Coronation Street's Will Mellor opens up over "dark place" after real-life tragedies

Former Coronation Street star Will Mellor has spoken about turning to alcohol and gambling after losing two loved ones, crediting his wife Michelle McSween for helping him through this rough patch.

During an appearance on F Happy Place podcast, Mellor, who's known for the role of Harvey Gaskell on Corrie, recalled slipping "into a dark place" following the death of his sister Joanne at age 44 in 2012.

Mellor said he "wasn't a good person" after Joanne's passing, adding that he "didn't want to get out of bed" and he "hated himself" for turning to his demons.

Getting emotional, the soap star apologised to podcast host Fearne Cotton as he said: "I struggle with my emotions, they are on the surface all the time and when I talk about these things its because I care and I can’t help it."

"I never thought I would find myself in that cloud and not see colour any more," he continued, admitting he struggled with guilt.

"Because I couldn’t protect her [his late sister] any more, I couldn’t change it," he said.

"And that’s what the killer is, because I always thought I could fix things, I will do anything to help people if I can – and I couldn’t help her."

Mellor then shared that he resorted to " drinking, gambling, [and] trying to find a high in life", but those things only "sent [him] further down the hole".

"I hated myself for it," he added. "But I got through it, my wife got me through it."

Mellor is married to dancer and dance school owner Michelle McSween.

The actor said he finally realised he "had to stop feeling guilty about things", though he shared that he had a similar experience after his dad died of cancer in 2020.

"When my dad passed I saw the signs and didn't go that deep. Obviously lockdown didn’t help, when you don’t have to be up in the morning there’s no excuse not to have a few drinks," Mellor shared.

"You have a word with yourself, I was sick of feeling rubbish and now I feel great."

The Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star added: "My mindset is better. You can't change a situation, but you can change yourself, the repetition of what you're doing and keep an eye out for those little triggers."

If you identify with the themes in this article, the NHS has resources available to help with grief counselling and other support in the UK. In the US, the CDC also has resources available for those grieving.

Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website.

Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

Readers can also contact Drinkaware.

The National Gambling Treatment Service offers free, confidential help for anyone who is worried about their gambling, or someone else's gambling. Call the 24-hour freephone National Gambling Helpline on 0808 802 0133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further information and resources can be found on the Gambling Commission's website.