In a story that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, Coronation Street star John Thomson, known to fans as Jesse Chadwick, has opened up about heartbreak, unexpected reappearances, and a surprisingly cold shoulder from the world of celebrity dating apps. While his character recently returned to Weatherfield to rekindle a long-lost love, real life hasn’t offered the same romantic resolution.

John, now 56, became a familiar face to Corrie viewers when Jesse Chadwick arrived on the cobbles back in December 2008. Over the next two years, Jesse made his mark by charming both Eileen Grimshaw and her sister Julie Carp—two iconic women of the Street, played by Sue Cleaver and Katy Cavanagh, respectively. His charming-yet-bumbling persona brought plenty of laughs and light romantic drama to the show until his departure in 2010.

But like any good soap twist, Jesse wasn’t quite done with Weatherfield. In a surprising turn of events, the character made an unexpected return last October, tied to a bittersweet storyline: the farewell of beloved Corrie matriarch Gail Platt (played by the legendary Helen Worth). It was revealed that Jesse and Gail had shared a whirlwind romance during an overseas holiday years earlier—an off-screen fling that fans never saw coming. Hoping to rekindle that connection, Jesse returned to Weatherfield just in time for Gail’s exit storyline.

And against all odds, the old flame sparked anew. Their renewed romance quickly bloomed, and viewers watched as the pair fell back in love in a cozy, nostalgic whirlwind that led to a heartwarming Christmas Day wedding—giving Gail the romantic send-off she so deserved after five decades on the show.

But while Jesse found happiness in the fictional world of Coronation Street, John Thomson’s real-life journey has been far more complicated.

Opening up on the podcast We’re Not Getting Any Younger, John candidly shared the emotional aftermath of a painful breakup. After five years in a committed relationship, he found himself single again last year. “It’s hard, really tough,” he admitted. “We move on. It was five years, that relationship, so it took it out of me.”

Rather than rushing into something new, John took time to process the breakup and heal. Now, after a year of solitude, he’s ready to reenter the dating pool. “I’ve given it a year, so I’m single and just about ready to mingle,” he said with a bittersweet smile. But the road back to romance hasn’t been smooth—especially when it comes to celebrity dating platforms.

Despite his high-profile status and decades-long career in British television, John revealed that the exclusive dating app Raya—known for connecting celebrities and high-profile creatives—rejected his application. “I would go on a dating app, but Raya won’t have me,” he confessed, his tone hovering between disbelief and resignation. “You know, it’s celebs date celebs—they won’t go near me.”

John added that he’s not without connections: “I’m on a waiting list, I’ve got 15 referrals, and they still won’t have me.” For someone hoping to meet a partner who understands the unique pressures of the entertainment world, the snub felt especially disappointing. “I’d like to date people in the industry,” he explained, suggesting a desire not for status, but for someone who shares the same lifestyle and emotional rhythms.

The candid confession struck a chord with fans—many of whom remember Jesse not just as a minor Corrie character, but as a man who brought moments of joy and unpredictability to the soap during his time. And now, hearing John speak so openly about loneliness, rejection, and the desire for love, it’s hard not to draw parallels between the fictional romantic redemption arc of Jesse and the real-life romantic stall John is navigating.

But perhaps the most powerful part of John’s story is not the heartbreak—it’s the vulnerability. In an industry where many hide behind glossy images and publicist-crafted personas, John is unapologetically human. He’s not afraid to say that being alone hurts. That rejection, even in the digital age, still stings. That five years with someone can shape your soul, and that trying again is daunting.

As his character Jesse fades back into Corrie legend, fans are now hoping John’s own love story is just beginning. After all, romance doesn’t always follow a perfect arc. Sometimes, it takes detours, second acts, or unexpected returns—just like in the world of soap operas.

And if there’s one thing Coronation Street has taught us, it’s that no matter how messy, complicated, or late love arrives… it always makes for the best stories.

So whether John finds love on-screen or off, on Raya or right around the corner, one thing’s for sure: he deserves a happy ending just as much as Jesse Chadwick ever did.