Peter Barlow

IT’S all change at the bookies in Weatherfield.

Harry and Dan Mason are being given the boot to make way for the return of bigamist Peter Barlow.

Chris Gascoyne, 39, who played the randy turf accountant, is “made up” to be heading back to the Corrie cobbles.

But Jack Ellis, 52, who plays Harry, and Matthew Crompton, 36, who plays his son Dan, were stunned to be told they were being axed after less than a year.

Matthew admitted: “It was horrible. It’s like splitting up with someone when you don’t want to. You feel sick – just like being dumped.”

A senior Corrie exec said last night: “The two outgoing actors might be a little miffed. 

“I suppose the extra irony is that they are being replaced by another bookmaker.

“It’s not pleasant news – but the viewers loved Peter for being brash and cocky.

“He will be around for quite a while.”

Barlow married Rovers barmaid Shelley Unwin (Sally Lindsay, 36) while still wed to florist Lucy Richards (Katy Carmi-chael, also 36).

Chris returned briefly last year for the Tracy Barlow murder trial storyline.

He will be back on screen in October.

Good news, although I still don't think the new ones deserved to be axed.

I'm so glad Peter will be back and also that it will be Chris playing him. :cheer:

I wonder will we see Peter/Maria part 2??????

Its a shame Harry and Dan Mason are leaving they are good characters

I didn't think Peter was all that great the last time he was on the street. To me he is only brought in for other characters storylines not on his own merits. I would rather have the bookies we have as I don't see the point of corrie spliting Veron/Liz up if shee isn't going to hook up with Dan's dad.

I dont really like either so wont make much diffence to me lol

Peter was one of the street's better characters, and was played in a very believable way by Chris Gascoyne. The guy who plays Dan has got to be one of the worst ever actors in Corrie, but I like the dad.

I wonder whether the son he had with Lucy is going to be mentioned or even introduced? I can see Maria/Peter part 2, definitely once Liam has left

Spoiler:

has been murdered

Loved Peter - great character. Can't wait to see him return. The two leaving are fairly boring, so I don't really care about them. Ooo and would love for Lucy and her son to return, would be interesting. Loved Lucy's character, she could really stir it up again.

Loved the character of Peter Barlow especially played by Chris :cheer:

Im glad hes coming back :D

hurrah for the return of one of Corrie's 'normal blokes' who isn't boring at the same time! they don't seem to manage it with anyone else, apart from Kevin.

When is he back on screen?

Is he filming already?

Will there by any mention of his wife Lucy and child

BIGAMIST Peter Barlow is coming back to Corrie — with his secret five-year-old son.

The bookie, played by Chris Gascoyne, was left to look after little Simon by estranged wife Lucy, before she died of cancer.

But Peter takes to fatherhood badly — and moves back in with dad Ken and stepmum Deirdre to get help.

A soap source told TV Biz: “He is stunned by his son’s arrival. He doesn’t know the first thing about kids.” Peter even tries to give Simon away after sinking double whiskies in the Rovers Return. The insider said he blurts out: “Does anybody want a five-year-old kid? I’ve got one I don’t want.”

Ken — actor William Roache — has to give him a talking to.

Dying Lucy, played by Katy Carmichael, tracked Peter down to give him Simon. She had quit the Street after learning he was also married to barmaid Shelley Unwin — actress Sally Lindsay.

Peter was last seen in Weatherfield in January last year for step-sister Tracy’s murder trial.

He had a fling with crimper Maria Sutherland, played by Samia Smith. Maria is now married to Liam Connor (Rob James-Collier). But Liam is set to be murdered and Peter could provide a shoulder to cry on.


That looks interesting :)

I'm glad Peter will be back

yeah, peter was always a good charcter. a normal bloke, but not boring. it'll be nice to see him try to deal with a kid etc

Is it really five years since he had a fling with Lucy.

Chris Gascoyne is back :heart: :thumbsup:

:eek: How time flies! Will have to start watching again rather than just watching on occasion. It was quite a realistic way to write Lucy out too, I think. I don't think young people dying of cancer has been covered by soaps enough for the amount of people that do die of it while young in real life, whereas the characters seem to start new affairs every other week which wouldn't happen so much in real life.

wow 5 years already since the bigamy storyline, jeez

i liked peter though so it will be good to have him back

Who will be his 1st conquest?

Im glad hes coming back, I always loved it when he was in corrie

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Originally Posted by inkyskin

Who will be his 1st conquest?

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hmm what about leanne or becky

Maria again, to help her cope after Liam

Bigamist Peter Barlow is coming back to Corrie — with his secret five-year-old son.

The bookie, played by Chris Gascoyne, was left to look after little Simon by estranged wife Lucy, before she died of cancer.

But Peter takes to fatherhood badly — and moves back in with dad Ken and stepmum Deirdre to get help.

A soap source told TV Biz: “He is stunned by his son’s arrival. He doesn’t know the first thing about kids.” Peter even tries to give Simon away after sinking double whiskies in the Rovers Return. The insider said he blurts out: “Does anybody want a five-year-old kid? I’ve got one I don’t want.”

Ken — actor William Roache — has to give him a talking to.

Dying Lucy, played by Katy Carmichael, tracked Peter down to give him Simon. She had quit the Street after learning he was also married to barmaid Shelley Unwin — actress Sally Lindsay.

Peter was last seen in Weatherfield in January last year for step-sister Tracy’s murder trial.

Corrie bigamist Peter Barlow and ex-hooker Leanne Battersby are set for an ill-fated romance next month.
Boozy bookie Peter, played by Chris Gascoyne, returns to the ITV1 soap with son Simon, five, after estranged wife Lucy dies of breast cancer.

And tart-with- a-heart Leanne — actor Jane Danson — steps in as Peter struggles to be a dad.

Leanne is still reeling after being chucked by lover Dan Mason — played by Matthew Crompton — over her involvement in Janice’s lottery scam.

A top soap source said: “Peter returns to Weatherfield a broken man. He’s finding his new role as a dad hard and he doesn’t get the warmest reception from the locals.”

But Leanne is a dab hand at dealing with nosy regulars gossiping in the Rovers. In the past she’s been embroiled in drug addiction, prostitution and fraud.

Our insider revealed: “When everyone else turns away from Peter, Leanne is there for him. She doesn’t judge him and she listens to his problems.

“What’s more, she proves a surprise hit with Simon — who is struggling with his new surroundings and the loss of his mother.”

However it won’t all be plain sailing for the pair.

The source said: “Leanne and Peter’s problems bring them together — but it’s not long before their colourful pasts are tearing them apart.

“They’ve got more baggage than Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and they’re soon at each other’s throats.”

Peter quit Weatherfield after he was exposed for marrying both Lucy and barmaid Shelley Unwin.

:thumbsup:

Coronation Street actor Chris Gascoyne returned to tread the Cobbles for another stint as Peter Barlow at the end of October - and this time he had his son Simon (Alex Bain) in tow. Following his wife Lucy's off-screen death, Peter took custody of Simon and returned home to Weatherfield in the hope of starting afresh. His drinking habit has seen his life begin to spiral out of control. Here, Chris chats to DS about his Corrie comeback, his latest storyline and his relationships with Simon and Ken.

What's it like to be back with Corrie full time?
"I've been back for just over three months now and it's flown by. It's pretty much all the same as it was to be honest. I think having experience doing Corrie for the last number of years on and off, you learn different ways to handle your day to make it easy for yourself. At the moment, I'm really enjoying it and it's really good to be back and I'm really enjoying the storyline."

What was it that lured you back?
"I did three years and then left, but when I went, I always said to them that I'd love to go back. I've been really lucky to be able to do that. When they sent me the storyline, I thought it was great. To be honest, they've always written really well for me. I've never had to make any suggestions to them."

Did you have any reservations about the return?
"No, I was really up for it. When you play a character every day, they're always with you anyway. You never lose them! When you look at Ken Cop, who plays Jed, he did it for five years ages ago and he's back again - it's a full circle. I'd always wondered about Peter and where he'd been, what he'd been up to."

And you've come back with a slightly new look, with a beard - was that intentional?
"That was intentional really. He's not been having a great time and he's let himself go a bit. I think when he comes back after Christmas, we'll change him again. I'll probably give him a clean shave and a smart haircut after he comes back from rehab."

Were you pleased when you heard that Peter was going to get the bookies back?
"Yeah, because when I did the last stint, they said that it didn't seem right without Peter in the bookies. Peter's glad to have it back, not least because Leanne works there!"

Peter's slowly been spiraling out of control…
"Yeah, he's been trying against the odds to sort his life out, but he can't. And when it doesn't work and it all goes wrong for him, he has a drink. There are hurdles in his way all the time. He's stubborn and resents people telling him what to do. He'll listen to advice, but he won't take any notice if he thinks the person giving it isn't in a place to do so. That happens a lot with Ken."

Does he love Simon?
"Yeah, but he doesn't know how to show it. As the story carries on, you'll see that Peter has the potential to be a fantastic dad to Simon. At the moment, he naturally loves him, but Peter doesn't feel he's good enough to look after him. Peter just thinks that Simon should be with a family who is equipped to look after him. It's not that Peter wants to get shot of him."

Does Ken have a lot to do with Peter's attitude towards Simon?
"Yeah, that's the root of everything he does. There's a little bit of Peter that's stuck in a child's mindset. He's never really cleared that up."

There's a touching moment at the beginning of Christmas week where Peter realises the havoc he's causing…
"Yeah, it's just after the nativity scenes. I just wanted to die for Peter for what he did. I loved doing those scenes - it's quite a dark humour. It's when Simon recites his nativity lines in the living room, that's what touches Peter. He starts to question how he can be such a bad father, but Simon can still look up to him the way he does. It's a lovely little moment. It's from that moment that he resolves to make amends and decides to go on the wagon."


Bonus Scoop: Corrie's Peter Barlow


In what was quite a relatively low-key comeback, Peter Barlow - played by Chris Gascoyne - returned to Coronation Street on October 29 with his son from the Rice Krispies advert, Simon (Alex Bain).

Since walking back into Weatherfield, he's made quite an impression on Leanne (Jane Danson), but she's seemingly not prepared to commit to a bloke who has a distinct drinking problem. His binging takes him well into the New Year, with Leanne continuing to worry about Simon's welfare. It's not too far into 2009 that Peter realises he has to sort himself out and so decides to return to Portsmouth to clear his head. But will he return a reformed man? Only time will tell.

Here's something that's worth a mention, though - there's an absolutely fantastic scene between Peter and Ken (William Roache) on the Barlows' doorstep following Peter's drunken ruckus at Simon's nativity. There's a showdown between father and son, during which Peter tells Ken some home truths about parenting. Superb acting on both sides.

In real life, however, Chris has taken time out of his Corrie schedule to do the panto 'thing', appearing as Abanazer in Aladdin at Cardiff's New Theatre.

Earlier this month, I caught up with Chris, so click here to read the main part of the interview. Here, however are some additional snippets from our chat.

Where's his relationship with Leanne headed?
"I don't even think Peter's thought about it all to be honest - he's taking things step by step. Peter knows that Leanne gets on really well with Simon and I think Peter's nicely surprised by that. Leanne kind of has the upper hand on him and in a strange way, Leanne's a moral voice. Peter thinks 'well, yeah, I do these things, but what about your life'. Everyone's hitting him over the head but they've all done things in their lives."

What else can we expect from Peter going into 2009?
"I know that he goes into rehab, but he only does two weeks. Nobody on the Street is going to know that, though. Then he returns as what he believes to be a new man..."

Do you think we've seen the last of Peter and Maria?
"I think so, yeah. It was a nice little story that, but you never know. They could always pick it up again."

What's it like working with little Alex Bain?
"He's brilliant. Anything you do on set, he'll respond to. He's not phased by any of the cameras or anything. I think the reason he's so good is because he enjoys it. It's quite hard when you're trying to do a scene when he's trying to strangle you and pull your ears!"

How long are you staying with Corrie this time?
"I'm here until June or July this time, so we'll see how it goes. I'm really happy at the moment, so I'll have a chat when the time comes and see what happens."

Chris Gascoyne reveals to Soaplife how Peter finally puts his son Simon first - and it breaks his heart

Peter's turning point with Simon is the little lad's bad behaviour, isn't it?
"Peter is angry at Simon for going off the rails but he hasn't yet seen it as his own fault. He thinks he is doing the right thing by keeping Simon away from Ken and Leanne and is trying to justify it to himself. He's got good intentions but he's making every wrong decision."

Then Simon nearly dies after knocking back a bottle of wine...
"And Peter still blames everybody but himself - Leanne, Carla and teacher Brian - until he finally gets to the truth of it, which is to blame himself."

Simon pulls through and tells Peter why he drank the wine...
"He says he drank it because he hates his life and also because Peter hates his life. He thinks that if he drinks it's going to make him happy, which is why Peter does it. It's very sad."

Peter tells Simon he can choose who he wants to live with, but is he prepared for him to choose Leanne?
"He's not. I don't think that possibility enter into his head until Simon says that he wants Leanne and Peter is left reeling."

Does Peter consider giving up Carla to keep Simon?
"Yes, but he panics and gives Simon to Leanne. He is making decisions that he thinks will make everything all right again but actually he's not making any right decisions and it's just a mess."

Does he have any regrets?
"He does. Maybe he'll turn round at some point and wish he could put it all back together again with Leanne but it's way too late."

Since Carla and Peter have been together all they have shown us are fights. There hasn't been any indications of their commitment other than an apology after each new run in. Even when Peter tried to take the blame for Frank's death, it just didn't ring true. Initially I wanted Carla and Peter to be together because, as I freely admit, romance is my thing. But the way this story line has played out just doesn't work. Why would Peter be surprized that Simon wants to be with Leanne, he's been screaming it in his face at every opportunity. Other than the initial touch and grab in the beginning of the relationship between Peter and Carla, they haven't shown me any depth of feeling. All I ask of an actor is to make it real enough to draw me in and make me care aout the character they are creating. That hasn't happened.

I agree, I wanted Peter and Leanne to make it work as a family, but Peter and Carla I feel nothing for?? I dont care if they stay together, drink themselves to death, disappear and never come back...


poor chemistry between them, and poorly thought out storyline - if they had put some thought into really making a go of it together they'd have sat down and thought how it would work with Simon, introduced Carla slowly after the brek up with Leanne etc..?

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Originally Posted by sarah c

I agree, I wanted Peter and Leanne to make it work as a family, but Peter and Carla I feel nothing for?? I dont care if they stay together, drink themselves to death, disappear and never come back...


poor chemistry between them, and poorly thought out storyline - if they had put some thought into really making a go of it together they'd have sat down and thought how it would work with Simon, introduced Carla slowly after the brek up with Leanne etc..?

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Exactly!

Chris Gascoyne has spoken about the reasons behind his upcoming six-month break from Coronation Street.

The Peter Barlow actor, whose departure along with co-star Alison King was announced in May, explained why he will be leaving the Weatherfield soap next month.

Questioned over whether he had planned the hiatus for long, Gascoyne responded: "No, not really. Things just snowball on.

"You don't get a rest because there's no end to this show and when you have got big storyline after big storyline you get very tired and you're not really on top of your work.

"So much so I just needed a break to refresh myself and then come back and I'll be fine."

Of how he will spend his time away from filming, the 44-year-old father-of-three added: "There'll be a bit of family time and just time to have a normal life really."

Gascoyne has portrayed well-meaning bigamist and alcoholic Peter Barlow since 2000, leaving the soap in 2007 before returning a year later.

If Peter and Leanne had split up with Leanne properly after the tram crash, then lived on their own for a bit. Simon & the viewers would probably welcomed his relationship with Carla. But because everyone adores Peter/Leanne/Simon "happy family" The Peter/Carla story is just a big turn-off, it would have been the same if Leanne was with Nick. Simon is just a scared little boy who wants his Mum and Dad back together. Will it happen who knows?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chloe O'brien

If Peter and Leanne had split up with Leanne properly after the tram crash, then lived on their own for a bit. Simon & the viewers would probably welcomed his relationship with Carla. But because everyone adores Peter/Leanne/Simon "happy family" The Peter/Carla story is just a big turn-off, it would have been the same if Leanne was with Nick. Simon is just a scared little boy who wants his Mum and Dad back together. Will it happen who knows?

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agree Chloe, and for me, if Leanne and Nick do get bck together now, I will welcome that, as leanne needs some support and love.But at the time of their affair behind Peter's back, I hated them both for what they were doing - you cant help what you feel, but its how you go about dealing with it that matters - that said I would be looking over my shoulder for Eva!!!

Coronation Street's Chris Gascyone has branded his character Peter Barlow an "idiot".

Speaking to Inside Soap, the actor admitted that he is surprised fans do not give him a "hard time" on the street.

"They seem to like Peter, which is weird, because you really shouldn't," he opined. "He's an idiot!

"He's a flawed character, though, rather than an evil one - so you ultimately don't want him to suffer something terrible."

The 44-year-old recently announced that he is taking a four-month break from the ITV show to spend time with his family.

Gascoyne's final scenes before his hiatus air tomorrow (Monday) at 8.30pm on ITV1.

Coronation Street's Chris Gascyone has branded his character Peter Barlow an "idiot".

Speaking to Inside Soap, the actor admitted that he is surprised fans do not give him a "hard time" on the street.

"They seem to like Peter, which is weird, because you really shouldn't," he opined. "He's an idiot!

"He's a flawed character, though, rather than an evil one - so you ultimately don't want him to suffer something terrible."

The 44-year-old recently announced that he is taking a four-month break from the ITV show to spend time with his family.

Gascoyne's final scenes before his hiatus air tomorrow (Monday) at 8.30pm on ITV1.

Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne has said he cannot understand why his screen alter ego Peter Barlow has proven so popular with viewers.

Speaking to Inside Soap magazine the actor said he found it "weird" that viewers "never give me a hard time", despite him being involved in some dramatic storylines, the latest of which will see him and Carla Connor try to kidnap his son Simon from Leanne.

"They seem to like Peter, which is weird, because you really shouldn't," Chris said.

"He's an idiot! He's a flawed character, though, rather than an evil one - so you ultimately don't want him to suffer something terrible."

Chris, who is taking a few months break from the show, added that he would not know what sort of advice he could give Peter to try and improve his life.

"It's very easy to give advice, but I'm not in Peter's situation," he said.

"I can understand why he does what he does - the scripts are very well written when it comes to that - but I hope that I'm never put in his position. It's just an awful place to be."

Chris Gascoyne has returned to the Coronation Street after a four-month break.

Pictures in today's Sun newspaper show the tanned actor - now sporting a white beard - collecting new scripts.

Gascoyne, who plays alcoholic Peter Barlow, took time off to spend time with his wife and three children.

The 44-year-old announced his hiatus alongside co-star and on-screen girlfriend Alison King (Carla Connor) back in May.

Peter, as well as Carla, left Weatherfield in July for a "trip of a lifetime" following a stressful custody battle for his son.

Producer Phil Collinson revealed to Digital Spy in August that Peter and Carla would make an "explosive" return to the Street.

Collinson also confirmed that the popular duo will be "together for a little while", but warned viewers that they may not have a "long-term future" together.

Looking forward to Peters return. As for Carla I wouldn't care if she never darkened the cobbles again

Peter Barlow will break up with Carla Connor shortly after the pair return from America in December, it has been reported.

According to the Daily Star, Peter will try to win back ex-wife Leanne, who will become engaged to her first husband Nick Tilsley once again later this month.

Peter will apparently say to Leanne in scenes to air next month: "You look like someone doing an impersonation of someone being happy.

"Marrying 'Bistro Boy' will be the worst mistake of your life," he will allegedly further warn, before claiming that they are both lonely without each other.

However, Leanne reportedly hits back, but will face a longer term dilemma over whether she can marry Nick and resist Peter.

Leanne reacts badly when her and Peter's divorce papers come through in upcoming episodes, suggesting she still holds a flame for the alcoholic bookies' owner.

Chris Gascoyne (Peter) and Alison King (Carla) returned to set in October following their respective four-month breaks from the ITV soap.

Peter Barlow will break up with Carla Connor shortly after the pair return from America in December, it has been reported.

According to the Daily Star, Peter will try to win back ex-wife Leanne, who will become engaged to her first husband Nick Tilsley once again later this month.

Peter will apparently say to Leanne in scenes to air next month: "You look like someone doing an impersonation of someone being happy.

"Marrying 'Bistro Boy' will be the worst mistake of your life," he will allegedly further warn, before claiming that they are both lonely without each other.

However, Leanne reportedly hits back, but will face a longer term dilemma over whether she can marry Nick and resist Peter.

Leanne reacts badly when her and Peter's divorce papers come through in upcoming episodes, suggesting she still holds a flame for the alcoholic bookies' owner.

Chris Gascoyne (Peter) and Alison King (Carla) returned to set in October following their respective four-month breaks from the ITV soap.