Corrie boss Kate Oates has revealed that David Platt’s horrific rape, which will hit screens this spring, isn’t just about the violent sex attack.
Instead, she said, the main focus of the story will be on David’s mental health as he recovers from the attack.
She said there is going to be a lot of exploration around the aftermath of the rape, and David’s mental health as he copes with what has happened to him.
“I can’t wait to see what Jack P Shepherd (who plays David) does with that storyline,” she told Radio Times. “I know the audience knows what’s going to happen. What’s really key in my first six months of the year, is male mental health.
“David’s story is initially about rape, but it’s really about male mental health.
“That’s what I’m passionate about.”
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It’s not been confirmed exactly who attacks David, though rumours are rife that newcomer Josh Tucker will be the rapist.
Newspaper reports suggest, however, that David knows his attacker and the pair enjoy a night out together before the rape happens.
When David wakes up after a night on the booze, he realises something has happened without his consent.
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It’s thought viewers won’t see any explicit or violent scenes of the attack, but instead – as Kate said – watch David as he comes to terms with his rape, and learns to live with what has happened.
Jack has been working with real-life victims from Survivors Manchester to make sure the story is shown sensitively. And Kate said she is confident he will do the storyline justice.
“Jack’s done his research, but he’s still very instinctive,” she said. “He will put his own spin on it and that’s key.”
The storyline will air in March.