| Lewis Archer | |
|---|---|
| Havers as Lewis in 2010 | |
| Coronation Street character | |
| Portrayed by | Nigel Havers |
| Introduced by | Kim Crowther (2009) Phil Collinson (2012) |
| Duration | 2009–10, 2012— |
| First appearance | 18 December 2009 |
| Classification | Former; regular (returning) |
| Profile | |
| Date of birth | 1950[1] |
| Home | Barbados |
| Occupation | Male escort |
Lewis Archer is a fictional character from the British soap opera Coronation Street, played by Nigel Havers. He made his first on-screen appearance on 18 December 2009. Lewis is a male escort hired by Audrey Roberts, after she sees him accompanying her rival, Claudia Colby, to a Christmas party. Audrey begins to fall for Lewis and is upset when her friend, Rita Sullivan, uses his service. Lewis eventually tells Audrey that he has feelings for her and they begin to date. However, Lewis reveals a different side to his character and he scams Peter Barlow's bookies out of four thousand pounds. Lewis flees Weatherfield and makes his final appearance on 13 August 2010. In September 2011, it was announced Havers would be reprising his role as Lewis and he will return to Coronation Street in 2012.
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In October 2009, it was announced that British veteran actor, Nigel Havers had joined Coronation Street as a new love interest for Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls).[2] Havers was to make a one-off appearance in December, before continuing in the role in 2010.[3] On his decision to join Coronation Street, Havers said "I couldn't say no [to Corrie]. Lewis is a fascinating character and he's got a really interesting story arc. Besides, it's always been an ambition of mine to be [on the show]. It's so well written and has such a unique take on life".[4] In March 2010, Havers said that he was keen to renew his contract, as he was enjoying his time with the soap.[4]
In February 2011, Havers revealed on Loose Women that he had had talks with producers about a return to the show. Of reprising his role as Lewis, he said "I absolutely adore it and I've got to go and say sorry to Sue [Nicholls] - to Audrey."[5] Seven months later, ITV announced Havers would be returning to Coronation Street as Lewis in 2012.[6]
Lewis accompanies Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska) to the Weatherfield Traders' Association Christmas lunch and he meets Audrey. Claudia tells Audrey that Lewis is an escort, which shocks her. However, Audrey decides to hire him to escort her to the Stylists' Dinner a few weeks later. Audrey calls Lewis again and invites him to have dinner with her, but she gets cold feet and pretends to be ill when he arrives. Lewis sits with Audrey as she shares her memories of her late husband, before they leave for dinner.
Audrey and Lewis visit the Rovers Return Inn and pretend that they have not met before. Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) recognises Lewis and jumps to the conclusion that Lewis and Audrey are having an affair. Norris later spots Audrey showing Lewis out of her salon and he captures their kiss on his camera phone.
Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) calls Lewis after seeing his advert in a magazine, and they attend the theatre together. Lewis charms Rita and she books him again for the Chamber of Commerce Easter Dinner Dance. Lewis then lies to Audrey about his availability. Lewis is surprised to encounter Audrey and Claudia, he is also surprised that Audrey knows Rita. Rita's interest in Lewis makes Audrey jealous and she and Rita begin fighting, until Lewis steps in. On a visit to Audrey's salon, Lewis leaves his notebook, which contains his thoughts on his clients, behind. When he goes to retrieve it, he finds that Audrey has read it. Lewis surprises Audrey with a kiss and tells her he has real feelings for her. They then begin dating. Lewis continues with his escort work, but after noticing that Audrey is not happy by his escort work, Lewis quits. He tells Audrey that he was beginning to feel too old for the job.
As their relationship becomes more serious, Audrey considers moving away from Weatherfield with Lewis to start a new business venture in Greece. Lewis spots an opportunity to con Audrey out of a £100,000 loan she secures. Lewis also decides to scam the bookies as he needs the money. He manages to place fake betting slips behind employee Deirdre Barlow's (Anne Kirkbride) back and in an effort to distract Deirdre from his deception he kisses her. He later returns to the bookies to claim his winnings.
On the day that Lewis and Audrey are due to fly to Greece, Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) discovers Lewis's con. He looks at the CCTV and sees Lewis sneaking behind the desk to place the betting slips, as well as his kiss with Deirdre. Audrey is devastated by Lewis's betrayal, but she finds out that he did not take the £100,000 loan. When Audrey gets home she discovers a photograph of her and Lewis with the words "I tried" written on the back. Lewis waits in the airport for a flight to Barbados and he encounters Lydia Radcliffe (Lysette Anthony). He introduces himself and suggests that they should sit together on the flight as Lydia is scared of flying.
Of the character, Steve Pratt writing for The Northern Echo said "As love rat scumbags go, Lewis Archer is up there with that chap who tried to push Rita under a tram in Blackpool.[7] Havers' turn in the soap proved popular with female viewers. The actor told entertainment website, Digital Spy, that he had been sent sackfuls of fan mail and underwear.[8] In November 2011, Jon Horsley of Yahoo! said viewers should be excited about Lewis' return to Coronation Street.[9] Horsely added "It'll be great to see the old smoothy back on the cobbles. We're really looking forward to Audrey's reaction to him, too."[9]