Coronation Street boss Kate Oates has defended the soap’s decision to tackle ‘darker’ storylines, like the forthcoming male rape plot.
Addressing criticism ahead of David Platt’s harrowing rape storyline, she says the episodes will hopefully encourage victims to speak out.
Speaking to Radio Times magazine, Kate said: “I realise that, at the moment, Corrie is divisive and I will quite happily accept that it’s darker.
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“But one of the reasons we’ve decided to portray male rape in the show is to raise awareness over an important issue. One in ten rapes in the UK will have a male victim, and conviction rates are low.
“In a character-driven show like Corrie, the audiences engage with stories like this and understand them on a deeper level.”
Kate also added: “With a culture of silence, and lack of encouragement or support around emotional literacy, many men struggle to talk, not just about sexual assault but a range of issues. And this has a huge impact on society.
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“This needs to change. We need to talk about it. And we at Coronation Street, far from choosing to tell a ‘dark story’, are using a programme’s voice to contribute to this discussion.”
The ITV soap is preparing to air one of its darkest ever plots next week.
Although the act will not be shown, David is sexually assaulted by mechanic Josh Tucker, played by newcomer Ryan Clayton, after a night out.
In the soap’s double bill on Friday 16 March, Josh spikes David’s drink and later takes him back to his flat.
David wakes up in Josh’s bed and realises what has happened to him.
The soap will then explore David’s fragile mental health following the attack.
In the aftermath of the ordeal, David will be seen struggling to speak out as he agonises about whether he should report the crime.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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