Perdita
23-05-2021, 04:00
Coronation Street newcomer Sam Retford has shared details of what fans can expect from his character Curtis Delamere.
The former Ackley Bridge actor makes his first appearance on the ITV soap next week and will feature in a romantic storyline with established character Emma Brooker (Alexandra Mardell).
Earlier this week, Corrie announced that Sam had been cast as Emma's new love interest.
Upcoming episodes see Emma bond with Curtis after they meet at the Rovers Return. Emma's father Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) isn't so impressed, as Curtis is the man who knocked him off his bike and caused him to come last in a recent charity fundraiser.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about Curtis, Sam explained: "I would describe Curtis as very determined, very hard-working, and he's really curious as well.
"He's quite a nervous guy as well, which I think is really nice, as I've not really played anyone like that.
"In Emma, Curtis sees a fresh start and I think that's exciting for him. Once he sees that someone is taking him under their wing, I think he really likes that. He tries to win Emma over."
Asked whether he shares any similarities with Curtis, Sam joked: "We both have the same hair, same eyes, same height!
"Other than that and the differences, the fact that he's quite shy, I like that. I'm enjoying that more reserved placement. He's nice and it's nice to have a character who is happy and enjoying life."
Sam previously played the role of Cory Wilson on Channel 4's school-based drama Ackley Bridge. He has also made appearances in shows like Death in Paradise and Casualty.
Discussing his experience of joining Corrie, Sam explained: "I was on the M60 when I found out that I'd got the part. I had a set of 8ft long school lockers hanging out of my car! I was building a film studio at the time, so I couldn't hear anything.
"My manager rang me up and I could barely hear what she was saying, but I did catch that she said that they wanted me to come in and portray Curtis. I spent the rest of the journey very happy!
"On my first day on set, three years ago to that exact day, I was going for a little walk around Media City and I had taken a little photo of the Coronation Street sign.
"Three years to the day, I was on the other side of the wall, so I was super lucky. That was a nice little serendipitous moment.
"My first day on set was great. It was super overwhelming, not through any fault of the people there. Everything I heard coming into it was that I was going to have such a lovely time because of the people in it.
"That's absolutely true and testament to Ali Mardell for helping me through it. She's been wonderful, helping me feel very welcomed.
"Although the first day was very overwhelming, by the end of it, I felt like I had settled in and found a new home. It was nice that I was on the cobbles and in The Rovers in the afternoon. It was the most Corrie day on Corrie that someone could have on Corrie!
"As well as Ali, it was Simon Gregson who I pretty much had all of the other scenes with. Just because of COVID, it's been very limited but I'm actually fine because I do all my scenes with these two and it was fantastic.
"They're proper pros as well. I'm just trying to be a big sponge and soak it all up."
Digital Spy
The former Ackley Bridge actor makes his first appearance on the ITV soap next week and will feature in a romantic storyline with established character Emma Brooker (Alexandra Mardell).
Earlier this week, Corrie announced that Sam had been cast as Emma's new love interest.
Upcoming episodes see Emma bond with Curtis after they meet at the Rovers Return. Emma's father Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) isn't so impressed, as Curtis is the man who knocked him off his bike and caused him to come last in a recent charity fundraiser.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about Curtis, Sam explained: "I would describe Curtis as very determined, very hard-working, and he's really curious as well.
"He's quite a nervous guy as well, which I think is really nice, as I've not really played anyone like that.
"In Emma, Curtis sees a fresh start and I think that's exciting for him. Once he sees that someone is taking him under their wing, I think he really likes that. He tries to win Emma over."
Asked whether he shares any similarities with Curtis, Sam joked: "We both have the same hair, same eyes, same height!
"Other than that and the differences, the fact that he's quite shy, I like that. I'm enjoying that more reserved placement. He's nice and it's nice to have a character who is happy and enjoying life."
Sam previously played the role of Cory Wilson on Channel 4's school-based drama Ackley Bridge. He has also made appearances in shows like Death in Paradise and Casualty.
Discussing his experience of joining Corrie, Sam explained: "I was on the M60 when I found out that I'd got the part. I had a set of 8ft long school lockers hanging out of my car! I was building a film studio at the time, so I couldn't hear anything.
"My manager rang me up and I could barely hear what she was saying, but I did catch that she said that they wanted me to come in and portray Curtis. I spent the rest of the journey very happy!
"On my first day on set, three years ago to that exact day, I was going for a little walk around Media City and I had taken a little photo of the Coronation Street sign.
"Three years to the day, I was on the other side of the wall, so I was super lucky. That was a nice little serendipitous moment.
"My first day on set was great. It was super overwhelming, not through any fault of the people there. Everything I heard coming into it was that I was going to have such a lovely time because of the people in it.
"That's absolutely true and testament to Ali Mardell for helping me through it. She's been wonderful, helping me feel very welcomed.
"Although the first day was very overwhelming, by the end of it, I felt like I had settled in and found a new home. It was nice that I was on the cobbles and in The Rovers in the afternoon. It was the most Corrie day on Corrie that someone could have on Corrie!
"As well as Ali, it was Simon Gregson who I pretty much had all of the other scenes with. Just because of COVID, it's been very limited but I'm actually fine because I do all my scenes with these two and it was fantastic.
"They're proper pros as well. I'm just trying to be a big sponge and soak it all up."
Digital Spy