Jack P Shepherd's 'Ballsy' Baby Name Idea Sparks Laughter and Speculation
Coronation Street veteran Jack P Shepherd and his wife Hanni are celebrating an exciting milestone as they prepare to welcome their first child later this year. The couple, who tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Manchester Cathedral just six months ago, recently shared their joyous news with fans via an Instagram reel. In the adorable clip, Hanni cradles her growing baby bump while the pair dress elegantly, radiating happiness.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of love from fans and co-stars alike. Catherine Tyldesley, who played Eva Price, commented, 'Congratulations beautiful people,' while Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster) added, 'Congratulations darling.' Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) expressed her delight, writing, 'Congratulations guys!!! So happy for you both.' Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) and Sally Carman-Duttine (Abi Webster) also joined in with warm wishes, highlighting the close-knit Coronation Street community.
A Humorous Naming Suggestion on the Podcast
During a recent episode of his podcast, On The Sofa, alongside co-hosts Colson Smith and Ben Price, Jack opened up about the baby name discussions he and Hanni are having. While they have chosen not to learn the baby's sex beforehand, Jack revealed a particularly 'funny' idea that was suggested to him. He exclaimed, 'It was suggested, I actually thought it would be funny...David. David P Shepherd. Don't you think that would be f**king brilliant? The balls, the ballsy-ness!'
Jack further joked about the possibility of naming the baby 'David Jr.,' adding to the playful banter. His co-hosts chimed in, suggesting that the middle name 'P'—a nod to Jack's own middle name, Peter, which is part of his stage name—could be included. They also humorously proposed 'Davina' if the baby turns out to be a girl, showcasing the lighthearted nature of their conversation.
The Challenges of Choosing a Baby Name
Reflecting on the naming process, Jack admitted it can be incredibly difficult. He advised, 'No, you avoid picking baby names based on people you don't like.' When the topic of naming after film characters came up, Jack clarified, 'Yeah, I don't think we've had discussions or it has to be from a film. I don't think we've had that. You sort of just say names and throw them around.' He added that, like many expectant parents, they often turn to Google for inspiration, searching 'baby names' to find the perfect fit.
Parallels with Coronation Street Storyline
As Jack eagerly anticipates his real-life parenthood, his on-screen character, David Platt, recently navigated a dramatic storyline involving the birth of his daughter, Harper, with wife Shona Platt (played by Julia Goulding). The plot included a tense pregnancy scare when a scan revealed a mass on the baby's neck, requiring a risky operation that both mother and child survived. This emotional arc coincided with the introduction of Shona's sinister sister, Jodie Ramsey, whose schemes have threatened the Platt family dynamics, adding layers of drama to the show.
While David remains wary of Jodie's intentions, her manipulative actions continue to unfold, keeping viewers on edge. This real-life and fictional juxtaposition highlights the blend of joy and challenge that defines both Jack's personal journey and his professional role on Coronation Street.
