It’s a sad time for fans because, on Thursday, November 14, the staff of The Mill will close the doors of the surgery for the final time after 24 years of helping Letherbridge’s poorly locals. In an exclusive interview with What To Watch, Chris Walker, who has played dependable cop Rob Hollins since 2009, and who created one of soap’s most popular couples with former co-star Jan Pearson - Rob’s now late wife Karen - tells us why it was hard to say goodbye..
. "It’s a crying shame for the industry because of the amount of training we gave people, both behind and in front of the camera. In fact, one of my favourite things was when actors came in and it was their first TV role.
"I remember my own first TV job in in 1985. Eric Richards, who played Sergeant Bob Cryer, came up to me and said, ‘It’s okay, it’ll be fine.’ I also did a film in the 80s called with Michael Caine, and he went, ‘Ello Chris Walker, my name is Michael Caine.
’ I said to myself, ‘If ever I get into a position where I can do that, I will.’ So I always made sure I knew the newbies’ names and said to them, ‘It’s gonna be okay, you’ll do well.’" "Yes, and I was - and still am to a degree - a bit bereaved, which I know might sound dramatic.
My other half, Sharon, said to me, ‘It wasn’t just a job, it became your identity.’ It’s very sad to lose that, and to not be with all the fabulous people who’ve become close friends. But nothing is forever.
The BBC have made their c.