Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) has been a man torn between two sisters in Coronation Street, as he destroyed his long-term relationship with Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) by having an affair with her sister, Toyah (Georgia Taylor), which Leanne subsequently discovered.
Ben Price told us that NIck’s feelings for Leanne were genuine at the time, but he’s ready to close that chapter of his life.
‘He’s always going to love her,’ he reflected. ‘Part of Nick still loves her but it’s definitely finished. It’s definitely over, it’s not one of those half breakups. I think something changed for him when she went to the institute, for Nick that was the end.’
The romance with Toyah also seemed to be over, as the sisters agreed that they should prioritise rebuilding their own relationship. But in coming episodes this is tested as Nick takes the decision to employ Toyah as manager at the bistro.
‘For Nick there’s part of him that just thinks it will be good for business, she’s good at the job,’ Ben said. ‘Toyah points out how awkward it’s going to be but I don’t think Nick’s that great at that stuff.’
While having both sisters – and Nick – all working in the same place could be massively awkward at the best of times, Nick realises that his feelings for Toyah are stronger than ever and he decides to tell her.
‘I genuinely think he’s in love with her,’ Ben insisted.
‘I know this is a bit weird, she’s Leanne’s sister, but I think he actually really loves her and he thinks this could be something, and it was a bit sad how it had to end. Everything was a bit different with Toyah, bit lighter, and I think after the way Leanne suddenly went to the Institute, it really made him think “I just don’t know you at all.” I think he’s being genuine with Toyah.’
Toyah’s reaction to Nick’s declaration of love is more muted than he hoped for, but Ben thought that was realistic for the characters, considering everything they’ve been through together.
‘I think Nick knows that she still has feelings for him, but it’s certainly not her running straight back into his arms. This is an adult relationship, it’s not like they’re 18, there is a lot to work out, this is her sister and that’s also still in the mix.’
Nick hopes that, by seeing him and Toyah together in a work setting, she’ll get used to the idea of them as a couple. Will Leanne see it that way or is he headed for massive fireworks?
