Emmerdale actor Chris Coghill has opened up about the deeply personal connection he shares with his character's harrowing domestic abuse storyline, revealing how his own childhood experiences with violence informed his powerful performance.
The actor, who portrays Al Chapman's abusive brother Callum in the ITV soap, explained that growing up with a violent father gave him raw insight into the psychological torment faced by abuse victims.
Drawing From Painful Memories
Coghill confessed that his portrayal wasn't just acting - it was a channel for processing his own traumatic past. "I grew up with a dad who was violent towards my mum," the actor revealed, describing how these childhood memories became his emotional toolkit for the challenging role.
The storyline sees Callum subjecting his brother Al to psychological manipulation and physical intimidation, mirroring the patterns Coghill witnessed firsthand. "I know what it's like to be in a house where that's happening," he shared, emphasizing the authenticity he brought to each scene.
Breaking the Silence Through Drama
Rather than shying away from the difficult subject matter, Coghill embraced the opportunity to shed light on domestic abuse through his performance. His character's controlling behaviour and explosive temper create a gripping narrative that has resonated deeply with viewers.
The actor praised Emmerdale's commitment to tackling serious social issues, noting that drama can serve as a powerful vehicle for raising awareness about topics that often remain hidden behind closed doors.
A Career Built on Authenticity
Before joining the Emmerdale cast, Coghill had already established himself as a writer and actor unafraid to explore complex emotional territory. His previous work includes writing for acclaimed television series and appearing in various dramatic roles.
This latest challenging part demonstrates his willingness to draw from personal experience to create compelling, truthful performances that stay with audiences long after the episode ends.
