TYRONE’S LIVING HELL

Corrie’s mechanic and Fiz face the fight of their lives when their girls are taken from them, says Alan Halsall

Coronation Street’s Tyrone and Fiz are left devastated this week when their daughters Ruby and Hope are taken into care. The couple’s world caves in after they are accused of physical abuse – allegations which viewers know to be a pack of lies concocted by scheming Jade Rowan.

Fiz has no idea Jade is the daughter of her serial killer ex John Stape – so she’s Hope’s half sister – and is on a mission to avenge his death.

Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone, says, ‘It’s so tough to think of having your children taken away, I can’t even begin to imagine anyone having to go through that utter devastation.

‘Your children are everything, and they certainly are to Tyrone and Fiz who are confused and angry, and desperate to get Hope and Ruby home.’

With Fiz back in Weatherfield having spent the best part of a year living in Birmingham at a pupil referral unit with unruly Hope, life has felt good for Tyrone. ‘His family are back together and they brought along Jade, who’s been great with the kids,’ says Alan, 37. ‘They’ve also noticed a bit of an improvement in Hope’s behaviour, so everything’s great.’

Except that behind their backs Jade’s been poisoning Hope against Fiz and Tyrone, and encouraging her to claim she’s been abused. Alan says, ‘Only Tyrone’s nan Evelyn has been suspicious of Jade, and warns Fiz and Tyrone – but they defend her.’

Hope broke her arm last week after a series of other scrapes, and Jade’s lies about abuse result in social services placing the girls in foster care.

‘Tyrone feels helpless and doesn’t know what to do,’ says Alan. ‘I don’t think he doubts Fiz, and he stands by her. But it’s hard to understand.’

Confusion will turn to anger when they’re told a relative has come forward to look after the kids – Jade! Alan says, ‘They’re so gobsmacked and realise they’ve been stitched up.’

Alan reveals Tyrone and Fiz will have a fight on their hands to get the girls back, and the strain could take its toll. ‘They’ll do everything they can to get those kids back, as I’m sure every parent would.

‘This could strain a relationship or make it stronger. We’ll have to see if they’re strong enough to last…’

Things are much rosier for Alan, who lives with girlfriend and former co-star Tisha Merry, and his sixyear-old daughter Sienna-rae with his ex-wife Lucy-jo Hudson.

Alan, who’s from Salford, recently clocked up 21 years on the show, which he joined aged 16 in 1998. Alan jokes, ‘That statistic makes me feel old, but it’s an absolute privilege.

‘I’ve loved every single year, and whether there will be more, who knows. I love coming into work as much as I did on day one.’ ■