Point break?

DOCTORS RETURNS – WITH ROB REELING FROM BREN’S SHOCK DEATH…

There’s heartbreak as the medics at The Mill return from their summer break this week, with the local nick in lockdown after Bren’s sudden death. Officer Rob was in charge at the time, and as the tragedy unfolds, actor Chris Walker – who plays him – admits his tortured alter ego is in for a terrible ride…

What is Rob’s state of mind?

He’s in a very bad place. He’s struggling with what happened to Bren, though technically he didn’t do anything wrong. But he should have admitted he was suffering post-traumatic stress [after witnessing a decapitation while attending the scene of a car accident] and having blackouts as a result.

How can he face Bren’s daughter, Ayesha?

Ayesha wants to point the finger of blame, and Rob was there when

Bren died. There’s more to come – his job hangs in the balance.

Will his relationship with wife Karen see him through?

Rob and Karen’s marriage is strong, and she’ll always support him. But he’ll push her to the edge, and things will be touch-and-go…

What advice would you give him if he were your friend?

I’d tell him that he has to get help. But Rob is any oldfashioned guy and doesn’t want to admit weakness. He has to deal with it himself.

Are you enjoying getting your teeth into this story?

Absolutely! I’ve researched PTSD with real officers, and it changes your personality. So I’ll be playing a different kind of Rob.

How do you feel about your nomination as Inside Soap’s Best Daytime Star?

It’s wonderful – thank you! We are a happy ship at Doctors, and working on the show is a joy – it’s unlike any other programme on television.