Coronation Street is set to explore a new grooming storyline - this time involving teen Max Turner. The last time the ITV soap tackled the issue, Bethany Platt, played by Lucy Fallon, was groomed for sex.
Back in 2017 a vulnerable Bethany, then 16, was at the centre of a harrowing exploitation storyline, which saw the teenager fall deeper into the clutches of her much older boyfriend Nathan Curtis. The harrowing plot aired around the same time as millions were gripped by the BBC’s dramatisation of the Rochdale grooming scandal, Three Girls.
The new, hard-hitting storyline is set to highlight the issue of the grooming of disenfranchised and impressionable young men. Viewers will see a lonely and vulnerable Max, played by Paddy Bever, targeted by a gang of extremists ultimately putting his own life and that of his friends and family in danger.
In Friday’s episode (October 28), Corrie fans will see Peter Barlow confront eco-activist Griff and his mates when he discovers that the band they have invited him to see are playing racist songs. Toyah Habeeb also tackles Spider Nugent about the company he is keeping, unaware that he is an undercover cop who has infiltrated the gang to expose their activity.
Then later, in Monday's episode on October 31, Griff, played by Michael Condron, turns his attention to troubled Max who has been the victim of persistent school bullies since losing his place at Weatherfield High while also being mad at his family for accusing him of being Maria Windass' troll and turning him into the police.
Griff steps in and threatens to teach the bullies a lesson and in doing so wins Max's trust. He then invites Max to a Halloween party at his house telling the rest of the gang that he could be useful to their cause. In the coming months as Max becomes more estranged from his family the teenager falls under the spell of Griff who uses Max’s video and computer skills to spread their racist propaganda.
Corrie producer Iain MacLeod said of the new storyline: "Overall, Max's story is one about the grooming of a vulnerable teenager at a point where he's feeling most alienated and disenfranchised. The story will encompass the "traditional" recruitment techniques of extremists groups, and we'll see Max befriended in person by older, mentor-like figures that will give him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
“Then, later in the story, we will explore a very 21st Century problem: teenagers self-radicalising through watching extreme content online. In the end, we wanted this to be a story about communication within families - what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who are gravitating towards extreme views? For the conclusion of the story, David's misjudged attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax."
Counter Terrorism Policing’s Senior National Coordinator, Tim Jacques, also added: "Coronation Street has a long history of raising awareness of challenging issues that sit at the heart of communities across the UK. Sadly, the terrorist threat remains one of those very real concerns.
"Our casework shows that children and young people are vulnerable to radicalisation and are increasingly being drawn into toxic ideologies through online spaces and platforms. We hope Max’s story will help to highlight why it’s so important to get support or advice if you’re worried someone you love is taking a dangerous path. It really doesn’t have to be that way."
Max's latest storyline comes after actor Paddy bagged his first major award. The young actor, who was recast in the role of David Platt's step-son in September last year, bagged the Rising Star gong at the 2022 National Television Awards on October 13. And after going up against Netflix stars Charithra Chandran, for her portrayal of Edwina Sharma in period drama hit Bridgerton and actors Joe Locke and Kit Connor, whose love story as Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson captured hearts in Heartstopper, Paddy was clearly stunned to have won the award.
After having a quick hug with Sally Ann, the soap star rushed up to the stage. "Erm, wow," she said after being awarded the silverware by presenter AJ Odudu and Emma Willis. He said that he "hadn’t prepared a speech" because he didn’t think he would be able to beat the other "insane" stars nominated for the award. The teenager went on to reveal that his role as Max is his "first ever acting job" as he thanked the cast, crew, God, and the viewers for helping him pick up his first-ever award.
If you are concerned that someone you know might be being radicalised, you are not alone. There is advice and support available via www.actearly.uk . If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives. Report via www.gov.uk/ACT or call 0800 789 321.
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