David's State Of Mind
Jack P Shepherd talks about David's struggle and whether there is any hope for David and Shona's relationship.
Is David angry at Shona?
No, he has pushed her away he still loves her but he can’t be with her at the same time astrying to deal with what happened to him. He can’t be near her, he doesn’t want to be with her sexually, but it’s because he loves her.
He showed his feelings in a very violent way at the paying the price. What made him react in that way?
It was the culmination of all his anger and anxiety over the rape. He was in the boxing ringand wasn’t putting up much of a defence when Josh whispered in his ear, "I bet you’d rather go round two with me." There is a just a red mist moment where he hits Gary and can’t stop.
Jack P Shepherd is nominated for Best Actor in this year's British Soap Awards!Support Team Corrie: VOTE HERE!
Do you think that could have been the point where David explained what was behind his actions in the boxing ring?
You would think that would have been the moment where he breaks down and tellssomeone but he didn’t. It is too deep rooted, he can’t tell anyone, He blames himself because he feels as though he should have been able to stop Josh.
People are starting to worry about his behaviour. What do they think is wrong with him?
Gary comes to see him and tells him he thinks he is having a breakdown. Gary suffered from PTSD, so he recognises some of that behaviour in David.
Why does he make a play for Emma?
Well she has irritated him since she started at the salon. He doesn’t want her there, shenever shuts up, she is young, she talks all the time. He isn’t interested in working and oneday he just looks at her and decides to make a play for her.
Why does he go even further and ask her to move in?
Because she is a distraction. She talks all the time and she is like a little toy that distracts him from facing his demons. Whilst she is there rabbiting on he can’t get a word in edgeways, so he doesn’t have to have conversations.
How have you found playing out this storyline?
It has been a different challenge for me and I have enjoyed that aspect of it. David seemspowerless and he never really is, he has always got something up his sleeve and in thisinstance he hasn’t. It is as though he has just given up and is making rash decisions and hurting people that he loves along the way.
What sort of response have you had?
It’s been great, the storyline has been very well received and has got people taking which is exactly what we set out to do. As an actor you get on with telling the story but to see the effect it has had is very rewarding.