Coronation Street actor James Cartwright has spoken candidly about facing a difficult and 'empty' festive season, following the devastating loss of three beloved family members. The star, who plays the manipulative Theo Silverton in the ITV soap, shared how his real-life family is navigating grief during what is typically a joyous time of year.
A Season of Heartache
In a poignant revelation, James explained that this year has been marked by profound sadness. 'Very sadly, this year, we've lost both our dogs,' he said. This double blow comes on the heels of another significant loss. 'And last year we lost my grandad, who was my best friend, just before Christmas.'
He admitted the cumulative effect of these losses will cast a shadow over the holidays. 'The house will feel very empty,' James confessed. To counter this atmosphere of absence, his family is breaking with tradition entirely. 'So to combat that, we're going out for Christmas dinner for the first time ever.'
Creating New Festive Memories
Detailing the new plan, James painted a picture of a family determined to find joy. 'We'll wake up in the morning with all the family, we'll open our presents, we'll get our best suits on, and then we'll go out for something to eat.' He even shared the festive tipple choices: 'Mum will have an egg nog, Dad will have a sparkling water and me, my brother and sister will probably get giddy on buzzballs.'
His fondest Christmas memories, however, remain centred on his grandfather. 'My favourite memories are from when my dear grandad was still with us,' he shared. 'To me those were the best Christmases because it was a full dinner table and lots of laughter.'
Holding Onto Cherished Traditions
Amid the change, some beloved family rituals remain sacrosanct. A key tradition is their annual Christmas Eve viewing of the comedy film 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'. 'We watch it every year, I don't know how it happened, but we all laugh our heads off every year, even though we know what's coming,' James said.
The tradition is so deeply ingrained that a suggestion to change it once caused uproar. 'There was one particular year where it was suggested we watch something else and there was near mutiny in the Cartwright Household,' he recalled with a laugh. 'You realised how strongly these things are sort of embedded for no reason.'
From Soap Villain to Real-Life 'Lovely Bloke'
While James comes across as warm and family-oriented, his on-screen persona is starkly different. Viewers of Coronation Street have been horrified by the psychological and physical abuse his character, Theo Silverton, inflicts on partner Todd Grimshaw.
Theo uses gaslighting and coercion to isolate Todd, with his bullying stemming from his own ruined life—a lost wife, a lost job, and no access to his child. When asked which list Theo would be on, James joked: 'If you spoke to Theo, nice list.' But he knows the public's view: 'If you ask the general British public, naughty list.'
This was hilariously confirmed during a trip to his local Sainsbury's. 'I was doing self-service when she said come here, come here, I can't believe Sandra's not in,' he recounted. 'Then she pulled an umbrella out and just spanked me on the bottom as she went, "That's from Sandra. You leave Todd alone."'
James Cartwright's interview highlights the stark contrast between a soap opera villain and the genuine, grieving man behind the role, as he and his family bravely forge a new path through their first Christmas without their loved ones.
