Chris Fountain was once the golden boy of the British soap world, making a name for himself on Hollyoaks and later Coronation Street.
His talent and on-screen charisma earned him critical acclaim, including a Best Actor award at the British Soap Awards in 2008.
However, his promising career came to an abrupt halt in 2013 when a scandal led to his dismissal from Coronation Street. In the years that followed,
Fountain faced personal and professional challenges, including depression, a life-threatening health scare, and a devastating family loss.
Now, he is on a journey of reinvention, exploring new paths beyond acting.
Rise to Fame: A Promising Career
Fountain first stepped into the spotlight in 2003 when he joined Channel 4’s Hollyoaks as Justin Burton. His character’s dramatic storylines, including an affair with teacher Becca Dean, captured viewers’ attention and earned him the Best Storyline award at the British Soap Awards in 2006. His performance continued to shine, and in 2008, he was honored with the Best Actor award, cementing his status as one of soap opera’s rising stars.
After leaving Hollyoaks in 2009, Fountain transitioned to Coronation Street, where he took on the role of Tommy Duckworth, the grandson of soap legends Jack and Vera. His character’s romance with Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan, was a major storyline, particularly when Tina agreed to become a surrogate to pay off the couple’s debts. Fountain’s performance earned him nominations for Best Newcomer and Sexiest Male in 2012. Outside of acting, he showcased his skills on Dancing on Ice, finishing as the runner-up in the show’s third season.
Scandal and Career Fallout
Despite his growing success, Fountain’s career took a dramatic downturn in 2013 when explicit rap videos surfaced online. Under the alias “The Phantom,” he was seen rapping about violence and sexual assault while wearing a mask. The offensive nature of the lyrics caused immediate outrage, and Coronation Street swiftly terminated his contract.
Fountain issued a public apology, expressing deep regret and stating that the videos were a misguided attempt at music experimentation. However, the damage was done. The scandal cast a long shadow over his career, making it difficult for him to secure acting roles. Though he later performed in stage productions such as The Full Monty tour in 2016 and Aladdin at the Manchester Opera House, his television opportunities dwindled, with his last major role being in the 2018 BBC drama Girlfriends.
Mental Health Struggles
The fallout from the scandal took a significant toll on Fountain’s mental health. He admitted to struggling with depression, feeling like his reputation had been irreparably tarnished. Speaking candidly on the Mancs On The Mic podcast in 2022, he revealed that he went through “dark, horrible places,” sometimes not leaving his house for days.
He questioned whether his inability to land roles was due to the scandal or his skills as an actor. This uncertainty and self-doubt led him to reevaluate his life and career. Despite his past mistakes, he emphasized his deep respect for women and expressed remorse over the content of the rap videos.
Health Scare and Recovery
In 2022, Fountain faced another life-altering challenge when he suffered a mini-stroke at the age of 35. He woke up unable to speak properly and was later diagnosed with a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), caused by a blood clot traveling to his brain. Further tests revealed that he had a hole in his heart, which allowed the clot to bypass filtration in his lungs and reach his brain.
The experience was terrifying for Fountain, who feared the possibility of another stroke with even worse consequences. In May 2023, he underwent heart surgery to correct the issue, describing the procedure as inserting a “metal umbrella” to close the hole. Despite the ordeal, he remained determined to recover and even completed the London Marathon in under four hours in April 2023, marking a major personal achievement.
Personal Loss and Reinvention
Fountain suffered another heartbreak in January 2024 when his beloved grandfather passed away after a three-year battle with lung cancer. The two had shared an incredibly close bond, and the loss deeply affected him. He expressed his grief on social media, calling his grandfather his “best pal” and reflecting on the cherished memories they had created together.
Amid his personal struggles, Fountain has sought to reinvent himself. While he has taken a step back from acting, he has pursued a career as a DJ, touring with fellow musician Darius Syrossian. He has traveled extensively, performing in Colombia, Miami, and across North and South America.
His passion for adventure remains strong, as seen in his annual trips to the Burning Man festival in Nevada. In September 2023, he celebrated his 37th birthday there, calling it “one of the most incredible weeks of my life.”
Where Is He Now?
Today, Chris Fountain is focused on moving forward. While acting opportunities remain scarce, he has found new creative outlets through music and travel. His journey has been marked by triumphs and setbacks, but he continues to push forward, embracing new experiences and seeking redemption.
Though his past will always be a part of his story, Fountain is proving that personal growth and reinvention are possible—even after hitting rock bottom.
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