Former Hollyoaks and Coronation Street star Chris Fountain has revealed that he suffered a mini-stroke earlier this year.
The 35-year-old actor, who played Tommy Duckworth on Corrie between 2010 and 2013, said that he woke up one day in August unable to speak properly.
After visiting hospital, doctors discovered a blood clot on his brain which could have proved fatal had he not acted sooner.
"I started walking round my house looking at things and I could think what the word was, like television or fridge, but I couldn't say it," he told The Mirror.
"I called 111 on my mum's advice and they sent an ambulance for me, it was so scary.
"I felt stupid because I knew exactly what I wanted to say to the doctors, but I couldn't get the words out, I was speaking like a toddler, I was really embarrassed.
"When the doctors... said the word stroke, I just couldn't believe it, there was a moment of sheer panic just fearing what it meant for the rest of my life.
"Would I have another one? Would the next one be even worse and I'd lose the use of my arms or legs? I was really scared and just broke down in tears."
Neil Wilkes
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