Coronation Street actor Ciarán Griffiths has spoken out in praise of the soap’s major storyline change for his character, Damon. In an exclusive interview, Griffiths revealed his excitement at the prospect of exploring a new direction for Damon, and praised the show’s writers for their innovative approach to character development. We delve deeper into the latest developments in Griffiths’ character journey and the impact it is set to have on the iconic soap opera.
Ciarán Griffiths, the actor who plays Damon Hay in ITV’s Coronation Street, is relishing his character’s change of heart. Initially, Damon was a major antagonist in Weatherfield, making Nick Tilsley’s life a living nightmare. However, Damon is now pitching money-making ideas for The Bistro while trying to charm his way into Sarah Barlow’s bed.
Griffiths opened up about Damon’s welcome changes, saying, “Obviously when Damon came in, he was this evil bad guy which is great to play, but I actually really enjoyed the scenes where he’s making peace with Nick. It’s nice to see him give Nick a break and take his foot off his head because he’s put him through a lot.”
Damon’s transition from a villain to a more likeable character was teased by Corrie boss Iain MacLeod earlier this year during a trip to the Loose Women studio. MacLeod said, “We’ve brought him in to put the cat among the pigeons—and he’s certainly done that, I think you’d agree. But what we’re doing over the next few months is seeing that he’s got a different side to him. He has got—I wouldn’t say a soft centre, but he’s got a heart.”
Griffiths also commented on Damon’s journey to redemption, saying, “He’s going to have to work hard to win back Nick and Leanne’s trust, and Leanne’s going to be hard to crack, but I’m enjoying seeing a bit of a different side to him.”
Coronation Street has been on the air since December 1960 and has become the heart and soul of British soap operas. The storylines are gritty, deals with some hard-hitting issues, offer commentary on societal problems, and are relatable to its viewers, which is why it has been so successful over the years.
By focusing on relatable characters, gritty storylines, and offering commentary on societal problems, Coronation Street has become a British television institution. Viewers love the show’s long-running characters and their complex relationships, which have kept them tuning in for decades.
In fact, the show has become so popular that it has spawned spinoffs, merchandise, and even a theme park. Dedicated fans can purchase Corrie-branded merchandise like jigsaw puzzles, tote bags, and tea towels from the ITV Shop, and watch classic episodes on DVD.
Additionally, the show has produced a wide range of memorable characters over the years, including Bet Gilroy, Roy Cropper, and Deirdre Barlow. These beloved characters have become icons of British television, and are still loved by fans today.
Coronation Street has also tackled some hard-hitting issues over the years, including mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence. The show has been praised for its willingness to tackle these sensitive topics, and for the care and attention it takes in handling them.
One storyline that particularly stands out is Shayne Ward’s portrayal of Aidan Connor’s battle with depression and eventual suicide. The storyline shone a light on the importance of mental health awareness and the need for men to speak out about their struggles.
Coronation Street has also been a pioneer in terms of LGBTQ+ representation on television. The show’s first gay relationship between Todd Grimshaw and Karl Foster in 2003 was groundbreaking at the time, and the show has continued to break down barriers by portraying same-sex relationships in a positive light.
Overall, Coronation Street has been able to stay relevant over the years by keeping its finger on the pulse of British society and providing viewers with relatable characters and hard-hitting storylines. As Ciarán Griffiths and Damon Hay have shown, the show is constantly evolving and finding new ways to engage its audience.
In conclusion, Corrie’s Ciarán Griffiths’ recognition of the major change in Damon’s life is a testament to the power of personal growth and self-reflection. Through his journey, Damon has been able to overcome his past mistakes and become a better version of himself. Corrie’s portrayal of Damon’s character not only reflects the struggles that people go through in real life but also serves as an inspiration to those who may be going through a similar journey. We can all learn from Damon’s story and work towards making positive changes in our own lives. And as Ciarán Griffiths put it, “That’s what makes this job so special – portraying real life in a way that people can learn from it.”
