Corrie star Marc Baylis says he’ll be joining the nation in a sea of tears tomorrow.
One of the ITV soap’s most controversial storylines in years sees show favourite Hayley, played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, take her own life after battling cancer.
And though Marc, Weatherfield hunk Rob Donovan, says he’ll be in pieces, he’s thrilled the “right to die” storyline has made front page news this week.
“I’ve been watching episodes I’ve missed this weekend so I’m caught up for tomorrow with the rest of the country,” said Marc, hot tip to be a winner at this week’s National Television Awards.
“I’ll definitely be watching and I’ll need a box of Kleenex. There’s no shame in shedding a tear.
“There’s only one Hayley and she’ll only leave once.
“It’s as big a loss not to have Julie around anymore as it will be not to have Hayley in Corrie.”
Marc revealed that the delicacy of the story and the emotional impact was such that Julie and David Neilson (husband Roy) were “on lockdown” by themselves for filming.
Julie, a British Humanist Society member in favour of assisted dying, has always backed her character’s stance.
But anti-euthanasia groups have warned that having Hayley take a cocktail of drink and pills in the show’s usual pre-watershed slot was “irresponsible.”
And Marc says the whole subject has been a huge topic of debate at the Manchester studios.
“You have to take your hat off to the producers and writers for tackling it,” confided Marc. “Storylines like this aren’t taken lightly and personally I’m glad it’s made the front pages.
“I’m happy that people are talking about it as it’s a very valid subject to discuss. We’ve certainly all been talking and debating it here.”
Marc’s only been on screen for 18 months as bad boy Rob, former jailbird brother of Alison King’s Carla. But he’s made a huge impression.
He’s odds-on favourite for the Best Newcomer award at the NTA’s. It’s the most high profile awards bash the unassuming 35-year-old has been at and he admits he’ll be stargazing like everyone else.
“I think there were 20-odd people on the nominations list initially so I won’t lie, it was nice to get to the shortlist of four. I try and play it down but it’s a big deal and the adrenaline’s pumping.
“I’ll get a bit star struck myself with all the big names there. I won’t be saying it out loud but in my head it’ll be ‘Oh my God, look who that is!”
Marc, who promises a lot more to come for Rob and Tracey, has also been up for ‘hot hunk’ awards but he says girlfriend Adele is having no truck with that kind of attention.
“I just laugh it off,” adds Marc. “Obviously it’s flattering but you have to take all that with a pinch of salt.
“It’s not why I’m here. Anyway, I’m sure Adele would be able to tell people a few home truths about me that’d change their minds.”
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