All Creatures Great and Small may instantly recognise Will Thorp, the actor who charmed audiences with his portrayal of Gerald Hammond, the gentle-hearted suitor whose romance

with Mrs Hall captured the hearts of viewers across the UK. Gerald and Mrs Hall’s tender love story became one of the highlights of the Channel 5 drama, drawing praise for its warmth and authenticity.

Yet, as fans mourned Gerald’s departure from the series in 2024, few knew that Thorp’s personal and professional journey had previously intersected with another British television institution: Coronation Street.

Long before stepping onto the Yorkshire Dales to play Gerald, Will Thorp had made a mark on the famous cobbles of Weatherfield. In 2010, he took on the recurring role of Chris Gray, a character who would leave a subtle yet lasting impression on the iconic ITV soap. This period of Thorp’s career coincided with a turbulent chapter in his personal life. At the time, he had been married for seven years and was a devoted father to two children. However, that marriage ended during the Christmas season of 2010, a painful backdrop against which he entered the world of Coronation Street.

It was during this pivotal moment on the cobbles that fate introduced him to Samia Longchambon, the actress best known for her portrayal of Maria Connor. On-screen, Chris Gray and Maria Connor’s interactions were marked by intrigue and chemistry, sparking interest among viewers who tuned in to follow their evolving storylines. Yet, the connection between Thorp and Longchambon extended beyond scripts and studio sets. In real life, Samia had recently separated from her husband of five years, Matt Smith, in January 2011, making her and Will both single and open to the possibility of a new chapter in their lives.

Their off-screen romance blossomed quickly. According to sources close to the pair, the couple moved in together, attempting to navigate a relationship under the public eye while juggling the demanding schedules of soap stardom. “Samia and Will seemed very settled after the initial fuss,” an insider revealed. “They appeared happy and enjoyed a comfortable home life. But sadly, as time went on, their paths began to diverge.”

Professional commitments and geographical distance placed strain on the relationship. Will, whose acting career required him to spend significant periods working in the south, found it increasingly difficult to maintain a strong presence in the north, where Samia continued her life and work. “Samia is happily single, the relationship just fizzled out and ran its course,” a source told the Sunday People. “She is now concentrating on Dancing On Ice and her daughter Freya.” The split, though amicable, reflected the challenges of balancing personal aspirations with the intense demands of television careers, a struggle familiar to many in the entertainment industry.

While Will Thorp’s relationship with Samia ended in 2012, it is worth noting that the period marked significant professional milestones for both actors. For Samia, the post-breakup years heralded the beginning of a transformative journey on Dancing on Ice. Partnered with French skater Sylvain Longchambon, she not only honed her skating skills but also developed a romance that would eventually lead to marriage in 2016. The pairing captured the hearts of viewers, and their enduring relationship has become one of the most celebrated partnerships in reality television history.

For Will Thorp, meanwhile, the years following his departure from Coronation Street were marked by a diverse array of acting opportunities. In addition to his memorable role as Gerald Hammond, he showcased his versatility and dance skills on the third series of Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with professional dancer Hanna Haarala. Their collaboration was met with enthusiasm by audiences, and Thorp impressed judges with his dedication and stage presence, ultimately securing seventh place in the competition. The experience highlighted his ability to transcend traditional acting roles, proving him to be a multi-talented performer capable of captivating viewers both on-screen and on stage.

Reflecting on the past, the story of Will Thorp and Samia Longchambon serves as a reminder of how intertwined personal and professional lives can become in the world of television. Their on-screen romance in Coronation Street acted as a precursor to the real-life connection that developed between them, illustrating how the boundaries between fiction and reality can sometimes blur in the entertainment industry. While their relationship ultimately ran its course, it left an indelible mark on both their lives and careers.

Fans of All Creatures Great and Small who followed Thorp’s journey may find it fascinating to consider the full trajectory of his career—from the cobbles of Weatherfield to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, and from the dance floor of Strictly Come Dancing to the intimate romance of Mrs Hall and Gerald Hammond. Each chapter reflects the actor’s growth, resilience, and ability to navigate the complex interplay of fame, personal life, and professional ambition.

Similarly, Samia Longchambon’s journey demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in a competitive industry. Her ability to move forward after personal upheaval, embrace new challenges on Dancing on Ice, and build a lasting relationship with Sylvain Longchambon speaks to her strength and determination. The couple’s eventual marriage in 2016 marked the culmination of years of growth, both individually and together, offering fans a heartwarming conclusion to a story that began amidst the drama and intrigue of Coronation Street.

Looking back, the relationship between Thorp and Longchambon was more than just a celebrity romance; it was a formative period that influenced their subsequent careers and personal lives. Their story exemplifies the unpredictability of life in the spotlight, where professional opportunities, personal relationships, and public scrutiny converge in unexpected ways. Despite the challenges they faced, both actors emerged stronger, with each continuing to thrive in their respective fields while remaining beloved by fans across generations.

In conclusion, the tale of Will Thorp and Samia Longchambon—starting with Coronation Street, developing off-screen, and leading to new professional and personal chapters—offers an intriguing glimpse into the world of British television stars. It highlights the emotional complexities of relationships under the public gaze, the pressures of career demands, and the resilience required to navigate both with grace. Fans of All Creatures Great and Small, Coronation Street, and reality television alike can appreciate the layers of drama, romance, and personal triumph woven through this compelling narrative.

From the quiet drama of the cobbles to the snowy spectacle of ice rinks, Will Thorp’s and Samia Longchambon’s journeys remind audiences that behind every familiar character lies a story of perseverance, passion, and the human experience—stories that continue to captivate, inspire, and entertain.