Calum Lill opens up about Joel’s turbulent journey and the battles ahead
The arrival of Joel and Lauren’s son has thrown Joel into a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, with actor Calum Lill revealing the depths of Joel’s struggle.
“It’s gone from being a problem he needs to fix to being a human and thinking that this is his child,” says Calum. “I think paternal instincts had to kick in but everything’s up in the air, and there’s this weird juxtaposition of something he can’t help but love as a father, but is also a massive problem for him.” Joel is caught in a relentless balancing act, trying to keep every aspect of his life from collapsing.
Despite the chaos, Joel clings to the hope of marrying Dee-Dee and finding happiness. “For any sane person I think there is, for Joel I think he absolutely still thinks that’s what he wants and that’s what’s going to happen, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure it does,” Calum explains.
However, Dee-Dee’s suspicions grow, especially after Joel’s unexplained trip to Belfast. “She cross-examines him, he’s coming up with excuses and deflecting,” Calum shares. The dynamic between the two becomes a fascinating battle of wits and expertise, with Joel determined to protect his secrets.
Joel’s confidence in his deceit wavers as he juggles his love for Dee-Dee and the lies he’s spun. “In the moments where he believes he’s bought his explanation there is a ‘phew’ moment,” Calum says. But guilt weighs heavily on Joel, who sees himself as a soldier in a worthy cause, justifying his actions despite the toll they take.
As the storyline unfolds, viewers are in for darker twists. “Obviously, I can’t say how far, but it’s further than I thought he would go,” Calum teases. “When I read it I was scared to even play it, because it was that dark!” Joel’s desperation knows no bounds as he fights to keep his life from unraveling.
Calum is eager for the audience to see the climax of Joel’s story, yet it’s a bittersweet experience. “In true soap justice he can’t get away with what he’s done, especially cos of how bad the things he’s done are,” he notes. While excited for the dramatic reveal, Calum also feels a deep connection to the Corrie set and its people.
Public reactions to Joel’s dark side have been striking, with Calum sharing amusing anecdotes. “I get a lot of double takes usually in the supermarket,” he says. “Because I’m a baddie, less people speak to me because they’re scared I might do something bad – obviously not I’m an actor!”
Despite the intensity of the role, Calum has found joy in the challenges and the camaraderie on set. “We’ve just done the hour-long episode that was almost entirely me and Cait Fitton who plays Lauren,” he reflects. The demanding schedule and volume of work have been a true test, but one that has honed his craft.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1
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