A former Coronation Street and Emmerdale star has revealed that he suffered from a mini stroke at aged just 35.
Actor Chris Fountain – who is best known for his roles on soaps Coronation Street, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks, as well as competing on ITV reality show Dancing On Ice – has given an update on his health in a recent interview, and said he was left “speaking like a toddler” after waking one morning and noticing something “wasn’t right”.
The Bradford-born actor was diagnosed with a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) – which is also known as a mini stroke – back in August, and had to sent five days in hospital in London fearing “life as [he] knew it was over”.
He told The Mirror in a recent interview that he felt “stupid” because he just “couldn’t get [his] words out” to explain to the doctors what the issue was, despite knowing exactly what he wanted to say.
“I woke up one morning and knew something wasn’t right. My mum called me and I just couldn’t get my words out,” Chris explained.
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“I started walking round my house looking at things and I could think what the word was, like television or fridge, but I couldn’t say it. I called 111 on my mum’s advice and they sent an ambulance for me – it was so scary.”
Chris Fountain played Tommy Duckworth on Coronation Street between 2011 and 2013 / Credit: ITV
The 35-year-old said he just “couldn’t believe it” when he received his diagnosis.
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He continued: “When the doctors confirmed I’d had a TIA and said the word stroke, I just couldn’t believe it, there was a moment of sheer panic just fearing what it meant for the rest of my life.
“Would I have another one? Would the next one be even worse and I’d lose the use of my arms or legs?
“I was really scared and just broke down in tears.”
While Chris has confirmed that he has now regained 90% of his speech following the diagnosis, he has revealed that he will now have to work with a speech therapist to relearn how to read out loud and to not stumble over his words.
According to the NHS website, a TIA is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain, which can result in a lack of oxygen and can cause symptoms similar to a stroke.
Face drooping, not being able to lift both arms, and slurred speech are all symptoms of a TIA.
The Bradford-born actor said he was left “speaking like a toddler” after suffering a TIA / Credit: Chris Fountain (via Instagram)
“The doctors said they saw some damage to the left hand side of my brain which is where your cognitive abilities are controlled from,” Chris continued.
“What’s scary is if I hadn’t have called 111 when I did and got to hospital so quickly I don’t know if that clot could have travelled to the wrong place in my brain, I could have died.
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“That clot was like a ticking bomb in my head.”
Featured Image – ITV
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NHS slam ‘unacceptable’ rise in physical violence and sexual assault towards frontline staff
Emily Sergeant
Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, and discrimination at the hands of members of the public.
According to the shocking revelations from the latest annual NHS staff survey published last week, around one in seven NHS staff (14.38%) experienced some from of physical violence directed at them from patients, their relatives, or other members of the public in 2024.
The report revealed that the number of attacks on staff has increased by nearly 14% since 2023.
Staff experiencing discrimination at work reached also reached its highest level in five years, with more than half (54%) saying the discrimination they received from patients and the public was based on their ethnic background.
One in 12 (8.82%) NHS workers experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in 2024, which included offensive comments, touching, and even assault.
Frontline NHS staff are facing a rise in physical violence at the hands of the public / Credit: Stephen Andrews (via Unsplash)
On top of these findings from the staff survey, the national education and training survey – which was also published last week, and seeks to hear the thoughts and experiences of those currently training within the medical field – found that 13% of learners said they experienced or witnessed forms of ‘unwanted, harmful, or inappropriate’ sexual behaviour by patients.
A whopping 744,358 NHS staff members took part in the 2024 survey, which is the highest ever level in staff in its 20-year history.
The survey gives a snapshot of what it’s like to work in the NHS, right from the beginning of a career, throughout their working lives, and into retirement, and are used by NHS organisations to ‘make things better’ for staff and patients.
They’re also being subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour and discrimination / Credit: rawpixel
“It’s totally unacceptable that NHS staff are facing physical violence, sexual assault, and discrimination from patients and the public while at work,” commented Dr Navina Evans, who is the Chief Workforce, Training and Education Officer for NHS England, as the survey findings were published.
“We know that the most important way to stamp out incidents of unacceptable behaviour is to give people the confidence to report it, and it is important that the voice of every member of NHS staff is heard through these surveys and acted upon.
“The NHS sexual safety charter has also now been adopted by every integrated care board and NHS trust in England to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to letting unwanted behaviours go unaddressed”.
Featured Image – Pxhere
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Will Smith announces huge gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Hollywood icon and music star Will Smith is releasing new music for the first time in 20 years, and he’s performing in Manchester later this year.
Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped turned upside down because The Fresh Prince a.k.a Will Smith is coming to Manchester and he’s bringing new music too.
One of the biggest names in the world, the 56-year-old is behind some seriously catchy songs like ‘Miami’, Summertime’, ‘Gettin Jiggy Wit It’.
His new album drops on 28 March, titled ‘Based On A True Story’, and has some featuring credits from R&B megastar Teyana Taylor and his own son Jaden too.
The opening track of the new record ‘Int. Barbershop – Day’ even sees the Philadelphia native linking up with ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’ theme tune collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff.
It should come as no surprise that this superstar is returning to the stage since both his children have been reaching impressive heights with their musical careers, especially Willow.
Smith has been kicking it with the big dogs of the rap scene recently as current global phenomenon Doechii recruited him for a viral video surrounding her latest single ‘Anxiety’.
This isn’t the only way Smith has been staying in the public eye, he’s also dropped the collaboration ‘First Love’ with Spanish singer, India Martínez, even performing it at Latin award show, Premio Lo Nuestro.
This isn’t the only huge stage he’s performing on as he took to social media to announce he’ll be playing for Concacaf Nations League at Sofi Stadium on 23 March.
The Hollywood star has picked up an Oscar, four Grammys, a BAFTA and films he’s featured in have grossed just under $10 billion – he is legendary.
Now, he’s set to play three UK cities including Manchester, London and even a show in Wolverhampton, we really did get lucky with this one.
The album cover for his latest drop in 20 years ‘Based On A True Story’.The tracklist for Will Smith’s upcoming project.Credit: Instagram
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2022 
