Aaron McCusker's Family Viewing Rules: Corrie Yes, Shameless No
Coronation Street actor Aaron McCusker has opened up about his family life, revealing a strict ban on his teenage son watching his past role in the hit series Shameless. McCusker, who plays Rovers Return landlord Ben Driscoll on the iconic ITV soap, enjoys watching the show with his six-year-old daughter Rosie, but draws the line at his 16-year-old son Sam viewing the explicit content of Shameless.
From Shameless to Coronation Street: A Career Shift
Aaron McCusker's portrayal of Jamie Maguire in Shameless from 2007 to 2013 earned critical acclaim, but the show's graphic scenes of sex, nudity, violence, and drug abuse make it unsuitable for his children. "My 16-year-old keeps asking if he can watch Shameless and I'm like 'no, no, no!' I won't let him," McCusker stated. "A 16-year-old should not be watching Shameless. All I ever got in Shameless was sex scenes and all he'd see is dad's arse on screen! That's the last thing I'd want him to see."
In contrast, McCusker finds joy in sharing his current role on Coronation Street with his daughter. "She often helps me with my lines. She picks it up well actually," he shared. "If any of my kids become an actor it will be her." The actor, who lives in Manchester with his wife Jennie and their three children, appreciates the stability of working locally, avoiding the travel that once separated him from his family for weeks at a time.
Explosive Storylines Rock Weatherfield
On screen, McCusker's character Ben Driscoll is at the centre of dramatic revelations. Recently, it was disclosed that Ben's mother Maggie had a one-night stand before his birth, meaning his presumed father Alan was not his biological dad. The shock deepens with the news that Jim McDonald is his real father, making Steve McDonald his half-brother.
"Ben is absolutely livid and has a huge argument with her," McCusker explained. "It's really difficult for him, because she's lied to him for so long." The storyline intensifies as Maggie rushes to stop a budding relationship between Steve's daughter Amy and Ben's son Ollie, revealing they are cousins, while Ben's other son Will is entangled in an abusive situation with his athletics coach.
A Long-Awaited Role on the Cobbles
McCusker's journey to Coronation Street was marked by persistence. He auditioned for the soap for 13 years, trying out for six different parts, including Todd Grimshaw, before landing the role of Ben Driscoll. "I always got very close. I was told that they really liked me, but they wanted to hold out for a bigger part," he recalled. The wait proved worthwhile, as he now cherishes being the Rovers Return landlord and working close to home.
His career includes notable roles such as Freddie Mercury's boyfriend Jim Hutton in the Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody and stints on American TV shows like Dexter and Castle. However, McCusker emphasises his contentment with his current position. "To be home with my family and working on Coronation Street and to be working in the city I live in is where I want to be right now," he affirmed.
Off-Screen Bonds and Future Prospects
McCusker has forged a strong friendship with his on-screen brother, Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald. "He is without doubt one of the nicest guys I've ever worked with," McCusker praised. Their camaraderie extends beyond the set, with Gregson even fixing McCusker's car after an accident. "He's a joker as well. He's got a fart machine that he brings in and hides," McCusker added with a laugh.
As the storyline between Ben and Steve develops, McCusker is excited about the future. "I'm really excited about where our storyline goes, because we've hit it off already. He's a great friend." With his family by his side and a coveted role on Britain's most beloved soap, Aaron McCusker has found his perfect place in the spotlight.
