Coronation Street icon Simon Gregson has been portraying Steve McDonald for more than three decades, so it’s no wonder that fans frequently address him by his on-screen name. But Simon has now said that even his own mum once slipped up and did the same while at home, of all places!
Soap Stardom Is Full of Surprises
Discussing the Fuelling Around podcast, Simon revealed the special way soap stars enter the lives of viewers. He said that when you are in people’s living rooms every evening, they feel as though they know you.
As an example, Simon recalled a moment in a supermarket when a woman suddenly grabbed his arm with a look of pure shock. “She held onto me for ages, apologised, and walked off,” he shared. “I thought, ‘She thinks I’m a dead relative.’”
But the biggest shock came at home. One day, his own mother unconsciously referred to him as Steve.
In Simon’s account, she mentioned, “I’ve been chatting with Steve all day at work,” and he had to correct her, “I know, but I don’t need the last thing at home.” Laughing it off, he went on to say, “Bless my poor mum. It was a genuine mistake.”
Troubles for Steve Continue in Coronation Street
At the same time, Steve McDonald isn’t having a smooth trip in Coronation Street, either. Earlier this year, he was falling for Cassie Plummer. Unfortunately, though, things went dark when Cassie was revealed to have poisoned Ken Barlow.
And soon another emotional test is looming. This week, Steve will bid farewell to his close friend and co-worker Eileen Grimshaw, who is departing the cobbles after 25 years. As strong friends, her departure represents a huge upheaval in Steve’s life.
All said, Simon is aware that soap stardom carries a blurred distinction between life and television. From shoppers in supermarkets to blunders at home, he laughs at it all. And after over 30 years playing the part, it’s obvious that a lot of people think, including his mum, that Simon Gregson and Steve McDonald are the same. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street backstage news and the very latest soap gossip!
