Coronation Street Star Ben Price's Wife is a Famous Actress
Coronation Street actor Ben Price, renowned for his role as Nick Tilsley, has captivated audiences for years on the ITV soap. However, many fans may be surprised to learn that he is married to a well-known actress, Alexandra Wheeler. Ben joined the programme in 2009, taking over the character of Nick, the son of Gail Platt, portrayed by Helen Worth. Since then, Nick has been central to some of the show's most dramatic storylines, from romantic betrayals to the discovery of a hidden son.
Current Plotlines and Family Life
In recent episodes, Nick's son Sam Blakeman, played by Jude Riordan, has turned to drugs to cope with academic struggles. Simultaneously, Sam is working to expose predator Megan Walsh and her inappropriate involvement with pupil Will Driscoll. Witnessing Sam's changed behavior, Nick has grown increasingly concerned, adding to the tension on screen.
Off-screen, Ben Price leads a quieter life with his wife, Alexandra Wheeler, a fashion stylist and actress. The couple met while working on a theatre production called On The Razzle and married in 2005. They have two children, Maximillian and Paloma. When Paloma was born in 2007, Ben, who had gained fame through roles in 'Footballers' Wives' and 'Casualty', embraced the role of a stay-at-home dad.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
In a 2009 interview with The Telegraph, Ben shared his experiences as a stay-at-home parent. He admitted, "I thought that being a stay-at-home dad was going to be easy but, initially, it was isolating and scary. No one trains you for the job. They just say, 'Here's a nappy, off you go.'" Despite the challenges, he reflected positively, stating, "I'll be going back to work soon after the new baby is born and handing over the reins to Alex, but I consider myself lucky to have spent so much time with my daughter. Some dads go all week without seeing their children."
Ben's commitment to family led him to temporarily leave Coronation Street in 2017 to resume his role as a stay-at-home dad. He found it difficult to balance personal responsibilities with the demanding filming schedule, explaining to the Daily Star, "I only left to go back to my kids." He added, "So I took them to school and made packed lunches and became a dad, and didn't think about Nick Tilsley or the Street. I was a stay-at-home dad. It's pretty unglamorous, it's just life."
Return to the Cobbles
Just a year later, former series producer Kate Oates offered Ben the opportunity to return to Coronation Street with more flexible hours. Discussing his comeback, Ben said, "It was a no-brainer for me. I missed the show, and I missed the cast and crew. [...] It's not always easy, but I'm lucky to have a supportive family and a job that I love. I'm just taking it one day at a time." This arrangement has allowed him to continue his iconic role while prioritizing his family life.
Coronation Street continues to air Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with Ben Price's portrayal of Nick Tilsley remaining a key part of the show's enduring appeal.
