Rob Mallard, 27, who’s played the character Daniel Osbourne on ITV soap opera Coronation Street since 2016, began to receive negative comments on social media after appearing on This Morning last year. Viewers of the show criticised his appearance, commenting on his shaking and accusing the star of being drunk. But two months later, in March, Rob returned to This Morning to reveal his shaking was a symptom of a secret health condition he’s been living with for a decade known as essential tremor. An essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable shake in a part of the body.
Rob explained he felt “exposed” and “embarrassed” when viewers commented on his appearance the last time he was on the show.
But he hoped by talking about his condition he’d be able to help others.
He said: “It’s nearly ten years I’ve been aware of it now, my solution to it was to hide and manage, because of the job that I’m in it could really have a detrimental effect on my ability to get cast.
“It was something I tried to keep a lid on.
“But once it was exposed live on TV, at first I was incredibly embarrassed, incredibly embarrassed, and then angry, and then I started getting lots of messages off people on Twitter saying ‘me too’.
“So I thought well there’s been an unnecessary spotlight that’s been thrown on me here, and instead of just leaving it and letting it pass me by I can instead redirect it onto something useful.”
Rob explained the condition mainly affects his hands, adding: “By the time I’m 50 it could well be in the voice box and back of the spine.”
To hide his involuntary shaking on Coronation Street, the actor says he uses as many props as possible.
But the ITV soap has helped Rob with his condition. He said: “They’re great with me.”
Essential tremor symptoms
Essential tremor typically worsens over time and can be confused with Parkinson’s disease.
According to Mayo Clinic there are five symptoms to look out for.
The tremor may:
- Begin gradually, usually more prominently on one side of the body
- Worsen with movement
- Usually occur in the hands first, affecting one hand or both hands
- Can include a “yes-yes” or “no-no” motion of the head
- May be aggravated by emotional stress, fatigue, caffeine or temperature extremes
Causes of essential tremor
Research has suggested essential tremor can run in families and is passed on by a faulty gene.
But other causes can include an overactive thyroid, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke.
How to tell the difference between essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease
The two conditions differ in three key ways, says Mayo Clinic.
It explains: “Essential tremor of the hands usually occurs when you use your hands. Tremors from Parkinson’s disease are most prominent when your hands are at your sides or resting in your lap.
“Essential tremor doesn’t cause other health problems, but Parkinson’s disease is associated with stooped posture, slow movement and shuffling gait. However, people with essential tremor sometimes develop other neurological signs and symptoms, such as an unsteady gait (ataxia).
“Essential tremor mainly involves your hands, head and voice. Parkinson’s disease tremors usually start in your hands, and can affect your legs, chin and other parts of your body.”
Another Coronation Street star who’s been open about her health is Kym Marsh.
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