Coronation Street star Sam Aston on Chesney's wedding day secret
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street airs Chesney Brown and Gemma Winter's wedding next week, but the groom isn't being entirely honest on the big day.
Chesney has kept Gemma in the dark over how much Linda Hancock has paid towards the ceremony, knowing that she wouldn't be entirely comfortable over the generous handouts.
Trouble brews at the wedding when Gemma's mum Bernie, who has never been a fan of Linda, finds out exactly what's been going on and causes a scene – but will it be enough to spoil the day?
Sam Aston, who plays Chesney, recently caught up with Digital Spy and other press to discuss the wedding.
How is Chesney doing in the lead-up to the wedding? Is he feeling stressed?
"I think initially he was, because he was just thinking about money. They were already up against it and Chesney was worried that they weren't going to be able to afford this.
"But then Chesney realised how much it meant to Gemma – wanting to get married and solidifying them as a family. So even though those money issues are there in the build-up to the wedding, I don't think Chesney wants to put that stress on Gemma as she just wants to have a really good time.
"You don't really see too much of Chesney's stress in the final run-up to the wedding. I think it's more just wanting Gemma to have the best day possible and they'll worry about the money side later."
Does Chesney feel guilty about keeping Gemma in the dark about how much Linda is paying for the wedding?
"He does, especially as he knows that Bernie and Linda don't necessarily see eye-to-eye. I think Chesney is quite proud. He thinks that if it's got to be done on a budget, it's got to be done on a budget.
"However, Chesney is also aware that Linda's generosity takes away some of the stress, so he thinks: 'Why not just use the help?'
"It's a bit of a catch 22 – he wants to do it himself and he knows that Gemma does too, but at the same time, Linda is a massive part of Joseph's life and she just wants the best day for them, which is nice."
What does Chesney think of Gemma's OTT dress? Did he imagine that it'd be so eye-catching?
"I think so – yeah, he did! Gemma is bonkers, in a good way.
"I think when it comes to the wedding day, Chesney is just rolling with all of it and having the best time. The dress is pretty epic, I've got to be honest. When you need a drone to get it in shot, I think that says enough!"
Why do Chesney and Gemma make such a good match?
"They are very different and Gemma just keeps Ches on his toes. She also brings a lot of fun. Deep down, as manic as it can be, Chesney knows Gemma has got a very kind heart and they just seem to work.
"The characters seem to have worked right from the very beginning when Gemma got the job at the kebab shop and Chesney rooted for her. He got her a job and spoke to Dev and they just got on like a house on fire.
"I don't even know if the writers were doing that initially to get us together. I think they just saw that relationship just worked really well and they balanced each other out nicely. I think Gemma needs that in her life, someone to slow her down and be like: 'Hang on a minute Gemma!'
"They say opposites attract and maybe that's what it is, they do just work."
There's tension between Linda and Bernie in the wedding episodes. Is that fun to be part of?
"Honestly, I have the best time working with Dolly-Rose [Campbell, who plays Gemma], Jane [Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie] and Jacqueline [Leonard, who plays Linda] – we have such a laugh on set, so it's good fun.
"I think Chesney has just accepted the chaos. When Bernie first arrived, Chesney wondered when she would be leaving again and wanted her out of his hair. She really got on Chesney's nerves and still does at times.
"But actually, Chesney has also really warmed to Bernie and they get on really nicely. Dolly and Jane both joke by calling me 'Old Man Chesney', as they think I'm a little bit like him.
"I think he is the old man figure in the house, he keeps things grounded. He is very sensible and very beige, but it works."
How is it to work with so many kids on set?
"Because I grew up in a big family anyway, I've always been used to chaos. I think it's well-known that I've got five sisters and three brothers, so I am used to a lot of people being around.
"With work, it's very well-structured. When we've got scenes with the quads in, we've got a brilliant chaperone called Karen, as well as all the mums. They only bring the quads on for when we do a take, so as crazy as it sounds, it's not as much bedlam as what it could be.
"You might think: 'Four babies on set, this is a bit stupid really'. But it actually works fine. They are a nice age now. You can get them to do colouring-in and interact with them a bit.
"I think it was harder, if anything, when they were newborns and both me and Dolly would be holding two each. Maybe because I've got two kids myself, I am a bit more calm in that situation, I don't know. I love kids and we have a good laugh with them."
Later this year, it'll be 20 years since you joined Corrie. Did you ever imagine that you'd reach this milestone?
"No, not at all. It's a whirlwind. I think if you ask anybody who works in the building, not even just cast, time just seems to absolutely fly here. I came in on a six-month contract to be Cilla's son and Fiz's brother, just to do a few eps. Then before you know it, I've been here 20 years. It's just mad.
"With us getting 12-month contracts, you always think: 'Could it be that it is my time now?' Fortunately enough, I'm still here.
"I do feel like I've been here forever but at the same time, when a family member comes in for a visit and you show them around, you almost become a fan. You kind of stand back and appreciate it. I am so fortunate to work somewhere like this."
Were there any challenges when it came to growing up on screen?
"I can remember when I left primary school and went to high school. I was going to a high school that none of my friends were going to – a performing arts school that was a bit further away.
"When I first went, I remember being really, really nervous. You just don't want to stand out, do you? You just want to blend in, but going in as this little lad who plays Chesney, you almost feel like you have a target on your back.
"Luckily, I settled in but that's the only time I remember being worried or finding it all a bit difficult. I've been quite lucky, really."
Do you think you've experienced a positive public reaction because you play a nicer character?
"Maybe it is. Maybe if I played an idiot, I'd have had more of a rough ride. Chesney is an easygoing guy. Schmeichel, bless him, died in the show years ago and I still get it now. Whenever I went out, it was always: 'Whey Chesney, where's your big dog?' Now it's: 'Whey Chesney, where's the quads? Are they at home?' That's all I get, really. It's transitioned."
Do you have a favourite moment?
"I'd have to say two, really. Obviously when Schmeichel jumped in the hot tub and came through the ceiling, I remember filming that vividly.
"When I was a child, all I wanted was a dog and my mum and dad didn't get me one, just because they worked long hours and it wouldn't have been fair on the dog. So when I got a dog on the street, it was a dream come true to me. It was great as I got to go to work and hang out with a dog.
"In recent times, It would be when we went to Wales and we were in the cable car. It was good laugh in that period. I'm not sure if I want to go on the cable car again though, I was motion sick! It was so windy when we were filming."
Can you imagine still being on the show in another 20 years?
"I'd love to still be here in 20 years. If the Powers That Be want me to still be here, then I'd love to be. I can imagine Chesney being an old man and pottering off to The Rovers. It'd be an honour. We will have to wait and see. He might be the new Roy Cropper or Norris, who knows?"
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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