Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Aaron McCusker has confirmed “difficult times ahead” for his character Ben Driscoll. The newcomer arrived on the cobbles earlier this week, after buying the Rovers Return for his wife Eva Price.
Despite a hidden mean streak, which was revealed during an encounter with Carl Webster, Ben has proven himself to be a doting husband, father and son. But McCusker has teased some upcoming family drama as the Driscolls settle into Weatherfield.
Though Eva was delighted to return to the street as the new landlady this week, her celebratory lock-in at the pub was dampened by the arrival of her mother-in-law Maggie, who insisted she was going to be in charge after funding the sale.
The power struggle was sorted by Ben, who declared that Eva’s name would be above the door, while his mum would be a silent partner. However, Ben will have to remain in his referee shirt as Maggie continues to make herself at home.
“He’s got every reason to be stuck between his mum and Eva because he loves them both dearly and there’s nothing worse than being stuck between that,” explained McCusker.
“He can see that [Maggie] doesn’t treat [Eva] very well but he’s scared to step in because she was a single mum and she brought him up. What can he do? Deep down he wishes she wouldn’t speak to her like that and wishes she’d go away every now and again.”
The actor, who also starred in Shameless, admitted that Ben will struggle to cope as his loyalties are tested by both women, saying: “I don’t know what way it’s going to go, but I can see difficult times ahead.”
Meanwhile, McCusker also addressed the relationship between the wider Driscoll clan, including his two sons and step-daughter, who he said “keep him sane”.
“I’ve got a lovely relationship on screen and off screen with Raph [Akuwudike], who plays my oldest [Ollie]. Me and him have some lovely moments.
“I think if he didn’t have those kids… It should be him keeping his kids on the straight and narrow but I think we might see them keeping him on the straight and narrow.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
