Jack Duckworth - Casting

Casting

Unlike the creation process with many other roles, no auditions were held for the part of Jack. Actor William Tarmey had previously been an extra in the serial and was offered the role on a more permanent basis. Of this Tarmey states: "I'd worked on Coronation Street for about ten years throwing darts in the background and whilst doing that I was doing little cameo parts, on other programmes." Tarmey was later required to film more and was eventually asked to become a regular cast member. Tarmey had prepared for this with the help of fellow cast members and of this he adds: "I've had so many helping hands through the years from Jean and Liz and Julie and Bill Roache, from them all".

In 1997 executive producer Brian Park axed a number of characters; Tarmey has stated he was so tired of seeing his fellow cast members worrying about their jobs that he asked to be written out, but Park decided to keep him on. In 2001 the serial imposed a series of reductions on salaries as part of cost cutting efforts. This resulted in Tarmey considering leaving, but producers decided against lowering his salary and convinced him to stay. In 2006 he considered retirement, In 2004 Tarmey extended his contract further along with his on-screen partner Dawn. In June 2008 he spoke of his desire to continue in the role.

From September 2009 onwards Tarmey filmed on an episodic basis. In storylines Jack moved away from Coronation Street but makes occasional appearances in the pub and at the cafe. The reason for this was due to Tarmey's increasing health problems. On 9 April 2010 it was announced Tarmey would leave the show. His final scenes were shown on 8 November 2010. On 9 April 2010, it was announced that Bill Tarmey had quit his role of Jack in the shows 50th anniversary year. Speaking of his decision to quit, Tarmey stated: "I've had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack. Because of him I've made fantastic friends and travelled all over the world. I'll be sorry to say goodbye." Filming Jack's final scenes upset Tarmey, of this he stated: "It was delightful. And very moving. It was a case of 'Pass the hand towel' you know, filming those scenes was difficult. I'm leaving my other family. I've worked with all these people for 30-odd years and it was impossible for me to act or watch the death scene and cut that off."