Coronation Street fans have rushed to support an ITV star after they reflected on suffering a stroke
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
08:32, 30 Jan 2026
Coronation Street star shares hospital snap after suffering stroke as fans rally round(Image: ITV)
A Coronation Street star had fans rallying round with support after they opened up about their terrifying stroke battle.
Actor Chris Fountain joined the long-running ITV soap back in 2011 playing Tommy Duckworth, the grandson of Jack (Bill Tarmey).
And over the years, Chris was involved in several big storylines on the soap, including his relationship with his manipulative father, Terry (Nigel Pivaro) and his romance with Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan.
In 2013 though, Chris was written out of the soap after obscene videos of himself rapping as his alter-ego The Phantom emerged. After the clip was discovered by shocked fans Chris offered a grovelling apology.
Chris played Tommy on the ITV soap(Image: ITV)
However, several years later and Chris suffered a mini stroke in August 2022 and spent five days recovering in hospital in London after waking up at home unable to speak properly.
He said at the time that he feared “life as he knew it” was over when doctors discovered found had a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) after a blood clot got lodged in his brain.
As a result of having tests Chris also found out he had a hole in his heart and in May 2023 Chris revealed he had undergone heart surgery. He shared at the time: “Hopefully, that should mean no more strokes and I’ll have a little bionic heart.”
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And on Thursday (January 29) Chris shared an emotional post in honour of Stroke Prevention Day. Taking to his Instagram, the actor uploaded several photos taken since his health scare, including a hospital photo of Chris in a bed.
He captioned the post: “Back in August 2022, I had a stroke. I was terrified. I’m so grateful for my family and friends who helped me through that crazy time. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to go through what I went through.
He suffered a stroke a few years back(Image: @fountain1987/Instagram)
“There are steps you can try to prevent stroke and with today being stroke prevention day I want to bring some attention to one of those steps. High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. It causes about half of all strokes.”
Chris went on: “This #StrokePreventionDay i’m proud to support @thestrokeassociation and encourage everyone to check their blood pressure – so that we can stop stroke before it happens. Find out more at stroke.org.uk/stroke-prevention-day.”
Chris’ followers quickly sent messages of support in the comments section. One person said: “The comeback is always better than the setback. Proud of you.” Another added: “So glad you are doing so well now and Now you can help others too with signs etc.” A third chimed in: “Sending you so much love. You are amazing! Always were.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX