“Nick’s brain injury storyline unfolded slowly,” said Ben, who’s been in the soap for seven years. “At first, we didn’t really know how long the story would run for, but right from the start I knew that if I wanted to do the role justice, I needed to do my research!”
That determination to know his stuff led Ben to Headway Preston and Chorley, where a day spent with service users, volunteers and staff opened his eyes to the realities of brain injury. Such was the success of the meeting, which was filmed for an excellent feature on the Lorraine show on ITV, that Ben accepted an invitation to be a patron of the Headway group.
“People were so willing to talk openly with me about their lives. I was struck by the impact brain injury has on families and relationships. That really hit home, as did the sense of loss people experience.”
“You lose part of yourself that isn’t going to come back. You change, and people around you see you as a different person, but yet you can’t quite grasp the fact that change has occurred.
“Once I’d spent time with people for whom this is a reality, not an acting job, I was even more determined to be true to the aspects of brain injury that don’t just go away in time.”
Corrie fans – particularly those who know and understand brain injury – will be quick to point out that Nick’s brain injury has ‘fluctuated’ over the past two and a half years. However, the current storyline sees Nick’s difficulties in controlling his emotions, anger, and paranoia return, leading to confrontations with partner Carla.
“Nick’s about to go through a very difficult period and I can see some dark times ahead,” said Ben. “Soap characters tend to develop over the years. You can pick things up and drop them over time, but I am really pleased that Nick’s brain injury has been recognised as being a part of him for ever more. I’m proud of the way Coronation Street has committed to it.
“The programme has touched on a very real issue for a long period of time. It’s opened me up to things that people have to deal with every day – unlike most soap storylines that focus on murder or betrayal!”
Having started out with a determination to portray brain injury as accurately as possible, how does Ben think he’s done to date?
“Ha! That’s possibly for others to answer! I can tell you that it’s not been easy playing this role. Portraying brain injury day after day can take its toll and it does sometimes get me down. But I’m just an actor pretending to have a brain injury.
“Doing so has given me a sense of empathy – in a very small way – for what others are going through every day of their lives. For them, the realities of brain injury don’t end when the cameras stop rolling.
“Some people directly affected by brain injury have been complimentary, thanking me for raising awareness of the realities of brain injury. Soaps have the power to do that and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to at least bring the issue into focus and raise awareness of the hidden aspects of brain injury.
“Hopefully, more people will now realise that a person may look and sound the same, but inside they may be struggling to cope with the hidden effects of brain injury.
“I can certainly testify that awareness of brain injury among the cast and crew is far greater now.”
Proud
Given his commitment to the role, asking why he supports Headway might seem an obvious question to put to Ben, but not so according to the talented actor and director.
“I have always been very selective when it comes to supporting charities, but Headway has very quickly come to mean a great deal to me.
“I’m proud to be associated with the charity, both on a local level with Headway Preston and Chorley, and on a UK-wide basis helping to raise awareness whenever I can.
“I was honoured to be asked to get involved. I’m just an actor trying to play a brain injury survivor and, quite frankly, I was just glad I hadn’t ballsed it up!
“Headway fills a very necessary gap for people with ABI. The care and support I have seen being given is very special indeed.
“I’ve been blown away by the dedication of those who commit their lives to providing care, help and advice to those affected by brain injury.
“Nick’s storyline will eventually end, but brain injury is here to stay and so is Headway – and that’s what’s important.”
