it might be hard to prove consent but yes i guess if sex ring is uncovered then it would help the caseQuote:
Originally Posted by swmc66
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it might be hard to prove consent but yes i guess if sex ring is uncovered then it would help the caseQuote:
Originally Posted by swmc66
Coronation Street's Bethany Platt has fallen into another sinister trap by getting engaged to her abuser Nathan Curtis.
Wednesday night's episode saw more scheming and manipulation from Nathan pay off as he convinced Bethany (Lucy Fallon) that he wants them to tie the knot.
A traumatic few days for Bethany has seen her coerced into having sex with Nathan's sleazy friend Neil, which left her questioning her relationship and the situation she was in.
Skilled as ever with his scheming, Nathan responded by freezing Bethany out, branding her childish and making her think that she was the one at fault.
After finally deciding it was time to lure Bethany back in, Nathan gave her a sob story about his past and asked her to marry him.
Unaware that Nathan has absolutely no intention of actually heading down the aisle, Bethany accepted the proposal and excitedly changed her social media status to "engaged" – much to the shock and disgust of her mum Sarah when she saw the latest update on her phone.
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Sarah Platt in Coronation Street
© ITV
When Corrie returns on Friday, Sarah tries her best to hide her true feelings on the situation by paying a visit to Bethany at the salon and promising to always support her.
Bethany is overjoyed to be back on good terms with her mum, but she's struck by fresh terror when Neil unexpectedly arrives at the salon with Ian, one of his friends.
As Neil suggests Nathan should throw another party and invite Ian this time, Bethany struggles to hide her horror as she worries about what will be expected of her this time. Will she agree to the party? And could she end up being offered out to Ian next?
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Bethany Platt panics when Neil brings his friend Ian along in Coronation Street
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Digital Spy
sarah needs to finally do something
Warning: The following article contains discussion of grooming and sexual violence that some readers may find triggering.
Coronation Street's ongoing Bethany Platt grooming storyline has an end in sight.
Actress Lucy Fallon, whose character has been manipulated by the much-older and her now fiancé Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) and his co-conspirator Mel Maguire (Sonia Ibrahim), revealed the storyline will conclude in the autumn, but it will get "loads worse" first.
"Things get loads worse, they really do," Fallon told the Press Association (via News and Star). "In the next few weeks you will start to see things get worse and worse. You will see this goes on for a bit.
"I think we know it's going on through the summer until the autumn and we know the end."
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Neil and Bethany Platt in Coronation Street
She added: "I've known how it was going to end because I've been speaking to Kate [Oates] about how it's going to pan out.
"We got a say in how it's going to end, the NSPCC got a say too, it's been really good, everyone has given their advice. I think it's going to be a really good ending."
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Neil and Bethany Platt in Coronation Street
© ITV
Bethany has had to endure months of abusive and manipulative behaviour by Nathan as he plans to pimp her out to his friends and that plan is finally beginning to take shape for him.
Lucy also revealed the disturbing scene where she was coerced into having sex with Nathan's sleazy friend Neil, was much harder for her to watch than film.
"I didn't watch it when it was on, I watched it later on my own," she said.
"It was harder to watch than to film. When we filmed it it was done in about 20 minutes, the director was really quick and sensitive."
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Neil and Bethany Platt in Coronation Street
Digital Spy
The latest development in a controversial storyline on Coronation Street street will show Bethany Platt discovering that one of the people grooming her is a policeman – of all people.
After weeks of torment at the hands of Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper), Bethany (Lucy Fallon) reports her abuse to the authorities – only to come face-to-face with her attacker at the police station.
In a surprise, and unsettling, twist her boyfriend's unscrupulous associate Neil appears and tries to silence Bethany before she can go further with reporting her rape at the hands of a grooming ring.
Bethany was sexually assaulted by Neil in disturbing scenes that aired last week after she was set up by Nathan.
"You're not even safe in a police station," is the threat she is met with at by Neil, shutting down her efforts to protect herself from further harm at the hands of her attackers.
Digital Spy has reached out to ITV for comment.
Of course there are a number of other possibilities of who could rescue Bethany from her woes, as we discussed in our recent feature.
Surely Nathan has to get his comeuppance sooner or later – but who will bring about the change that sees Bethany's plight come to an end?
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craig now training for police, will his training officer be this neil and how many of nathan's mates will she sleep with
I think Craig will eventually play a part in the storyline being resolved.Quote:
Originally Posted by lizann
I was hoping Neil would be the only one but perhaps not :(
was there a dirty copper who tried it on with becky, stalked her, maybe he is part of this ring, i can't remember his name
'Coronation Street's Bethany Platt is set to stab Gary Windass.
The troubled teenager - portrayed by Lucy Fallon - has found herself sliding down a slippery slope in recent weeks after she found herself caught up in a distressing grooming plot - something she's not aware of - but things are set to get even worse for the blonde student after she lashes out at her mother's boyfriend (Mikey North) when he tries to stop her from returning to her manipulative boyfriend Nathan.
Tina O'Brien - who plays Bethany's mother Sarah Platt - told the Radio Times magazine: "Sarah and Gary manage to get her home and she wakes up on the sofa and panics when she realises where she is and that she doesn't have her phone. She tries to make a run for it but Gary blocks her way, she starts throwing things and stabs Gary in the arm. It's terrifying and upsetting for Sarah to see her daughter in this state and Sarah does start to wonder if Bethany is, in fact, scared of Nathan."
The current storyline has seen Bethany's older boyfriend Nathan (Chris Harper) sell the innocent teen to his seedy friends for cash and it's set to get worse over time.
The plot has received some backlash from viewers who believe the footage is too graphic for the time of night the show is aired but Tina thinks Lucy is doing a fanastic job considering it's her first major storyline since she joined the soap in 2015.
She explained: "She's doing brilliantly - it's a big issue to take on and she's had some tough scenes to record. But she has done an amazing job.
"Growing up on 'Corrie', I had some tough storylines to work on and it is important to have people around you supporting you and helping you every step of the way. And I know Lucy feels protected in the same way that I did."
BANG Showbiz
Does Mary not share her concerns with Sarah?
Awful that she is going to stab someone :( Both Kylie and Brian Tilsley (Bethany's biological grandad) died from stabbing which just makes it worse.
Coronation Street's Bethany Platt will be supported by Mary in the aftermath of her grooming ordeal
Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon has revealed that Mary Taylor will help her character Bethany Platt come to terms with her devastating grooming ordeal.
Bethany believes she is in a normal relationship with the much-older Nathan, unaware that he has been planning to pimp Bethany out to his friends ever since they first met.
After months of manipulative behaviour, Nathan's evil plan finally came to fruition last month as Bethany was coerced into having sex with his sleazy friend Neil.
Bethany did start to question Nathan's intentions in the aftermath of her night with Neil – but as ever, he had another plan up his sleeve when he popped the question to the teenager to put her mind at ease.
With the story certainly far from over, Bethany's ordeal certainly looks set to get worse before it gets better, but Lucy has revealed that her character will find Mary a pillar of support in the aftermath.
Recent scenes have seen Bethany find solace in a kind-hearted Mary – but hasn't yet confided in her over what's really been going on at Nathan's.
"Mary and Bethany are going to form a nice friendship," Lucy said to OK! Online. "Mary has been raped before so she's going to come in handy with Bethany when coming to terms with what happened further down the line."
She is stabbing the wrong people, she should aim for Nathan and his friends, how many will she sleep with, I thought it would be one and she would wise up and escapeQuote:
Originally Posted by Kim
For the life of me I don't understand Sarah's attitude , she knows Bethany is certainly not streetwise to the point of being naïve , and yet seems to accept that her barely 17 yr old daughter is planning to get married. Surely any parent would be making a few local enquiries about Nathan ,get a wee bit of background info. He's obviously been involved with other girls in the past. Even a private detective would be a good investment .
Audrey mentioned she needs her parents permission to wed, Sarah should go to the police although they are portrayed as very incompetentQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
Warning: The following article contains discussion of grooming and sexual violence that some readers may find upsetting.
Here are the dramatic Coronation Street pictures we've all been waiting months to see – evil groomer Nathan Curtis being arrested.
Cast and crew have been working out on location today (May 10) for huge scenes which see Nathan nicked for his treatment of Bethany Platt.
Christopher Harper and Lucy Fallon, who play Nathan and Bethany, have been spotted filming a tense showdown for their characters which ends in a violent scuffle at a burger bar.
Although Nathan is used to getting away with his bad behaviour, it seems that he's pushing his luck too far this time, as he gets hauled away by police for his violent actions.
Nathan is clearly on the back foot for once as two police officers drag him away from the scene, but will this really be the end of his abuse?
As ever, on-location pictures can only tell some of the story and it's not totally clear yet whether the police know the full extent of Nathan's criminal activity by this point.
Nathan's sleazy friend Neil, who's part of the sex ring, is also a member of the police force – so fans may wonder whether he'll pull some strings to make sure he gets off lightly.
For now we can only speculate about whether this is the moment that Nathan really does get his comeuppance, or whether he'll wriggle his way out of trouble like he's done so many times before. We'll find out for sure when the scenes air in a couple of months' time.
Nathan and Bethany's dark storyline has been running since the beginning of the year but has intensified in recent weeks, as Bethany was coerced into having sex with Neil during a flat party.
Upcoming episodes will see Nathan make plans for a second "client" to sleep with Bethany, only to be thwarted when her mum Sarah gets suspicious and takes her back to the cobbles.
Lucy recently confirmed that Bethany and Nathan's story will run until the autumn – with the ending already decided by Corrie bosses.
Digital Spy
Lets hope the autumn conclusion deadline includes Nathan's trial, and of all the others involved. I guess May 10th filming would indicate perhaps a first or second week in July TV screening. Fingers crossed that we get to see all the trial ,sentencing ,the full works , and maybe a bonus of 'em all getting a good hiding off prison inmates, and not get short changed, following the arrests. Put Nathan in a cell with Jim MacDonald.
Glen, I can't see the last bit of your statement happening but it would be a great joy to me and many more, I am sureQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
Warning: The following article contains discussion of grooming and sexual violence that some readers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street has another dark twist in store for Bethany Platt as her chance to escape Nathan Curtis's evil clutches could be thwarted.
Earlier this week, we revealed how cast and crew had been spotted filming on location for dramatic scenes which saw Nathan arrested following a public fight with Bethany.
All Corrie fans will have hoped this would be the moment that Nathan finally got his comeuppance, but these brand new pictures now cast doubt on that.
The Coronation Street team have been back on location today for scenes which see Bethany taken to the police station following her ordeal.
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Coronation Street's Bethany Platt and Neil Clifton at the police station
© MCPIX/MARK CAMPBELL
The troubled teenager is supported by her friend Craig Tinker, who's training with the police, but there's an upsetting twist in store which could mean justice isn't served after all.
Just as Bethany is being helped by Craig, policeman Neil Clifton suddenly sends him away and forces her into the police station.
Fans know that Neil is part of Nathan's sex ring himself and recently forced Bethany into sleeping with him during a flat party.
Could Neil's involvement mean that Nathan gets off the hook yet again? Will Bethany be scared off from pressing charges against Neil?
Or will Bethany still have the strength to speak out when her mum Sarah arrives at the station and comforts her?
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Coronation Street's Sarah and Bethany Platt at the police station
© MCPIX/MARK CAMPBELL
These pictures could tie in with a recent tabloid leak, which suggested that Neil would indeed scare off Bethany from telling the truth about Nathan.
Although unconfirmed by Corrie, newspaper reports suggested that Bethany will be terrified when Neil tries to silence her by saying: "You're not even safe in a police station."
Lucy Fallon, who plays Bethany, recently confirmed that her character's upsetting storyline won't end until the autumn – but the conclusion has already been decided by show bosses.
"Things get loads worse, they really do. In the next few weeks you will start to see things get worse and worse. You will see this goes on for a bit," Lucy told PA.
"I think we know it's going on through the summer until the autumn and we know the end."
Digital Spy
It's a good issue to be highlighted and coronation Street are doing a really good job with it. BUT - I honestly can't be watching until autumn with Bethany in the claws of those slimy horrible 'men'! It's far too upsetting to be watching that long.
I'm sure mariba ,quite a few viewers feel the same way ,which is a great shame. That such a well presented ,informative ,topical storyline could be ruined by corrie producers running this for too long. The autumn conclusion spoken about is very vague ,we've been there before with soaps, autumn to them is nearer November, which if true is way over the top. Let's hope September has it all finalised.Quote:
Originally Posted by mariba
Bethany Platt is left devastated next week when evil abuser Nathan Curtis makes it clear that he expects her to sleep with Neil for a second time.
Bethany was forced to have sex with Neil at a party last month, which temporarily left her questioning Nathan's intentions until he manipulated her back on side.
Next week's episodes see Bethany's mum Sarah worried sick about her relationship with Nathan, having now seen clear signs that her daughter is actually scared of her older boyfriend.
Sarah decides that it's time to take decisive action by talking to the police and telling them everything she knows about Nathan.
The only problem is that the officer she's speaking to is Neil himself, giving fans their first glimpse of the dark twist that there's a corrupt policeman closely involved within the sleazy sex ring.
Pretending to be the perfect professional, Neil listens intently as Sarah tells him how terrified the Platts are over Bethany being influenced by her much older and controlling boyfriend.
Neil promises to talk to Bethany, but when he does, she's far too brainwashed to see the reality of her situation and is furious about her mum's interference.
When Neil takes Bethany back to Number 8 for a visit, she gets tough with her heartbroken mum by insisting that she wants nothing more to do with her.
Back at the flat later on, Nathan suggests they should invite Neil and his mate Ian over so Bethany can show her gratitude for Neil's "help" earlier in the day.
Knowing what will be expected of her, will Bethany agree to Nathan's demands?
Warning: This article contains discussion of grooming, which some readers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street's Bethany Platt has resorted to sleeping rough in the latest upsetting twist to her ongoing grooming storyline.
Bethany (Lucy Fallon) took centre stage in explosive scenes on Friday night (May 19) as her mum Sarah brought her back to the cobbles after finding her in a drunken state at Nathan Curtis's flat.
When Bethany passed out after too much booze, Sarah was adamant that she should never see Nathan again and even tried to keep her prisoner in the Platt house.
Terrified about missing her meeting with another of Nathan's sleazy friends, Bethany completely lost control by trashing her old family home and even stabbing Gary Windass with some broken glass in her desperate bid to escape. (Don't worry, Gary was fine!)
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Knowing she'd cut ties with her family but also fearing the consequences of going against Nathan's wishes, a terrified Bethany found herself huddling under a bridge, alone and upset.
While we won't spoil too many details, Monday night's Corrie double bill will explore the aftermath of Bethany's time on the streets as we find out whether anyone comes to her rescue.
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Bethany Platt ends up sleeping rough in Coronation Street
© ITV
Next week's episodes also see Sarah decide to speak to the police about Nathan and his controlling ways, although she's still unaware of the full extent of what he's up to.
Unfortunately, Sarah gets nowhere as the officer she's speaking to is Neil, one of Nathan's evil accomplices.
Bethany soon finds herself back in Nathan's clutches and there's more horror to come when he suggests they invite Neil and Ian over to the flat. Knowing what will be expected of her, will Bethany agree?
Coronation Street continues on Monday (May 22) at 7.30pm on ITV.
Digital Spy
Warning: This article contains discussion of grooming, which some readers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street's grooming storyline takes its most disturbing twist yet next week, as Bethany Platt is drugged and told to sleep with three different men.
Bethany has already been pimped out to Nathan Curtis's friends in recent weeks, but the evil villain steps up his sick games as he arranges another party at his flat in upcoming episodes.
As Nathan (Chris Harper) gets Bethany ready for the latest gathering, it's clear that she's dreading it once again but she feels powerless to speak up.
Determined to stay in control, Nathan secretly spikes Bethany's drink with pills and orders her to take off her engagement ring, claiming that he doesn't want their guests to be jealous.
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Nathan Curtis asks Bethany Platt to take off her engagement ring in Coronation Street
© ITV
When Nathan's friends start to arrive, the pressure is clearly getting to Bethany as she becomes increasingly drunk due to her nerves over the scary situation.
Nathan is furious and takes Bethany to one side to punish her for her drunken behaviour, but he continues to play mind games by immediately apologising and begging her to give him another chance.
When Bethany returns to the party, Nathan encourages her to go to the bedroom followed by three of his mates, having already collected cash from all of them.
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Bethany Platt and Nathan Curtis in new Coronation Street trailer
© ITV
Speaking a
bout the sinister scenes, Lucy Fallon – who plays Bethany – revealed: "Bethany's drugged and confused, so she doesn't really know what's happening. Nathan directs her towards a room with three of his mates, where it looks like she's going to be raped.
"Bethany knows what's happening to her isn't right because she doesn't want to sleep with these men, but she can't see it as though she's being raped because she can't see past her love for Nathan.
"She really doesn't want to do it. She's been drugged by Nathan and he's saying that she doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to, but it's all a form of manipulation. He might be saying that, but she knows full well what he expects of her.
"Then when there's three men in the room, she shouts for Mel. She's in shock and it's the first time she really starts to think that something is wrong – why are Nathan and Mel letting this happen to her?"
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Shona Ramsey confronts Nathan Curtis in Coronation Street
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Fortunately, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel for Bethany when Shona Ramsey (Julia Goulding) finally discovers what her evil ex-boyfriend is up to.
Shona has her own dark history with Nathan, but she only makes the connection that he's Bethany's boyfriend next week and is instantly horrified by her discovery.
After Shona tells David that Bethany is in danger, they team up with Sarah and Gary by racing to the tanning salon as Shona explains what's really been going on.
The group kick through the door to the salon and head up to the flat, but have they arrived in time to save Bethany?
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Shona Ramsey tells David Platt that Bethany is in trouble in Coronation Street
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Either way, it's clear there's still a long road ahead as Bethany still refuses to believe any of their warnings about Nathan when they come face-to-face.
Lucy added: "At first Bethany is confused because she's been drugged, but then she's mortified that they can see what's been going on.
"But she still won't accept that Nathan's done anything wrong. She's not listening to anything that the Platts are saying to her and she refuses to believe any of it.
"It's going to take her a long time to get her head round it. She believes everything that Nathan says to her, because in her eyes, she's been in a relationship with him for the last six months. When people start saying to her that she's been groomed, she can't accept that, because to her they're engaged and they love each other.
"An important part of portraying this storyline is that a lot of survivors of grooming and sexual exploitation say that they still couldn't see what was happening to them until a long time after it had been exposed."
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David, Gary and Sarah rush to rescue Bethany in Coronation Street
© ITV
Coronation Street airs these scenes at 9pm all next week on ITV.
For more information on the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and how they can help you or someone who you know is in need, please click here.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Digital Spy
I wonder does Shona also know the police man Neil
Coronation Street boss Kate Oates has said that Bethany Platt's grooming storyline will continue to run long after her family learn about her ordeal.
Next week's scenes will see the story take its most disturbing twist yet, as Bethany is drugged and told to sleep with three different men.
Bethany has already been pimped out to Nathan Curtis's friends in recent weeks, but the evil villain steps up his deplorable games when he arranges another party at his flat in upcoming scenes.
Thankfully, there is some hope for the teen when Shona Ramsey discovers what her manipulative ex-boyfriend is up to and tells Bethany's family – as seen in the trailer previewing next week's big episodes.
But sadly, Bethany's ordeal won't end once her family finds out, with the show's producer teasing the story is far from over.
Speaking at a Coronation Street press event today (May 26), Kate said: "The Bethany story isn't over yet. Even though you will see Sarah, David and the Platts realise what's been happening and what she's been going through, it's not that simple.
"Because what Bethany has been through is a process of brainwashing, and just because you're pulled out of danger, doesn't mean that the lights are suddenly on and she can see what the truth is. There is a little way to go with her story still."
Digital Spy
Cannot decide from Kate Oates' comments whether Bethany will remain in Nathan's clutches staying at his flat with the abuse continuing. Or will leave, but fail to accept what has been happening to her, maybe even maintaining contact with Nathan and the other abusers ? If it is the former, Sarah could have Bethany made a Ward of Court ?
Nathan will leave by September, I think Bethany might need to go to a hospital the same as Sarah did after she had Harry to get proper mental health support. I hope how this will turn out anywayQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
i would think sarah wouldn't allow bethany to stay now truth is out even get cops who are not neil involved they has to be some decent good cops already querying nathanQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
the other girl tonight looked very young much younger than bethany and she had same necklace, run bethany run
Hope so,that tammy could explode the whole abuse syndicate right up in Nathan's face.Shona may not realise he's a police officer, see him in uniform .Be a good twist .Quote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
I think Craig will catch him out as he is working close with him now as a mentorQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1
Coronation Street airs some of the show's darkest ever scenes tonight (June 2) as Bethany Platt's family come face-to-face with the true horrors of her grooming ordeal.
Bethany's abuser Nathan Curtis has sent her into a bedroom with three different men at his latest sleazy party, leaving Sarah, Gary and David shaken when they rush to rescue her and realise they may already be too late.
At a recent Coronation Street press day, show producer Kate Oates spoke to Digital Spy and other media about this week's challenging scenes and where things go from here.
Has this week's post-watershed timeslot given you more scope? Did you include things you wouldn't have done at 7.30pm?
"We did, but I was still very careful about what we should show. You've seen the three men file into the room, which is sinister as the door closes.
"There's also a moment where Bethany tries to get out and she says to Mel 'I'm in the wrong room', but Mel just closes the door on her. That's because, as we've established before, if it's not Bethany, it's going to be Mel. So Mel steps away from that situation.
"It was useful just to talk to the writers and the network about it, and say that when we did bring it to a point of the darkest drama, we did have this scope for a later timeslot.
"I also felt more comfortable thinking it was going to be a largely 9pm audience on the lines where Nathan was going through the numbers of men versus the number of girls who would be at the party. Mel asked if Bethany was ready for that and it was clear that she was going to be expected to have multiple partners that night. That was on the Monday, so we revealed there where we'd be taking the story.
"I don't think it's necessarily showing much more than we've done previously, though. We've always been careful with the imagery that we've shown – it's always been more suggested."
How do you think the cast have handled the story?
"We're so proud of Lucy Fallon (Bethany) and Chris Harper (Nathan) for what they've done. With Lucy in particular, the level of engagement that she's given in her performance from the get-go has just blown me away.
"There's been times when I've been mindful of what we've asked Lucy to bring to this, but every time I've asked her whether she's okay, the answer has been yes. There's a sense of Lucy doing it not just for herself, for the show and for the storyline, but she's also taken on the responsibility of voicing this for lots of people.
"It's been quite a humbling thing to see and to work with someone like Lucy who's brought so much to it, so I would like to publicly thank her for that."
What do you make of the recent criticism from some quarters that Neil being a policeman could deter viewers from coming forward?
"Certainly as this story progresses, we've worked hard to show that the police and those who support victims and survivors of this kind of abuse are in the main brilliant, highly trained, compassionate, professional, and will work very, very hard to get justice.
"There's a social and political side to this story as well as a dramatic side, and this was very much on the dramatic side of things. It can be challenging at times as a producer when you think: 'Do I want to show the police, who are in a position of responsibility, as having a bad apple in the barrel?' But I think you have to balance it by showing that in the main, overwhelmingly everyone else is caring and compassionate.
"What I like about that story is that not only does it serve as a dramatic twist and put extra pressure on Bethany, we've also got Craig in the mix, who is so idealistic. Neil is his mentor and Craig thinks he is great. Craig wants to be in the police because he thinks policemen are good. He wants to save the world and that's how he's going to do it, so I think we more than balance it.
"When you look at an episode in isolation, it's easy to be reactive and say 'that's a bad message', but you also have to look across the broader spectrum of episodes."
Lara, the other victim we saw this week, was very young. Was that a conscious decision?
"Yes. We will see Lara again. I'm happy to tell you that she is slightly older than she looks, but yes, that was a conscious decision. The casting department had a couple of options and we discussed them together. That was another 9pm decision, to introduce someone who was apparently underage who would, in real life, very much be a part of this circle.
"As an actress, we don't see her for very long, but she has such a haunted look. In a short time on screen, she makes a massive impact."
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Coronation Street introduces another of Nathan's victims
© ITV
What's her history?
"Nathan has collected these girls as he has gone along, really. For me, this is a feminist story for young women who have issues with self-esteem, who have been knocked and bullied. We have seen Bethany on diet pills, addicted to exercise pills, being rejected and having a really tough time. Her self-esteem was through the floor and she is very vulnerable.
"In this situation, it's important to see that young women need support because there are dangers out there and they can be very susceptible to them.
"With the character of Mel – and we'll learn more about her later, too – she seems like she could be just quite a hard, evil character if you look at her quite reductively, especially when she closes that door on Bethany. But she's just damaged too and we will learn more about that."
What can you tell us about the Platts finding out and their reactions?
"It's Shona who shines the light on it and puts it into words of one syllable for them. She makes the pieces fall into place. They've already seen elements that are odd up until now, like when they went to the flat and found Bethany passed out and scantily-dressed, or when they were at a party and it was just blokes.
"They have known things were weird and amiss, but it's one of those things where you think: 'Never in a million years could my clever daughter be in this situation'. Sarah hasn't seen the wood for the trees.
"What's interesting about Sarah and Bethany is that the age gap is relatively small and Sarah has been through a lot herself, including being groomed online. I think Sarah operates under this illusion that she knows what's going on with Bethany because she's still young and has seen it all but actually, that's not true.
"Times move really quickly and children and young people hide things from their parents, either through fear or just because that's the way things have always been.
"You never really know until you stop, look, communicate and trust. It's about opening communication, talking, giving people safe places to talk and letting people know they will be listened to – that is absolutely key."
Will Gail and Audrey become more involved in the story?
"They will in terms of the family dynamic. Certainly once it's all been revealed, they will know what's happening. I think we do focus it largely on Bethany, Sarah, Gary and Craig, as well as the off-shoot with David and Shona. David will see a different side to Shona as she's a bit of a hero. David likes them complicated, as we know!"
What else can you tell us about what's coming up?
"A character who is useful for us in this story is Mary and the storyline that she set up at Christmas, where we learned that Mary had been raped when she was young and had this forgotten son. I think people might think we have forgotten about that storyline, but we always knew that we wanted to build a bond between Bethany and Mary, which you've seen us gently seed in over recent weeks.
"It's that outside voice, I think. Bethany trusts Mary in a different kind of way, so maybe Mary can help break down some of those walls."
How did you get into the mindset of Nathan when you scripted him?
"To be honest, that's a lot of writer collaboration. I can think of certain lines of dialogue that have come from different writers in the room that have built this monster, basically.
"When we first storylined Nathan, we wanted him to have some charm and for Bethany to see him as a superhero – a person who scooped her up literally and saved her life. We didn't want any clichés on how he looks – he should look like a bit of a catch, so that you can imagine if he went by a school, that teenage girls would notice him as he drove past in his nice car.
"You do read about cases, but often these offer far more information on victims and survivors than they do perpetrators, so I have to say it was more about building him in the writers' room rather than through research. Ultimately, he's just a terrible, selfish, greedy man.
"Chris has played him amazingly. The subtleties of when he is confusing Bethany were very much built in the writers' room. Debbie Oates scripted that with lines like 'you don't know how much it turns me on to see you with other men'.
"It's just baffling for Bethany, it's the first person she has slept with and it confuses her so much, especially with Mel telling her that it's just sex and she's looking too much into it. So she doesn't feel like she can ask any more questions.
"There were also the scenes of Nathan burning Bethany with a cigarette and then apologising. That's his way of marking his territory. But I do think Chris has played it with subtlety and really showed the coercive control and systematically isolating her from her friends and family."
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Bethany?
"Yes, I definitely want to keep Lucy central to the show, as she has shone through this and Tina O'Brien has just been amazing too. We have some plans. What is nice about where this storyline goes is that when the scales do fall from Bethany's eyes, and she does realise it's not right, she takes some power back.
"We see Bethany being active in saving herself rather than just being told. It's a story for feminists – I really wanted her to take some of that power back."
Digital Spy
Coronation Street boss teases romance for Bethany Platt and Craig Tinker after her grooming ordeal
"He adores her."
Coronation Street will explore the strong bond between Bethany Platt and Craig Tinker when he becomes a pillar of support for her as she comes to terms with Nathan Curtis's abuse.
Viewers have already seen new constable Craig piece together evidence of Bethany's grooming ordeal, while also saving the life of Shona Ramsey after she was beaten by thugs hired by evil Nathan.
But with Bethany's family about to save her from Nathan's clutches, both actress Lucy Fallon and show boss Kate Oates have teased that her bond with Craig Tinker will become her saving grace in the aftermath.
Speaking about what's next for Bethany after her ordeal with Nathan, Lucy said: "I think for Bethany, it's like a really long process for her.
"She's never going to get over what happened to her and it's a longer process to get to normality.
"I think Craig is going to help her and they've got a good friendship, but I don't know what's coming."
However, Kate quickly chipped in: "He adores her!"
Coronation Street airs some of the show's darkest ever scenes tonight (June 2) as Bethany Platt's family come face-to-face with the true horrors of her grooming ordeal.
Bethany's abuser Nathan Curtis has sent her into a bedroom with three different men at his latest sleazy party, leaving Sarah, Gary and David shaken when they rush to rescue her and realise they may already be too late.
Digital Spy
I would like them to get together, Craig would be good for her after her ordeal
they should not rush this craig romance and her getting over her grooming ordeal, her recovery
In soapland, that is impossible, they never allow for long grieving and healing processes. But Craig could provide reassurance to her that not all men are like Nathan and his mates and that is important too after this storylineQuote:
Originally Posted by lizann
sarah should have demanded a doctor check bethany and her clothes examined as when she came out of bedroom her dress looked off and her a mess presumably from 3 forcing themselves on her
You cannot force someone to have an examination.
All police areas have specialist teams to deal with such incidents, but maybe if a professional explained to Bethany the high risk she faced of contracting a S.T.D. she might get checked. As you say lizann very surprised Sarah or someone in the family didn't contact the police straight away .David involved with Shona at the hospital ,so not really available.They just seemed to toddle off to bed, be alright in the morning attitude. Shona did say she suspected Bethany was being abused so ignorance wasn't an excuse. Needed a forensic team to search the flat. Nathan has been arrested on previous occasions for allegations of assault on girls, with Bethany providing him with false alibi's. These would still be logged on police computers and would show up automatically when his name was put on the computer.
Again, this is drama and would not be 100% percent true to real life. I like to think they will show us Bethany now getting professional help to get her mind unwashed off Nathan and I like to think her friendship with Craig will help with that too. Also think Nathan's downfall will be Bethany's false alibis once the whole story becomes clear. Will be a couple of more months and I am looking forward to see Nathan and Mel and the rest of the abusers getting sentenced and for Bethany the help she clearly will needQuote:
Originally Posted by Glen1