Coronation Street star Claire King has revealed her character’s pregnancy storyline has been incredibly emotional for her – as she never had children of her own.
The 52-year-old actress – who had a hysterectomy in 2010 – plays flamboyant Erica Holroyd in the soap – who is set to reveal to businessman Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) that she is pregnant after their brief fling at Christmas.
Claire told the Mirror: “This storyline is amazing. You often see teen mums on TV, but how often do you hear of an older one? But it has also been more difficult than I could ever have imagined.
Erica and Nick had a festive fling (ITV)
“I went to a meeting in January and was told that Erica was due to fall pregnant. At first I was delighted to be given such an important storyline.
“But afterwards, when I was alone, the connection to my past dragged up all the feelings I had buried deep inside and I found myself crying at home.
“Not having children is something I thought I had got over. But the storyline has brought back memories and emotions I hadn’t realised I hadn’t actually properly dealt with. I had quite a few tears over it that week.
“I think dealing with this storyline might have helped me. It’s going to be gripping. When I heard what was in store, my jaw hit the floor.”
Nick wants to be there for Erica when she has the baby (ITV)
Ben recently hinted that Nick is headed for romance with friend Carla Connor, so having a child with another woman could come between them. But Claire revealed Nick is keen to be there for the mother of his baby.
She said: “Erica doesn’t want anything from Nick and isn’t even sure yet if she wants to keep the baby. She’s a bit shocked at first, but then she comes around to the idea and thinks, ‘Why not?’
“There are some lovely scenes where Nick is very supportive. It brings them closer together and they try to make a go of it.”
