Colson Smith has done lots of research into OCD for his Craig storyline
Colson Smith has revealed he got advice from former Coronation Street star Ian Puleston-Davies to help him portray his character Craig Tinker’s struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The 19-year-old actor has said he received advice from Ian, who played Owen Armstrong in Corrie and who made a documentary last year about his debilitating OCD, about the condition.
“My parents both work in mental health so I asked them about it, and I’ve also been given advice by Ian Puleston-Davies.”
Ian Puleston-Davies made a BBC documentary about his battle with OCD
Colson said he has done extensive research for his current storyline, which tonight sees his character trapped in his house by his OCD, so he can do it justice.
“I want to do the storyline justice for people who suffer from OCD. I’d like to help raise awareness. Hopefully, anyone watching who has Craig’s symptoms can be pointed in the right direction.”
Ian, who recently told TV Times that Owen would sort out Phelan if he was still there, said last year that his OCD can be "all encompassing" and that one of his fears is "sitting down too quickly and cracking my coccyx [tailbone]".
“If I’m in a restaurant, I can’t just sit down straight away. I have to measure the distance between my coccyx and the seat,” he said.
Coronation Street continues at 7.30pm tonight.
