David Platt

David Platt (also Tilsley) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street. He was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 26 December 1990. He was played by Thomas Ormson from his first appearance until 15 March 2000 when Ormson left. Jack P. Shepherd took over the role and made his first on screen appearance on 26 April 2000. In July 2019, Shepherd took a four-month break from the show. Following the death of his serial killer stepfather Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) and the departure of his biological father, Martin (Sean Wilson), the character took a darker turn in 2006, becoming increasingly rebellious and antagonistic, deprived of a male role model. As a result, he has notably feuded with Phil Nail (Clive Russell), Bill Webster (Peter Armitage), Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward), Gary Windass (Mikey North), Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas), Callum Logan (Sean Ward) and Clayton Hibbs (Callum Harrison), as well as his sister, Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien), and mother, Gail Platt (Helen Worth). However, in recent years he has mellowed into a more comedic and rounded character, focused on what is best for his family opposed to causing trouble for them. Storylines David is the son of Martin (Sean Wilson) and Gail Platt (Helen Worth). David was born on Christmas Day 1990. Martin's friend, Carmel Finnan (Catherine Cusack), tried to kidnap David when he was a toddler. She also posed as his mother to other characters. Carmel then tries to frame Gail for pushing her down the stairs and is revealed to be mentally ill. In 2000, a nine-year-old David becomes jealous of the attention his newborn niece Bethany Platt (Amy and Emily Walton) is getting. He decides to get attention by having himself arrested for shoplifting. In 2001, Gail and Martin divorce after Martin has an affair with Rebecca Hopkins (Jill Halfpenny). Upset, David begins misbehaving in the hope that they will get back together. David becomes the target of a school bully and, despite Gail's advice to ignore him, he becomes violent and gets into fights. His behaviour worsens when Gail marries Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) in July 2002, but he comes to accept Richard. In March 2003, Richard is revealed to be a serial killer and tries to kill himself, Gail, David, Bethany and her mother - David's sister - Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien) by driving them into the local canal. Gail, Sarah, David and Bethany are all rescued, while Richard drowns.