Coronation Street star’s past Hollywood role in film he ‘didn’t expect to be so big’
Coronation Street star Daniel Brocklebank spoke recently about his role in an Oscar-winning film from the 1990s
Coronation Street’s beloved character, Daniel Brocklebank, who first graced the cobbles in 2014 as Billy Mayhew, looked unrecognisable in a Hollywood film from the 90s. He confessed that he “didn’t realise how big that movie was going to be”.
Since his debut on the soap, Daniel has become a firm favourite, tackling a range of intense storylines – from murder to a devastating drug addiction.
In addition to his gripping narratives, Billy has had several romantic entanglements on the show, including Todd Grimshaw (played by Gareth Pierce) and his husband Paul Foreman (portrayed by Peter Ash).
However, last year saw Billy heartbroken following the death of his husband Paul after his struggle with MND (motor neurone disease).
Adding to the shock of fans, it was announced this year that Daniel will be exiting Coronation Street in an explosive storyline set to unfold on screen.
On Sunday (December 13), Daniel appeared on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh to discuss his journey on Coronation Street and his impending departure. The conversation soon shifted to Daniel’s role in the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare In Love from 1998, reports the Mirror.
A clip from the romantic comedy period film was shown, featuring a youthful Daniel sharing the screen with Gwyneth Paltrow.
The film, which bagged seven Oscars, three BAFTAS and three Golden Globes, starred Joseph Fiennes as William Shakespeare. Daniel clinched a Screen Actors Guild Award for his portrayal of Sam Gosse.
Back in the studio with Alan, Daniel took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his time filming Shakespeare In Love. He said: “It was a wonderful film. That cast was incredible.”
He continued: “I was 18 when we filmed that and I think at the time, I didn’t realise how big that movie was going to be, or what it would do for my career. Again, another hugely proud moment in my so far, 32-year career.”
Recently, Daniel revealed his reaction upon learning that soap bosses planned to write his character out of the show. Speaking to The Mirror, he shared: “They said it was purely storyline-based, as is so often the case.
“It felt absolutely right, so I was philosophical about it. It is just a job at the end of the day and there’s no character bigger than the show. We only get a contract for a year at a time and I don’t think anybody in their right mind would expect to be there for life, because I think you’re possibly setting yourself up for a fall.
“Shows evolve and new producers want to bring in new characters and exit characters that they feel have had their time; that’s the nature of it.”