of the heartbreaking scripts being delivered to his Corrie dressing room…
“It has been challenging, but in a good way,” insists the actor. “I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s been invigorating – especially as I’ve never done a story like this in my 14 years of being on the show.
“Luckily, I’ve had a lot of help,” adds Sam. “I tried to read and learn as much as I could about panic attacks. It’s been tough to act out, because my research has shown me that they affect different people in different ways. I also found it very helpful speaking to Mikey North [who plays Gary] about Gary’s post-traumatic stress disorder storyline.”
Poor Ches is scared of his own shadow at the moment, and the stress he’s under is so bad it’s even caused him to give up his job at the kebab shop! But as he grows more miserable every day, why doesn’t he tell a loved one what’s going on?
“Firstly, it’s because he is male,” sighs 24-year-old Sam. “A lot of guys are more secretive about health issues and their emotions, even with those closest to them. And secondly, he’s embarrassed! He’s questioning why it’s happening to him.”
Determined to prove that nothing is wrong, nervous Chesney offers to take
Ches is very fragile – he feels terrible about what’s happened!
young Hope and Ruby into town. But once the trio board the bus, life outside the safety of No 5 proves to be far too much for the traumatised fella…
“Chesney has a hugely overwhelming feeling building up inside of him,” explains Sam. “He can’t face the outside world because he’s so worried something bad will happen to him, and he has a panic attack on the bus that leads to him just having to get off. He’s banging the doors, and once they open, he doesn’t know where he is going. He doesn’t even realise he’s left Hope and Ruby on the bus, because during a panic attack, he’s not aware of much at all.”
With all three of the party missing, Fiz is beside herself with worry over the children and her terrified little brother. As Tyrone ventures out to lead the search party, he puts two and two together when he hears that Roy’s shed has been broken into. And as Ty enters the allotment, he can’t believe the state Chesney is in!
“He’s very fragile,” reveals Sam. “Ches feels terrible about what’s happened.
He’s all for family and trying to be a good parent, and yet he’s left his nieces on the bus where anything could have happened to them. It all falls on Chesney’s shoulders, and although Tyrone is there to support him, he doesn’t think he can…”
Meanwhile, back at home, Sinead is desperately seeking a solution to Chesney’s situation. The reunited couple have yet to get their relationship back to how it was before Sinead’s ex Daniel entered the picture – and Sam isn’t sure if his character’s plight will serve to make the pair’s bond stronger.
“I do think this will bring Chesney and
Sinead back together, but for how long I don’t know,” ponders the actor. “Chesney is in such a bad state, and Sinead feels like she needs to be there for him. He needs her more than ever right now and they do love each other, but you never know what could happen when the dust settles. I think she’s good for him at the moment – but long-term, I don’t think she’s the right person for him!”