The Real Reason Coronation Street Star Simon Gregson Was Questioned In The Back Of A Police Van

Sometimes, getting everything you want can push you over the edge. Such is the case with "Coronation Street" soap star Simon Gregson, who has publicly battled with drug and alcohol abuse. According to the Sunday Mirror, the actor's offscreen life is even more drama-filled than Weatherfield, the fictional suburb in which the long-running British soap is set. Most recently, the outlet reports that Gregson was questioned by Manchester police after causing trouble at a co-star's party.

The actor has been working on "Coronation Street" — of which Queen Elizabeth II is a fan — since he was 14 years old. Though he currently earns a massive salary for his work on the show, Gregson didn't take well to fame and even admitted that he couldn't walk down the street at one point. The actor quickly became a fixture on the nightclub circuit, acknowledging there were times when he was drinking too much and creating tension on set. "I hated being famous, I'm not proud of my behavior but getting wasted was a way of forgetting," he told the Sunday Mirror. Gregson also shared that he later turned to cocaine. Although the actor has since given up drugs, he still drinks heavily. In 2021, the Liverpool Echo reported that Gregson turned up to a morning television interview while still intoxicated, after coming in second on "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" However, the actor's behavior may be catching up with him, judging by Gregson's latest run-in with police.

"Coronation Street" stalwart Simon Gregson has been a fixture on the show (alongside Alfie From "Emily In Paris") for more than 30 years, but he has long been open about his struggles with alcohol. In April 2022, he once again made headlines thanks to his violent conduct in Liverpool. According to the Mirror, Gregson was hauled into the back of a police van and questioned by officers after a drunken altercation at a pub, located opposite the Grand National racecourse, where Aintree Ladies Day had taken place. The soap star was photographed enjoying the festivities earlier in the day and appeared to be heavily intoxicated.

Just a few days prior, Gregson was removed from a club midway through co-star Alexandra Martell's going away party, after taking off his shirt, dancing on tables, and verbally abusing staff-members. An insider told the Mirror that Gregson was forcibly taken out by bouncers after a "bust-up." The actor "was taken to the police van and spoken to for some time. It was all very messy." Police confirmed, "No injuries were reported and the victim declined to make a formal complaint to police. Inquiries are ongoing." The following morning, a downcast Gregson was snapped by the Irish Mirror picking up his BMW, wearing a baseball cap in an apparent attempt to conceal his identity. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).