ITV Coronation Street star teases their character could have head turned as beloved couple tested

Coronation Street fans will be left concerned for one couple in upcoming scenes as their relationship is seriously tested.

Only recently, childhood sweethearts Leanne Battersby and Nick Tilsley found themselves engaged again after an on-off romance spanning decades. However, it’s not long until doubts start to creep in and when Leanne finds herself captivated by the leader of a support group called The Institute, it has the potential to leave their romance on the rocks.

In upcoming episodes, the couple deal with Simon Barlow’s court proceedings after he crashed a car while travelling with Nick’s young son, Sam Blakeman, while over the limit. Simon tells Nick and Leanne, who is his legal mother, that he’s prepared for whatever punishment the magistrate throws at him as he deserves it while Sam agrees to write a character reference for Simon.

Later in the week, as Leanne and Simon get ready to leave for court, Nick claims he’s far too busy to go with them. The admission leaves Simon disappointed and Leanne furious at her partner. Following the court proceedings, Leanne decides to take Simon to the Chariot Square Hotel as there’s a The Institute seminar, which is a support group.

After learning that there’s a wedding fair at the same time, Nick reluctantly agrees to accompany Leanne. However, it’s not long until a member of The Institute, Rowan, charms Leanne and gives her the benefit of his advice. Leanne is taken aback, especially when Rowan encourages her to share her innermost thoughts and feelings. Following their interaction, Rowan flashes her a smile and Leanne finds herself blushing.

Talking about the upcoming scenes, Nick star Ben Price teased that his character could also have the potential to have their head turned as Leanne is captivated by the charming Rowan. The actor, 51, admitted his character Nick is “not too happy” that Leanne wants to rush the wedding, especially with all the drama surrounding Simon.

Speaking to the Mirror and other press, Ben said: “He’s not too happy I don’t think! I think one – it’s going to cost a fortune and two – he’s thinking: ‘Can I just slow this down a bit and it not be too soon, too quick, it’ll cost a lot of money and I’m still not sure where I am.’ I’ll be honest, I think he’s like: ‘Okay, I’ll go’ but I think he’s hoping he can weasel his way out a bit. Let’s have a think, give it six months.”

However, despite Nick’s doubts, actor Ben doesn’t think it could be the end for his character and Leanne if Nick were to come clean about his wedding woes. He said: “No, I don’t think so. I think after a while in Corrie, it’s not that. Like with any long relationship, it shouldn’t be that. It shouldn’t be that you can’t start talking honestly without it always just collapsing because they’re a long standing couple.”

He added: “I think, Nick and Leanne, in my heart are probably forever but that’s not to say you shouldn’t have wobbles”, insisting at the moment there is a “way back” for the couple. Talking about Nick’s reaction to Rowan, he said: “I don’t think he’s instantly jealous as he can’t really work out it’s anything if you see what I mean. I don’t think it is that straight away and I don’t think I’m playing that straight away. It’s just that as it develops, I’m concerned both sides, what is this? She can get her eye taken, definitely, he’s good looking, I get it. They’ve both been at fault there!”

With Leanne being captivated by Rowan, Ben was asked if his character Nick could have his “head turned” to which the actor admitted: “Yeah, he has [in the past] hasn’t he! I mean, yeah, it’s Coronation Street! I mean, yeah, of course. Yeah, absolutely!”