Adam Rickitt: From Coronation Street Heartthrob to Pop Comeback
With his boyband good looks and the success of his 1999 hit single, “I Breathe Again,” Adam Rickitt was a prominent figure in British pop culture. Though, behind the fame, Rickitt faced personal struggles, including battles with addiction and violent attacks. Now, at 47, the former Coronation Street star is poised for a musical resurgence.
Early Fame and Coronation Street
Adam Rickitt initially planned to study English and Philosophy at Cambridge University but entered the entertainment industry after signing with a talent agency during a gap year. In 1997, at the age of 18, he landed the role of Nick Tilsley on Coronation Street, quickly becoming a teen idol. The show, at its peak, drew up to 20 million viewers nightly, catapulting Rickitt to national attention.
Rickitt described the sudden fame as both exhilarating and overwhelming. A simple trip to Tesco for cereal could take hours due to the attention from fans. He was aware from the beginning that he was cast for his appearance, with producers emphasizing the need for him to remain publicly available, similar to the expectations placed on boyband members.
Pop Success and Controversial Video
At the height of his Coronation Street fame, Rickitt launched a pop career in 1999 with the single “I Breathe Again.” The song peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart, selling 76,500 copies and remaining on the chart for 10 weeks [1]. It also reached number nine in Hungary and number 16 in Ireland.
The music video for “I Breathe Again” garnered attention for its provocative scenes, featuring Rickitt in suggestive poses. He revealed that he filmed some scenes nude after the director requested it, despite initially wearing boxers [1].
Battles with Addiction and Violence
Despite his success, Rickitt struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. He also experienced several violent attacks, reportedly being stabbed four times by individuals motivated by jealousy. He described being attacked with smashed bottles, a knife, and what was believed to be a screwdriver, but often avoided seeking medical attention or involving the police, fearing negative press coverage.
Later Career and Personal Life
After leaving Coronation Street, Rickitt pursued other acting roles, including a stint on the Latest Zealand soap opera Shortland Street from 2007 to 2010. He found the environment in New Zealand less focused on celebrity culture and credited his dog, Rufus, with helping him through a difficult period.
In 2014, Rickitt married GMB reporter Katy Rickitt. He suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder that has caused infertility [1]. Together, they run Dexter & Jones, an artisan bar and bottleshop in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Musical Comeback
Following a viral performance at a Pride event, Rickitt has been re-signed to a record label and is currently working on new music. Whereas he acknowledges that a repeat of the nude scenes from the “I Breathe Again” video is unlikely, he expressed a desire to enjoy the process and is unconcerned about commercial success.