After months of secrets, lies, and huge betrayals, Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) have reached the end of the line in Coronation Street.
The difficult patch in their relationship began when Leanne started to prioritise Rowan Cunliffe’s (Emryhs Cooper) cult over just about everything else. As a result of Leanne being so brainwashed by The Institute, the distance between her and Nick increased more and more.
This led Nick to finding comfort in the arms of Leanne’s sister Toyah (Georgia Taylor).
At first, their fling was primarily physical attraction and sex but when faced with the prospect of stopping it, Nick and Toyah realised their feelings for each other were stronger than they thought.
While Nick and Toyah pondered over what to do, Leanne had made a discovery about their affair on Rowan’s computer. Rowan had secured photographic evidence of them kissing, and was using the images to blackmail Nick.
Given everything that’s happened, it’s no surprise Leanne and Nick have reached the conclusion their relationship is past the point of no return.
Coming up, while Leanne and Nick divide up their belongings, Sam (Jude Riordan) struggles to hide his upset. Just as Leanne leaves the flat, Nick apologises to her for how things have ended between them.
Discussing these scenes, actor Ben said:
‘Nick’s own father died so when Natasha died he was very conscious of providing some kind of safety and security for Sam. He has grown very attached to Leanne so for Sam it’s almost like losing a mum again and Nick feels very guilty about that.
‘He’s always going to love her. Part of Nick still loves her but it’s definitely finished. It’s definitely over, it’s not one of those half breakups. I think something changed for him when she went to the institute, for Nick that was the end.’
In the week, Nick offers to help move Toyah into her new place. Later on, Toyah calls by the flat to keep an eye on Sam. Initially hostile, Sam softens when Toyah apologises to him, and Nick is surprised to find them making models when he returns home.
‘I genuinely think he’s in love with her’, Ben added, discussing the connection between Nick and Toyah.
‘I know this is a bit weird, she’s Leanne’s sister, but I think he actually really loves her and he thinks this could be something and it was a bit sad how it had to end.
‘Everything was a bit different with Toyah, bit lighter, and I think after the way Leanne suddenly went to the Institute, it really made him think I just don’t know you at all. I think he’s being genuine with Toyah.’
