Coronation Street favourite Jack P. Shepherd, best known for his long-running role as David Platt, has candidly discussed the difficulties of balancing fatherhood with his hectic filming schedule.
The 36-year-old actor, who has played the iconic character since 2000, admitted that being a dad to three young children while working on the ITV soap is no easy feat. "It's a constant juggling act," he confessed.
The Challenges of Soap Star Parenting
Shepherd, who shares children Nyla, Reuben, and newborn Elsie with partner Lauren Shippey, revealed how the unpredictable nature of soap filming impacts family life:
- Early morning starts make school runs difficult
- Late-night filming affects bedtime routines
- Script changes require last-minute childcare arrangements
"There are days when I barely see the kids awake," the actor shared. "You finish filming at 8pm and they're already in bed, then you're out the door before they wake up the next morning."
Making It Work
Despite the challenges, Shepherd emphasised his commitment to being a hands-on dad:
- Using days off to maximise family time
- Involving children in age-appropriate aspects of his work
- Creating special traditions to stay connected
"We have movie nights when I'm not filming, and I always make their birthdays non-negotiable," he explained. "Lauren's amazing at keeping everything running smoothly when I'm busy."
The actor also praised Coronation Street's production team for their understanding when family matters arise. "They know family comes first, which makes all the difference," he added.
