Simon Gregson has been part of Coronation Street for over three decades. We’ve seen him go through marriages, pub brawls, family drama, you name it. But when he recently opened up about how he ended up on the show in the first place, his reason was nothing you’d expect.
Acting Was Never Part of the Plan
Long before he became known as Steve McDonald, Simon had very different goals. Speaking on the Fuelling Around podcast, he shared that he actually wanted to join the RAF. Acting wasn’t even something he was interested in.
But in the late ’80s, something else caught his eye, a bright orange Ford Escort Mexico. At the time, he didn’t have the money for it. So when the chance came up to audition for Coronation Street, he saw it as a way to maybe earn a bit of cash to put towards the car. He said the only reason he went for the job was because he hoped it would help him afford that car.
The Dream Car That Started It All on Coronation Street
Simon had his heart set on that Ford Escort Mexico. Bright orange, loud, and bold, it was exactly the kind of car that made people stop and stare. He explained, “I’d seen a Ford Escort Mexico, in bright orange, and I was like, ‘I want that car, so I’ll go for that job.’ I might be able to put something towards it.”
Even now, years after renewing yet another Coronation Street contract, he said he wouldn’t be able to afford one today. “I couldn’t afford to buy it now, even if there was another one for sale. It was four grand in 1989, that was a lot of money then.”
A New Side Project for the Longtime Soap Star
Simon’s still a familiar face on Coronation Street, but last year, he stepped into a new project outside of Weatherfield. He launched his own YouTube channel, where he’s planning to share all kinds of content, cars, life updates, and even ghost stories.
He joked to fans that his “analogue brain” would give YouTube a go and promised “various different content.” The channel, @simongregorydad, already has a few bits up, and he encouraged fans to watch, whether they want something to enjoy or even just something to fall asleep to. For more soap news, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the latest Coronation Street updates from your favourite actors, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily.
