Coronation Street newcomer Ryan Clayton is set to take centre stage in the coming weeks as his character Josh rapes David Platt after a night out.
But according to Ryan – his alter ego has such a dark side to him, that he could become the next Weatherfield serial killer.
Move over Phelan – there’s a new villain in town!
We caught up with Ryan at at recent Coronation Street press day to find out exactly what it’s like to be part of such a huge storyline..
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“I’ve played a lot of villains, so I seem to get cast in those roles. But villains are really interesting people in how they work and how they go about things. They are good fun to play, as harrowing as they may be to play too.”
But like most villains, Josh’s nice guy exterior will soon start to crack.
Next week sees him go on a night out with new friend David Platt – only for the evening to take a grim turn when he drugs his drink before taking him home to his flat and sexually assaulting him.
“When we filmed the actual scene, it was quite dark. That was quite hard. The aftermath is more difficult to play, just thinking in a completely unhinged mind, so it’s not natural thought processes.
“Obviously it’s natural to people who do think like that, but completely alien to myself.
“The way Josh talks and speaks, that is very hard to play. What’s nice is that you can always move on with the next scene, which takes you out of that.”
And playing such a dark character comes with it’s consequences, but Ryan says he’s preparing himself for viewer’s reactions in the street…
“Talking to the cast, I don’t think you can ever be truly ready for it. But I take it as it comes and I appreciate it might come, so I’m anticipating it.
“It’s nice to know that the viewers are just involved in it – they’re watching and invested. I guess it shows I’m doing a good job, so if anything, it’s a compliment.
Read more: Coronation Street spoiler: Devastation for David Platt as Josh Tucker drugs and rapes him
“The way Connor McIntyre, who plays Phelan, deals with it is a great way. He’s a great people person. As soon as you show your real side, that’s the best way to deal with people – kill them with kindness!”
But with Connor bowing out of the show as serial killer Phelan, does that leave room for Josh to fill his murderous boots?
“Possibly. If you’re choosing to ignore morality, then who knows where that can lead in the end?”
Coronation Street airs these scenes on Friday, March 16 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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