Former Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt has revealed the terrifying reality he endured behind closed doors, as a court heard how he lived in constant fear of a stalker who made deeply disturbing confessions. Even though it began as a strange encounter, it quickly turned into a nightmare, with threats, obsession, and chilling fantasies that left the actor fearing for his life and for others.
A Chilling Confession That Changed Everything
Adam Rickitt’s ordeal began in 2024 when Ron Kleihues, 52, from Knutsford, first approached him. The actor, who runs the Dexter and Jones pub with his wife Katy Rickitt, initially believed the man was simply asking for a job. Instead, Kleihues accused him of hacking his phone and emails; an accusation Rickitt immediately dismissed as nonsense.
Although that first meeting ended, Kleihues returned months later and asked for another discussion involving staff and regulars. Rickitt agreed but admitted he already had a bad feeling about the situation. That instinct proved right, as the conversation soon took a disturbing turn.
During the meeting, Kleihues confessed to watching child pornography and admitted he had been fantasising about raping a child. While he claimed he had not acted on those thoughts, he told Rickitt he was struggling to control them.
The actor later said this moment deeply shook him, as he immediately feared that someone vulnerable could be at risk. He contacted 999 straight away, barred Kleihues from the pub, and urged him to seek professional help.
Fear, Threats, And An Escalating Obsession
From that point on, Rickitt said he lived with constant fear. Despite being banned and warned by police, Kleihues continued his campaign; bombarding him with letters, emails, and threats. In one message, he warned that if he was prevented from entering the pub, he would “dismantle all that you stand for,” which only heightened Rickitt’s anxiety.
The situation worsened as Kleihues became fixated on two members of staff, particularly a barmaid. He declared his love for her and accused Rickitt of blocking his chance at happiness. He insisted he only wanted a relationship, but his words turned increasingly threatening, suggesting things would go badly if he continued to be stopped.
Rickitt later described how this behaviour made him fear not just for himself but for everyone around him. He said his biggest worry was that he had not done enough and that a child could end up being harmed. The thought haunted him daily, and he admitted he felt overwhelming guilt about the possibility.
The actor also feared physical violence. He told the court he was constantly worried that Kleihues might attack him or his staff. He became so concerned that he refused to let his wife walk home alone and remained on high alert at all times.
The ordeal left Rickitt emotionally and physically drained. He told the court he had to go on anti-anxiety medication, suffered severe stress, and even experienced convulsions at night. The pressure also affected his relationship with his wife, as both struggled to cope with the ongoing threat. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.