Coronation Street fans were warned of "scenes some viewers might find upsetting" as they settled down to watch Monday night's episode, and the praise poured in over harrowing and emotional scenes as Ryan Connor took the brunt of a glass of acid meant for bride Daisy Midgeley. Ryan, played by Ryan Prescott, was screaming in agony after stalker Justin Rutherford, played by Andrew Still, hurled the acid in Daisy's direction and he stepped in.
As Ryan writhed and howled in agony with with his skin burning, Daisy called 999. Having listened to the operator’s instructions, she dragged Ryan into the shower at the Rovers Return and turned the water on. Finding scissors, she cut the shirt off his back as an ambulance headed to the street.
A distressed Daisy, played by Charlotte Jordan, was found in a terrible state in the pub by Abi Webster as paramedics tended to Ryan. Abi then contacted Daisy's stepmum Jenny Connor and she informed the wedding party waiting for Daisy to arrive.
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Later the barmaid, who had a stalking protection order rejected, railed at DS Swain, pointing out how many times she had reported Justin. "You knew everything about him and he was still free to do this," she seethed.
Alya Nazir visited Ryan and was shocked at the severity of his injuries. Then, in the hospital car park, Daisy was enraged to see Justin staring at her from his car. After she kept him talking, DS Swain swooped and arrested him on suspicion of GBH.
@JillHudson21 tweeted: "#Corrie This is exactly what happens when the law doesn’t do it’s job - does not protect women or men from violent people.. This actually happens." And @yemandeeT praised: "Tonights episode alone deserves a bafta! well done."
@corriedalexo said: "This episode is gut wrenching to watch yet so well performed, written and directed. Devastating that this happens to people in real life but well done to corrie for raising awareness on stalkers." And @GabbyNewsum said: "Poor Ryan in #Corrie maybe this story being done the police will do more about stalking and take it more seriously. Well done #coronationstreet for doing this story line and to the fantastic actress that plays Daisy."
Calls for the Trafford-based ITV soap to win awards came pouring in, including from @benji70 who said: "What a wonderful performance from @CharlieJordanxo. Just give her all the awards right now." And AndySP01 said: "This acting is beyond any of the standard TV awards."
@scarlettkiernan declared: "Charlotte Jordan needs her british soap award and she needs it NOW." @irwinscline predicted: "This episode is going to SWEEP all the awards at the soap awards." And @emmabraybrook said: "This episode tonight definitely deserves an award!!"
@kieranmanning6 told the soap: "Ryan's screams went straight through to my soul. Absolutely agonising and heartbreaking to watch but incredible acting by both Ryan and Daisy." And @TheGrimesTwins3 praised: "The acting tonight is phenomenal well done to everyone involved."
Working alongside The Katie Piper Foundation and Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI), the soap decided to tell this story to highlight the devastating impact and long lasting effects of such heinous attacks. On the importance of tackling this storyline Coronation Street Producer Iain MacLeod said: “We were keen to show the long-term reality for people who are subjected to this kind of attack. It is something we might often read about in the papers but perhaps don’t fully understand, in terms of the depth and variety of effects it can have."
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