Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel has expressed his delight over the viewer reaction to his dark new storyline.
The actor's twisted character Frank Foster raped businesswoman Carla Connor earlier this week, desperate to punish her after she dumped him on the eve of their wedding.
Last night's episode saw Frank face police questioning and show the true extent of his manipulative nature as he calmly protested his innocence.
Meanwhile, upcoming instalments will explore the reaction among the Weatherfield community and the negative impact on Leanne Barlow's marriage as her husband Peter remains determined to protect Carla.
Lancel told the Liverpool Echo: "We had 10 million viewers on Monday night. And I've had such a reaction to my work, as has Alison King who plays Carla. The compliments have been fantastic. Domestic rape happens in real life. So we were aware we had a responsibility and I think we got it right.
"I knew what was going to happen between Frank and Carla when I was offered the part so I was very prepared. We had a lot of time to think about it and we did our homework.
"It's not the first time a rape has been done on a soap, but it's the first time it has been done like this. And it is certainly the first where the perpetrator is so integral to what happens afterwards."
He continued: "There's a long way to go with Frank. I was buzzing when I read the script, let alone played it."
Coronation Street continues tonight at 8.30pm on ITV1 as Peter furiously attacks Frank.
Reply With Quote