Coronation Street star says he was “nearly killed” in worrying hospital post

Former Coronation Street actor Liam Scholes has shared a terrifying health scare that left fans deeply concerned after revealing he was attacked by a monkey while on holiday.

The young star, best known for playing bad boy Eli Higginson on the ITV soap, stunned followers when he posted a shocking update from a hospital bed,

complete with an IV drip and a chilling caption that left no doubt about the seriousness of the incident.

Taking to Instagram, Scholes posted a short video on his Stories showing himself hooked up to medical equipment, looking visibly shaken yet determined to reassure his fans. In the clip, he wrote: “When you nearly get killed by a monkey in the desert… game is over. Wait for the reel guys… just you wait.” The post immediately sparked alarm among his followers and fellow actors, many of whom reached out to offer support and concern.

The 24-year-old star didn’t go into full detail about how the shocking encounter occurred, but his cryptic words painted a vivid picture of danger. Sources close to the actor later hinted that the attack happened during a trip abroad with family, where a seemingly innocent interaction with wildlife took a terrifying turn.

Alongside the video, Scholes made sure to thank his girlfriend, Roisin Riley, calling her his “very own lifesaver.” The heartfelt words suggested that Riley had been by his side during the ordeal, likely helping him seek medical attention after the unexpected attack. The couple, who have been together for some time, have often shared glimpses of their travels and adventures online—but this time, the experience took a near-fatal twist.

A family member also shared a light-hearted post to reassure worried fans, uploading a collection of photos showing the group posing with a small monkey prior to the attack. The caption read: “Liam Scholes doesn’t have the same monkey appear as the rest of the Scholes clan. Monkey 1, Liam 0.” The comment, though humorous, hinted that Liam’s encounter with the animal had clearly been the worst of the bunch.

Scholes’ near-death experience comes as a shock to many who remember him from his soap roles. He joined Coronation Street in 2021 as Eli Higginson, a reckless friend of notorious troublemaker Corey Brent. Eli became known for his involvement in some of the show’s darker storylines, particularly those revolving around Corey’s criminal activities. Though his stint on the cobbles was brief—ending in September that same year—his performance left a lasting impression on viewers.

After leaving Coronation Street, Scholes went on to land a role in the BBC’s Waterloo Road, joining the 2023 reboot as Noel McManus, a kitchen assistant apprentice with a mischievous streak. His portrayal quickly became a fan favourite for its blend of humour and heart. Speaking at the time of his casting, Scholes expressed his excitement about the new direction of the show and its grounded realism.

“Anyone who messed about in school or enjoyed causing a little bit of chaos will relate to Noel,” he said in a BBC press release. “It’s pretty much the kid I never was in school, but there’s definitely a part of me in him.”

He went on to praise the series for its honest storytelling: “I think Waterloo Road does an amazing job of representing so many different people. It’s about real issues that people face every day, and that’s what makes it so powerful.”

Reflecting on his own school days, Scholes joked that while he was generally well-behaved, he still had a mischievous side. “I was a good boy. I got good grades. But I had a bit of fun too. My teachers would probably say I was cheeky, but I was the little guy back then—now I’m the big guy!”

Outside of his professional work, Scholes’ personal life has also drawn attention from fans. During his time on Coronation Street, he dated co-star Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow on the soap. Their relationship became a hot topic among fans before they eventually went their separate ways earlier this year. Despite their breakup, both actors have continued to show mutual respect in interviews, maintaining a friendly relationship as their careers continue to flourish.

This recent hospitalisation, however, marks one of the scariest moments in Scholes’ public life to date. The actor’s followers were quick to flood his social media with messages of concern and relief after seeing that he was stable enough to share an update. Some even praised his sense of humour in the face of danger, though others urged him to rest and prioritise his recovery.

It remains unclear whether Scholes suffered long-term injuries from the attack, but his posts suggest he’s on the road to recovery—and eager to share more about the ordeal once he’s ready. Fans are already anticipating the promised “reel” that he teased in his caption, hoping it will shed light on what exactly happened in the desert that nearly cost him his life.

The dramatic episode serves as a sobering reminder that even the most picturesque holidays can carry unexpected risks. For Scholes, whose career has seen him navigate fictional danger on screen, this real-life brush with death was a stark contrast to anything scripted.

As he recuperates, supporters from both Coronation Street and Waterloo Road have rallied behind him, expressing gratitude that the situation wasn’t far worse. Many have also praised his girlfriend Roisin for her quick thinking and care—proving that, much like in his on-screen stories, even moments of chaos can reveal true acts of love and heroism.

For now, Liam Scholes is focusing on healing, resting, and counting his blessings. The actor’s resilience shines through in his humour and gratitude, suggesting that this terrifying encounter will only make him stronger. And if his promise to share the full story is anything to go by, fans can expect a gripping—and likely unforgettable—account of how one unexpected moment in the desert turned into a fight for survival.