“It was like a celebration of life. Even though it was raining, I was smiling.”
On Sunday, 30 August, Emrhys Cooper completed a demanding 70.3-mile triathlon at Wimbleball Lake in Somerset. Despite heavy rain and muddy terrain complicating the course, the 41-year-old actor embraced the challenge with determination.
Known to over four million viewers for his role as the memorable cult leader Rowan Cunliffe on Coronation Street, Emrhys’s performance took on deeper meaning given his personal history. Besides his work on the popular soap, audiences might recall him from the film Mamma Mia, especially the iconic “Lay All Your Love On Me” sequence, or as a dancer during the 2008 series of The X Factor, which launched stars like JLS and Alexandra Burke.
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Away from bright lights and glamour, Emrhys’s journey to the muddy countryside of Somerset for a triathlon reflects a broader narrative of resilience and healing.
Raised near Totnes in Devon, often dubbed the New Age Capital of England, Emrhys describes his childhood as “unconventional.” At 18, he experienced the impact of his parents becoming involved in what could be classified as a cult-a group marked by isolation and control over its members.
Though playing a manipulative cult leader on Coronation Street might seem painful considering his background, Emrhys says it was actually a healing process. “I consulted with my dad about the role and that brought us closer together,” he explains. His art has helped him unpack difficult family history while also confronting other personal challenges.
Among them, Emrhys was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) as an adult, a condition less commonly identified when he was growing up. Despite academic struggles and the complex family environment, he found solace and escape in singing, acting, and dancing, culminating in graduating from The Central School of Ballet at 19.
Emrhys’s career has since spanned diverse opportunities, including appearances on America’s Got Talent, CSI: NY, and Desperate Housewives, as well as performances on London’s West End. Throughout this, a theme of self-awareness and acceptance has been central to his journey.
He recalls the years he spent hiding his true self, including not revealing his sexuality and coping with his family’s past in silence. “For many years, I hid who I was,” he admits. Unlocking these closed doors at his own pace has been part of embracing his identity.
In addition to his recent ADD diagnosis, Emrhys also came out publicly around two and a half years ago and chose sobriety. His daily routine now involves meditation, prayer, and journaling, which contribute to his ongoing healing.
Equally significant is his dedication to charity work. As an ambassador for The Family Survival Trust, he raises awareness about modern-day cults. He also channels his passion for endurance sports into fundraising, tying back to the triathlon he completed last weekend.
Despite friends jokingly questioning his sanity over such extreme feats, Emrhys finds the experience fulfilling and gratifying. Looking ahead, he remains busy with multiple projects: performing in “Right Before I Go” at the Soho Theatre, a film release titled “The Nice Ones” in October, and his first full Ironman event in Portugal later that month.
Looking towards Christmas, he is set to portray a villain in “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” at the Malthouse Theatre, and 2027 will see the launch of the Rye International Film Festival, a project close to his heart.
Come rain or shine, Emrhys Cooper’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and renewed hope.