As Sam Blakeman’s mental health crisis takes a devastating turn in Coronation Street, Nick Tilsley finds himself overwhelmed with fear, guilt and frustration. Unable to cope with seeing his son suffer, Nick starts looking for someone to blame.
Next week, his anger boils over when he confronts Ben Driscoll, convinced that things might never have reached this point if warning signs had been spotted sooner. Scroll down to get more details on the story!
Nick Looks For Someone To Blame
Nick spends the start of the week anxiously waiting for news about Sam at the hospital after Carla Connor-Swain realizes that the youngster is suffering from psychosis. While Toyah and Leanne Battersby stay by his side and offer support, Nick struggles to process everything that is happening.
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The worried father soon begins replaying recent events in his mind. As he searches for answers, he becomes convinced that Megan Walsh’s actions are at the heart of Sam’s suffering. Before long, his frustration shifts towards Ben Driscoll, who was closest to Megan and failed to notice what she was doing.
A Corrie source explained: “Nick loses it at Ben. He lambasts him for not realising what Megan was up to behind his back. “For Nick, if Megan was stopped sooner, then Sam would never have been subjected to the pain that he’s going through right now.”
For Nick, blaming Ben becomes a way of dealing with the helplessness he feels as a father. However, his anger threatens to create even more tension at a time when everyone should be focusing on helping Sam.
Nick Confronts Ben At The Rovers
Later in the week, Nick heads to the Rovers and comes face to face with Ben. Already carrying a huge amount of anger and worry, he wastes little time confronting him. Nick believes Ben and Eva Price played a part in the pressure that has been weighing on Sam. In particular, he thinks the stress surrounding Megan’s upcoming court case has contributed to his son’s emotional struggles.
Eva tries to reassure him and explains that Will is perfectly capable of testifying himself. She insists that Sam will not be needed. However, Nick is in no mood to listen and finds it difficult to let go of his resentment.
Although Ben and Nick briefly connect over the pain they have both experienced as parents, the peace does not last. When Nick later learns more about the seriousness of Sam’s condition, he returns to the Rovers and gives Ben a harsh piece of his mind. His words leave Ben in a difficult position as he becomes the target of Nick’s heartbreak and frustration.
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Can Nick And Sam Move Forward?
As the week continues, there is at least a small sign of hope for the family. Sam tells Nick that he would like to catch up with Roy Cropper, suggesting he may be starting to take positive steps forward. Even so, Nick knows there is no quick fix. Sam’s recovery is likely to take time, and the emotional impact of the crisis will continue to affect everyone around him.
Actor Ben Price, who plays Nick, recently spoke about how the situation could affect the family’s relationships in the future. Asked whether Nick, Toyah and Leanne could remain united, he said: “Yes, I do. However, I think, further on, and I don’t know this, but I think there will always be the push and pull between Nick and Leanne with Sam.
“I have loved that they’ve kept Leanne in the loop. I think that is very good because it feels real and very true to the stories before, as she stayed strong with Simon. It makes complete sense that she would do that, especially having lost her own child, with Sam who she’s known since he was a small child.”
For now, Nick’s biggest challenge is controlling the anger that comes with seeing his son in pain. While he desperately wants answers, blaming those around him may only make an already heartbreaking situation even harder. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.
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