Corrie star Jack Shepherd says onscreen son is playing role perfectly

Troubled Max’s wild ways are threatening the future of Corrie’s David and Kylie.

Youngster Max’s behaviour is getting worse and he is set to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD. And the drama will be cranked up further as Kylie (Paula Lane) takes Max’s medication.

The storyline is putting a lot of focus on young Harry McDermott, who plays Max. And Jack P. Shepherd, stepdad David, says he’s taken his screen son under his wing.

“He’s been very good, because he has a lot to do,” confides Jack. “He’s getting more lines so I’m trying to help him and give him a few tips where I can to make it as natural as possible.

“He’s coming to my drama school from September, so he’ll be able to bring his scripts in and I can help him prepare them, which will be perfect. But he always knows his cue line, his mark, he’s picking it up very fast.

“I enjoy working with him when we have something to play with. That’s where he’s most comfortable. Or when I have to make him laugh which is not that difficult. He’s best when he has some action and he’s given something to do.”

There’s no shortage of that this week when the family arrive home from their Barbados break to chaos.

“It’s been the holiday from hell and David wishes they’d never gone,” reveals Jack. “They’re glad to get back and hopefully get a bit of help from Gail and maybe find out what’s wrong with Max.”

Jack says the over-the-top behaviour is putting a strain on David and Kylie’s marriage.

“It’s because all they seem to be doing at the moment is arguing about who’s looking after Max. Kylie believes Max’s behaviour is all his fault while David is constantly trying to reassure her and tell her she’s a great mum.”

Paula’s set to be a mum in real-life soon, announcing her pregnancy to new husband actor Tom Shaw last month.

And Jack’s already a dad-of-two. He and fiancee Lauren Shippey had baby son Reuben at the start of this year, a brother to five-year-old daughter Nyla. So, what’s family life like compared to the on-screen dramas?

“Much the same,” he jokes. “Reuben’s always wanting to eat if it’s not a banana then it’s you! He’s not sleeping at the moment so it’s not much more chilled than David’s life.”