Coronation Street actor James Cartwright has spoken with moving honesty about his plans for the festive season, as he and his family navigate a Christmas shadowed by significant personal loss.
A Very Different Christmas This Year
The 41-year-old star, who plays builder Theo Silverton on the iconic ITV soap, revealed that this year's celebrations will feel markedly different. The actor is still processing the death of his grandfather, who passed away just over a year ago, and has also had to cope with the loss of both his family dogs in recent months.
James described his late grandfather as his 'best friend', making his absence particularly poignant as the holidays approach. Combined with the empty space left by their pets, he admits the family home will feel 'very empty' this December.
New Traditions to Combat the Grief
In an effort to manage the difficult emotions, the Cartwright family is breaking with tradition. 'To combat that, we're going out for Christmas dinner for the first time ever,' James explained.
He outlined their new plan: 'We'll wake up in the morning with all the family, we'll open our presents, we'll get our best suits on, and then we'll go out for something to eat.' He added that his mother will enjoy an egg nog, his father a sparkling water, while he and his siblings will likely 'get giddy on buzzballs'.
One Unbreakable Family Ritual
Despite the changes, one beloved tradition remains absolutely sacrosanct in the Cartwright household. Every Christmas Eve, without fail, the family gathers to watch the 1987 comedy classic 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles', starring Steve Martin and John Candy.
'We watch it every year, I don't know how it happened, but we all laugh our heads off every year, even though we know what's coming,' James said. The tradition is so deeply embedded that a past suggestion to watch something else caused 'near mutiny'.
James, known to many from his early role in CBBC's Tracy Beaker and appearances in Holby City and Downton Abbey, is currently involved in a harrowing Coronation Street storyline. His character, Theo, is perpetrating a coercive control abuse plot against partner Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce.
He joked about which of Santa's lists his alter-ego would be on: 'If you spoke to Theo, nice list. If you ask the general British public, naughty list.' The dark role has even led to playful public reprimands, with a checkout assistant at his local Sainsbury's recently giving him a pretend spank with an umbrella, telling him 'That's from Sandra. You leave Todd alone!'
As he prepares for a bittersweet holiday, James Cartwright's story is a poignant reminder of how families adapt and find light during times of grief, holding onto joy where they can.
