Simon Gregson Discusses Mental Health Struggles

Simon Gregson, who has portrayed Steve McDonald on Coronation Street for nearly 35 years, has candidly discussed the negative impact of sudden fame on his mental health. Beginning his role at just 15 years old, Gregson felt unprepared for the pressures of celebrity life, stating that young actors were essentially 'dropped in the middle of the ocean' without support. He revealed that he struggled with anxiety and panic attacks, which intensified after becoming a husband and father, and turned to self-medication through alcohol, though he insists it was not a problem for him. Gregson later sought therapy, initially through police resources due to his father's profession, but found it unhelpful. It wasn't until he met his wife, who encouraged him to reduce his drinking, that he began to see improvements. Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed concern for his own children facing similar challenges in the industry today.