Is Nick's Corrie romance just a fling?

Ben plays unlucky-in-love Bistro owner Nick Tilsley, who has his head turned by older woman Erica (Claire), who has arrived on the cobbles to visit her pal Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).

He said of his character’s new romance: “I think he is just enjoying the moment; she is perfect for him at the minute. She’s light, funny, has been around a bit and she is an adult about things.

“He has still got issues so he is not looking for anything serious. I think he is still struggling with himself and how he feels so I think he just wants a laugh, and a bit of fun.”

Claire said of Erica’s take on the situation: “She wants it to be a fling and I think he wants the same but she’s worried because it’s New Year’s Eve and she has to tell him that, not knowing how he really feels. Luckily he’s thinking the same so it’s quite a good little catch.”

But on the subject of whether Nick was ready for love after splitting with wife Leanne (Jane Danson) this year, Ben said: “No not yet, I think he needs a bit of time especially after Leanne has come back to work at the Bistro. It’s great; he has seen what he has lost now but he is not the guy he was so it will take a while to get back I think.”

Claire added: “Perhaps because Erica’s more mature and not a kid she can handle just being friends with benefits. I think he’s quite capable of doing that and has enjoyed having her around – she’s brought him out of his shell as well as his suits.

“It has been really good for both of them, so they possibly could just go on and there wouldn’t be any jealousy and negative things you can get with someone that is a bit younger. They are both mature enough to handle it and to enjoy themselves sexually, too.”