Coronation Street star Charles Lawson, who plays Jim McDonald, has revealed that he recently suffered a mini-stroke on stage.
During a performance of Rebus: Long Shadows in Edinburgh, the 59-year-old became disorientated during the performance, and was so confused that he had no idea where he was.
Recalling the incident, Lawson said: "Not to put too fine point on it, I had a TIA on stage, which you probably know is a mini-stroke.
"We opened in Edinburgh playing to a full house and I was halfway through the second half, the climax of the play, and I went deaf.
"I was aware that [co-star] John Stahl was saying his lines but I thought they were from a different play. For two minutes I had no idea where I was, then I woke up in the wings. It was a little disturbing to say the least."
A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, causes stroke-like symptoms but not permanent disabilities, so a relieved Lawson has made a full recovery.
"There was no lasting damage so I’m back on stage and delighted to be saying I’m firing on all cylinders," he says.
"When I sit and think about it then it’s a shock but apparently they are common. Sometimes people don’t even know they’ve had them.
"But I definitely knew something was wrong with me - I had absolutely no idea what was going on at all.
"I’ve been given medication which I’ll be on for the rest of my life," he adds. "But I can assure you I’m in good nick."
