Coronation Street star John Thomson has revealed a life-changing health diagnosis as he opened up for the first time about the terrifying side effects he dealt with while on medication. The actor, known for his roles in Coronation Street and Cold Feet, disclosed his ADHD diagnosis on the podcast I’m ADHD! No You’re Not, hosted by comedian Paul Whitehouse and his wife Dr. Mine Conkbayir, a neuroscientist.
The Moment of Realisation
Speaking about the moment he realised he had ADHD, Thomson recalled a conversation with actress Siobhan Finneran. She turned to him and said, “Oh, love, you heard us two.” He responded, “I know, what we like?” before she added, “I get on me own nerves.” Thomson said, “Oh my God, that’s it. I say that every day. That sums it up. Jesus, yeah, man. And I do get on me own nerves.”
Medication Side Effects
After being diagnosed, the 57-year-old decided to try medication but quickly found it wasn’t suitable due to frightening side effects. “When I tried the Elvanse medication, I was horrified to learn it was an amphetamine. I thought, ‘Hang on, I’m in recovery. Why would you give me speed?’” he said. He took it for a week but found it awful, feeling “really edgy” and “prickly.”
Thomson took the medication on and off during a difficult month when he lost family members. He noted that others had positive experiences, saying their “chatter” disappeared, but for him, it was different.
Early Signs of ADHD
Thomson exhibited early signs of ADHD as a child, with his mother describing him as a “dervish” and “wild during the daytime.” Although he was taken to a medical professional, his symptoms were dismissed. He admitted that during school, he “was starting to get into trouble a lot.”
Cold Feet Comeback Rumours
Recently, Thomson addressed rumours of a Cold Feet comeback, calling them “fake news.” However, he hasn’t ruled out a return entirely. In a recent interview, he suggested testing the waters with a one-off special, similar to the success of Gavin and Stacey, before committing to a full series.
