Ryan Prescott has sent a personal message to Coronation Street fans days after they were left shocked by violent acid attack scenes. The actor, who plays Ryan Connor in the ITV soap, has been heaped with praise following the start of what will be a long storyline for the actor.
Ryan found himself in the crossfire when Daisy Midgley's stalker Justin Rutherford returned to Weatherfield after months of harassing the barmaid. The menacing character, played by Andrew Still, was lurking in the shadows at the Rovers Return as Ryan and Daisy, played by Charlotte Jordan, locked up the pub ahead of her wedding to Daniel Osbourne.
Donning her wedding dress and ready to head to the venue to marry her fiancé, Daisy's blood ran cold when she heard Justin's voice. After suggesting things were too perfect for her, Justin hurled acid in Daisy's direction. But in a shocking twist Ryan jumped in and was left writhing and screaming.
Daisy, who was also caught by the acid as Justin barged his way out of the pub, called 999 and was instructed to get him into the shower. After dousing him in the cold water as she desperately cut his clothes off, the emergency services arrived and rushed Ryan to hospital where his road to recovery has begun.
And fans have been left heartbroken by the scenes as they watched him push his ex-girlfriend Alya Nazir as she tried to comfort him in hospital, where he faces skin grafts and a long road to recovery.
Taking to Instagram on Friday (March 31), actor Ryan, from Stockport, shared a picture of himself as his cobbles character in hospital covered in bandages protecting his injuries. "Sometimes we don’t like to look directly at the things that scare us most," he started the caption of his post.
"And anyone has good reason to be scared of violence of this nature. It is life changing, destructive and unforgettable. That’s why everyone at @coronationstreet felt so strongly in telling this story, to reflect by some means, the reality of our world.
However scary that world may be, we must strive to understand, to investigate and to explore any shaded corner of it and reveal it to the light."
He went on to reveal shocking statistics, writing: "There were 300 acid attacks in Manchester, UK in 2022. Attacks like these occur all over the world. A cold and consistent stream of water poured directly over the wounds can help save someone’s life and can help reduce the damage caused by a corrosive substance."
He then rounded off his post by saying: "Thank you to everyone watching at home, for your attention and for your support. If you would like to offer further support, donate or for more information on this subject @acid_survivors and @kpfoundation are two amazing charities that do incredible work. Stay safe and thanks again."
Corrie co-star Paddy Bever was among the first to respond to Ryan's post, writing: "You are brilliant and should be so proud." And fans were also rushing to share their praise. @kieranduncan978 said: "You're doing an incredible job taking on a big storyline and the scenes with you and Daisy have been emotional to watch especially Monday's episode."
@pembspete81 commented: "Just an incredible portrayal of a horrendous story, you should all feel very proud of what you are doing." @x_clairelou_x shared: "Arr you should be so proud of yourself,you couldn't of played that part any better if you tried." @jonnyq88 replied: "You and @charliejordanxo and been incredible mate, you’ve told it with care and compassion and it’s been harrowing to watch. Massive well done." @itsjoestern added: "Incredible performances, you should be proud. Telling this story is important, and it’s heartening to see it being done so carefully."
It comes days after Corrie was hit with 72 complaints to Ofcom following Monday night's episode (March 27). The broadcasting watchdog confirmed to the Manchester Evening News that the complaints were in relation to scenes depicting an acid attack.
Following the episode, @skehina said: "Too much turned off." And @MrRichDouglas tweeted: "'With shocking scenes that some may find upsetting...' No it's not a horror movie or violent police drama, it's Corrie of course!" Yanique Darke also shouted on Facebook: "8.30pm! SOME CHILDREN ARE STILL AWAKE! What I've seen would traumatise an adult let alone a child."
However, @JillHudson21 applauded: "#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." @b3n1b0y said: "I can guarantee some viewers will still complain saying it’s too graphic well guess what this actually happens in real life! It needs to be as real as possible! Well done."
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