Actor Charles Lawson, who plays Jim McDonald on Coronation Street, recently suffered a mini-stroke on stage during his theatre performance of Rebus: Long Shadows.
The 59-year-old actor became disorientated in front of the crowd during the performance, and was apparently so confused that he had no idea where he was. As a result, the star missed three performances.
Speaking of the incident that shocked and scared fans, Charles said: “Not to put too fine point on it, I had a TIA on stage, which you probably know is a mini-stroke."
“We opened in Edinburgh playing to a full house and I was halfway through the second half, the climax of the play, and I went deaf," he added.
“I was aware that John Stahl [who plays gangster Big Ger] was saying his lines but I thought they were from a different play. For two minutes I had no idea where I was, then I woke up in the wings. It was a little disturbing to say the least."
A TIA causes stroke-like symptoms but not permanent disabilities.
Coronation Street spoilers Monday 29th October - Friday 2nd November:
coronation street spoilers - WEEK 44
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This week, Sinead's secret is finally out.
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She collapses in the ladies' toilet at work, and an ambulance is called.
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Sinead is rushed to hospital, and Ken insists on accompanying her.
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While Sinead is having tests, Daniel becomes aware that something is seriously wrong...
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Ken breaks the news to him that Sinead has cervical cancer.
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Daniel is horrified when he learns Sinead has refused treatment to save their baby.
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He implores Sinead to do whatever it takes to increase her chances of survival.
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But Sinead is adamant the baby comes first.
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Daniel is intent on raging at Ken for not telling him about Sinead's illness, but Peter tells him the cancer wasn't Ken's fault and that he was just respecting her wishes.
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A very angry Steve returns home.
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Amy is appalled when he tells her that Tracy left him in the desert and stole his wallet and passport.
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Knowing they've let Amy down again, Steve begs Tracy to give their marriage a chance, will she agree?
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Ali is unnerved when summoned to a meeting at the hospital.
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Ronan's mother approaches Ali and asks him to talk her through her son's final moments.
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Struggling to keep his emotions in check Ali lies, telling her he did everything he could to save her son.
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A drunk Ali goes home to Robert and tells him he intends to hand himself into the police for killing Ronan.
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Robert implores Ali not to hand himself in but to return to his GP training where he will have the opportunity to save thousands of lives.
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Elsewhere, Carla discovers Peter's plan. Peter heads out for a meeting with Nigel Steadman, a competitor of Underworld, and lies to Carla about it.
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Telling him he'll never get his hands on Underworld, Carla demands to know what Peter's playing at.
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Later in the week, Bethany visits Ryan in hospital.
Charles revealed that he has been recovering from the stroke three weeks ago, and is now back on stage. “There was no lasting damage so I’m back on stage and delighted to be saying I’m firing on all cylinders.
“When I sit and think about it then it’s a shock but apparently they are common. Sometimes people don’t even know they’ve had them.
“But I definitely knew something was wrong with me – I had absolutely no idea what was going on at all.
The actor also revealed that he will be on medication for the rest of his lifetime, stating: “I’ve been given medication which I’ll be on for the rest of my life. But I can assure you I’m in good nick."
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