As Tyrone faces more violence and frightening behaviour from a disturbed Kirsty, Alan Halsall talks about why Tyrone plans a runner with baby Ruby. (Warning - this interview contains plot spoilers!)
Question: How does Tyrone feel when Kirsty inflicts her worst attack ever on him?
Answer: Tyrone is not getting used to the situation, I don’t think anyone could but it is becoming a bit more of the norm. It’s a really touchy situation for him this time I think because he is now at a different stage in his life, I don’t think he is in love with her whereas I think with the other beatings he was in love with her, he is just taking it for the sake of the baby and for this whole situation to get better and now he starts to see that there is no way out. It’s a horrible place for him to be, not just physically but mentally, it puts him in a really dark place.
Q: He takes painkillers and contemplates the bottle of pills – what is he thinking?
A: In all honesty I remember doing the scene and I thought, I’m not sure that Tyrone is at that place where he would contemplate taking his own life, I genuinely don’t think he is there, I think he is just stuck for a way out, it’s a cry for help. The problem is he knows he is at a crossroads, he knows something has to change, he just doesn’t know how to go about it, and I think that is what creeps into his head regarding the pain killers.
Q: What stops him knocking back the pills?
A: Of course he hears a murmur from Ruby, and then he knows that there is more to life, he has got this daughter that he has always wanted and I think that would snap anyone out of that situation.
Q: What makes him decide he must do a runner with Ruby?
A: He knows something has to change in their life and their relationship. He is really struggling for options and the only way he can see it is to take Ruby while Kirsty isn’t there and just run, otherwise he can’t see a way out, which is why he has been trapped in this situation for so long.
Q: What reaction does he get from Tommy when he calls him for help?
A: I think that in itself was a tough decision because obviously Tommy and Tyrone have got history there and Tyrone hasn’t been the greatest friend because he is covering up for Kirsty all the time, but I think Tommy, being a relative of Jack, there is a special connection there and I think he knows if he was in trouble Tommy would help. Tommy thinks he is in trouble because he owes Tyrone money, but of course Tyrone is actually begging him for help this time, rather than the other way round.
Q: What does he think Kirsty would do to him if she caught him trying to run with Ruby?
A: I think if she caught him, one she would probably take it out on Tyrone physically, but two and more importantly she could take Ruby and him never see her again. That is the first thought in Tyrone’s head, I don’t think he could carry on without Ruby.
Q: How does Tyrone feel when Fiz catches up with him at the coach station?
A: Tyrone gets to that place where he is on the bus and he is going, really he is void of ideas now, he’s got nothing left to think about. Fiz stops him and says look there is a way, and you need to get your name on the birth certificate. Tyrone is vey confused and he is conflicted because he knows if he wants to go through with that plan he has to go back to Kirsty and that is not where he wants to be right now.
Q: Does he believe this is the only way he can be sure he doesn’t lose Ruby?
A: No, I think the other option of running away is not the idea option for him which is why he jumps on Fiz’s plan straight away and he does return home, because above all else he knows he has to be a part of Ruby’s life in some way and if this is the only way then he will do what ever it takes.
Q: What happens next?
A: Tyrone literally just blurts it out, I love you, I want to marry you, because he knows that that is the plan, but rather than go about it in any way he just blurts it out and Kirsty actually says yes, which is a bonus.
Q: How does Tyrone feel as he books the church and Kirsty is upbeat?
A: In Tyrone’s mind at this time while he is speaking to the vicar, he knows he has to put on this show for Kirsty and he has to make sure that everything seems like it is a normal wedding. He knows its all a show in front of her, but when he is on his own he’s obviously not happy about the situation, but he has to do it.
Q: Does Tyrone intend to take Ruby and end the marriage as soon as possible?
A: Once Tyrone knows he would have custody of the baby I think he would put an end to the relationship fairly soon because he isn’t happy.
Q: With Kirsty’s violence getting worse and worse, does he fear for his life?
A: I’m not sure he fears for his life I think he is becoming more and more scared of her, and scared of the violence, but actually I think he is really scared at the prospect of loosing Ruby.
Q: Do you, Alan, think he should fear for his life?
A: No, I don’t see Kirsty as a killer…
More about this story on the Coronation Street website
Follow Tyrone's dramatic journey on his storyline page, with videos, pictures and interviews.
See Natalie Gumede talk exclusively about Kirsty's violence in a new video interview.
Watch episode spoilers of all the unfolding drama.
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