From Toothache to Terror: The Day Brian Almost Missed TV Villain History

Brian Capron, the man behind Coronation Street’s most chilling villain Richard Hillman, has revealed he nearly missed out on the role that would define his career — all because of a toothache.

In an exclusive interview marking Corrie’s 65th anniversary, Brian confessed he almost didn’t audition due to an abscess and the long trip from Brighton to Manchester. “I thought, ‘There’s no point’,” he admitted. Not only had he previously appeared on the soap as Don Worthington, a social worker in the 1980s, but the pain made him doubt his chances.

Luckily for soap history, he made the journey — and the rest, as fans know, is murderously memorable.

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From “Cheesy” to Chilling: How Richard Hillman Was Reborn

Brian initially believed he’d be axed within six months. Behind the scenes, producers were reportedly reviewing multiple characters, including Sally Lindsay and others.

But when a new producer stepped in, the tone shifted. Richard Hillman went from slightly cheesy to deeply dangerous — and Brian thrived. His performance as the charming financial advisor turned manipulative murderer earned legendary status.

One of his most famous scenes — confessing his crimes to wife Gail Platt — drew an incredible 19 million viewers.

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Life After the Crowbar: Fame, Fear and Fan Fury

Brian’s portrayal left such a mark that fans began blurring fiction with reality. He recalls bricks thrown at his car, being attacked with umbrellas, and even being heckled in the street as “Hillman.”

“I had to stop taking my son to school,” he said. “People would shove my wife aside just to confront me.”

And yet, the fame had its perks. When a group of teens stole his briefcase full of scripts, he chased them. “I think they thought I was really Richard Hillman,” he laughed. “They ran.”

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Back From the Dead: Richard Returns for Gail’s Final Goodbye

In 2024, Brian returned to the soap after more than two decades — appearing as a ghostly vision of Richard Hillman in Helen Worth’s final episode as Gail.

Though hesitant at first, Brian was won over by the clever mix of humor and menace. “I was in a wetsuit, soaking wet all day,” he recalled, “but it worked. It had all the right notes.”

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“I Had My Moment in the Sun”

Now nearing 80, Brian reflects on a career that may not have reached Hollywood heights but gave him something just as rare — longevity, legacy, and unforgettable characters.

“I didn’t have the career of Suranne Jones or Katherine Kelly, but Richard Hillman gave me 20 more years of work. I feel incredibly lucky.”