Billy’s temper flares
BILLY UNRAVELS AFTER SHE WINDS UP IN HOSPITAL…
Billy and Todd face their first big test as Summer’s guardians this week, after the schoolgirl smokes a strange cigarette and passes out!
However, it’s not just Summer’s actions that have horrifying consequences, as Billy flies into a rage and viciously attacks Peter – when it’s revealed that his son Simon dared Summer to puff on the dodgy fag in the first place!
“Billy sees Summer being loaded into an ambulance, and he is terrified,” sighs actor Daniel Brocklebank, who plays him. “He promised Summer’s late dad, Drew, that he would take care of her – and within a few months of him taking her on, Summer is in hospital. Not only is Billy worried about her, but he has also been unable to keep his promise.
“So Billy sees red. He loses his temper and reacts in a way that not only shocks Peter, but shocks himself.”
Since losing her father and moving in with Billy and Todd, plucky Summer has been coping as best as any young girl can in her situation. But as Drew’s birthday approaches this week, she feels low – and is more desperate than ever to fit in with her peers.
When Simon finds the cigarette in the school changing rooms, Summer pockets it – and is later found
Summer is loaded into an ambulance – Billy is terrified!”
slumped unconscious. Billy and Todd wait anxiously after she is rushed to A&E, while sheepish Simon confesses his involvement to Peter and Toyah.
Peter later calls into Billy and Todd’s flat to admit the truth of what happened, and that’s when the irate vicar loses his temper and punches the Rovers landlord to the ground!
“It’s rare that Billy’s temper flares, but he does have one – and that was a choice of mine when I first started on the show,” explains Daniel. “A lot of TV vicars I have seen are a bit wet and sipid, and it was important for me that Billy wasn’t that. Yes, he is a vicar, and that is a vocational position – but that doesn’t mean that Billy isn’t flawed. There is a side to him that he’s tried to suppress for various reasons, which will come out in other ways later on…
“Todd is horrified,” adds the star. “He’s not an angel nor blameless in a lot of ways, but he’s flabbergasted as Billy’s actions could put their application to fully adopt Summer at risk.”
After the reality of what he’s done sinks in, Billy heads straight to the Rovers and offers Peter his heartfelt apology. But will he agree to forgive and forget, or should Billy prepare himself for a visit from the boys in blue?