Jack P. Shepherd is no stranger to drama—on or off screen. As one of the most enduring and complex characters on Coronation Street, David Platt has weathered emotional torment,
family feuds, heartbreak, trauma, and even brushes with death. But according to Jack, the next chapter in David’s life might just be one of his darkest yet.
Speaking just before entering the Celebrity Big Brother house—where he survived his first eviction and continues to win over a whole new audience—Jack sat down with
Inside Soap to reflect on a quarter-century in Weatherfield and offer a tantalizing glimpse into what’s coming next.
“It’s a long time when you think about it—25 years to the day!” Jack said. “When I joined the show, Helen Worth [who plays Gail] had already been in it for that long. Now here I am, and it’s my turn. It’s mad.”
The actor, who joined the cast at the age of 12, admits he always felt like an “old soul,” even back then.
“I remember the cast welcoming me and thinking I was an 85-year-old trapped in a 12-year-old’s body,” he joked. “And I agreed with them—I really was before my time.”
And while many child actors fade out of the spotlight, Jack grew into his role, transforming David from a mischievous teen into one of Corrie’s most layered and enduring characters. Fans have watched him fall in and out of love, endure unthinkable trauma, and navigate life as both a doting dad and a troubled soul.
From Lighthearted Chaos to Deep Drama
Over the years, Jack has worked closely with co-stars like Tina O’Brien (Sarah Platt) and Ben Price (Nick Tilsley) to build one of the show’s most beloved—and dysfunctional—families. Their natural chemistry and comedic timing often bubble through even the most intense scenes.
“We just filmed a barbecue scene in the Platts’ back garden,” Jack recalled. “It was sunny, and I was eating burgers. Then David starts giving Sarah grief over dating Kit, calling him a ‘lanky lad’. Sarah fires back, tells me to shut it, then throws a burger bap at my head!”
What started as a dramatic scene quickly turned into a laugh-out-loud moment for the cast.
“Tina was wetting herself, Ben’s head was gone, and we were all just laughing,” he said. “You can’t buy that chemistry—we’ve built it over decades.”
But while the Platts are known for their chaotic charm, the show isn’t afraid to tackle darker territory—and that’s exactly what’s coming.
A Disturbing Twist in David’s Future
Jack confirmed that Coronation Street will soon delve into a heavy, emotionally intense storyline for David—one that promises to test him like never before.
“There’s an episode coming up in May with a really dark storyline,” Jack teased. “David’s cracking jokes all the way through it. It’s not supposed to be funny, but I said, ‘Look, everyone else is crying!’”
While details remain tightly under wraps, Jack’s comments suggest the storyline will balance emotional intensity with the character’s trademark sarcasm and dry humor.
“The director just said, ‘Yeah, I see your point. Fair enough, carry on!’” he laughed.
David Platt has faced enormous emotional challenges in the past—from losing his wife Kylie in a stabbing, to enduring childhood abuse, to his ongoing struggles with trust and fatherhood. Whatever this next storyline is, fans can expect it to bring out every ounce of the emotional range Jack P. Shepherd has become famous for.
Looking Ahead: Could Jack Stay for Another 25 Years?
With such a storied run behind him, does Jack see himself sticking around for another two and a half decades?
“Easily,” he said with confidence. “If the Platts are still part of the Street, and we’re getting storylines, I don’t see why not. If the show still wants the character and the audience still like him, I’m in.”
Given the love fans continue to show David, it seems unlikely that Weatherfield would let him go anytime soon. Whether he’s offering comedic relief in chaotic family scenes or anchoring the show’s darkest plotlines, Jack P. Shepherd remains one of the street’s most captivating presences.
A Legacy Cemented in Weatherfield
As Jack steps into the reality-TV spotlight with Celebrity Big Brother, his heart remains firmly planted in Weatherfield.
“You don’t realise what you’re signing up for at 12,” he reflected. “You just wake up, someone does your hair, and then you’re on telly.”
Now, 25 years later, that 12-year-old has become a cornerstone of Coronation Street—a household name whose legacy continues to evolve.
From cheeky kid to tortured adult, David Platt has lived a thousand lives, and if Jack’s hints are anything to go by, his most gripping chapter may be right around the corner.