Coronation Street star Rob Mallard has opened up about his tremor diagnosis and revealed that he fears it could end his career, but is hopeful he will be able to incorporate it into his soap character - Daniel Osbourne.
Since his time on the show, Mallard's character has been involved in some of the biggest storylines, such as supporting his former fiancé Daisy Midgeley (played by Charlotte Jordan) through her stalking ordeal and the return of his ex-girlfriend Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon).
However, what some loyal viewers may not have noticed is that Mallard has to concentrate 10 times harder than most to make sure he is on top form and not let his tremors impact the scene.
The 32-year-old first noticed the slight shake in his left hand at 14 years old and explained: "It started to get pointed out more often by people at school, friends and family. I eventually went to the doctor to see if I could get a diagnosis."
After a year of tests, his GP finally gave him some good news and diagnosed him with an essential tremor which affects a million people in Britain, but only 15 per cent say they have heard of it.
Mallard added to The Mirror: "He said, ‘If your symptoms get bad, we’ll see if we can medicate to alleviate them, but there’s nothing we can do’."
Rob Mallard opened up about his tremor diagnosis
ITV
Despite his early diagnosis, it wasn't until he reached his twenties and began starring in theatre performances that his condition started to become a problem, and revealed: "It would distract from the performance."
He was later given beta blockers, but unfortunately, it made no difference: "It didn’t stop the tremor, but stopped me being able to do my job because you’ve got to come into a scene at a certain emotional level.”
When he arrived on Coronation Street in 2016 he developed techniques that helped him cope with the condition which included practicing actions over and over, and breaking things down into smaller parts to hide the tremor.
However, holding a pint of beer in a scene proved to be his biggest challenge, with the soap son of Ken Barlow explaining: "If I’m already in the scene, I’ll get them to give me a drink that’s two-thirds gone.
Rob explained he has learnt certain techniques to help through filming
GETTY
"There’s not much chance of me spilling that. But if I come into the scene and order a pint the chances are it’ll be up to the top. That’s when the issues start. Sometimes my voice will shake too."
After living with the condition for nearly 20 years, Mallard has noted that lack of sleep or food, and caffeine consumption add to the tremors: "In the last 10 years it has become a lot more pronounced.
"If it follows that trajectory in my personal life it’s going to be difficult and annoying. Professionally it could be career-ending.
"It has been suggested that Coronation Street wrap it into the character, which I’m not averse to, but I’d rather not do that now. I don’t want it to pigeonhole me."
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Rob admitted his tremor diagnosis could end his career
ITV
Mallard has the condition under control for now and has begun working with the National Tremor Foundation to raise awareness and help others not to feel shame.
"I was embarrassed about it for years. Eventually, I just had to choose to own it."
