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
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
Emily Sergeant -
10th October 2022 
