Actor Ryan Clayton has opened up about the horrific male rape storyline in Coronation Street.
In last night’s episode of the soap, Ryan’s character – mechanic Josh Tucker – drugged and sexually assaulted his former friend David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd).
Speaking about the dark storyline, Ryan insisted the harrowing scenes are “great.”
Read more: Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd reveals own suffering over David Platt’s “dark” ordeal
“The scenes are great,” he told The Sun. “I’ve always loved Jonathan Harvey, who wrote the scenes, I’ve always been a big fan of him.”
“It’s really well written and the way they’ve worked with Survivors Manchester as well, they worked very closely,” the actor continued. “They’re making it as realistic as possible.”
On Friday night, viewers watched poor David subjected to the horrifying ordeal after he and Josh had been enjoying a night out.
Josh was seen spiking David’s drink with the date rape drug GHB while he went to the toilet, before taking David back to his house.
The night took an even darker turn as the drugs started to take effect and Josh took David into his room.
The actual sexual assault wasn’t shown on screen but viewers had no doubt about what Josh was planning to do to David.
Ryan revealed his character will remain in Weatherfield following the attack.
“He’s not going anywhere soon,” Ryan said.
Talking about his character, Ryan said Josh “just wants to have sex” and will try to make it seem like the attack was consensual “for as long as possible”.
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“In his head it isn’t sexual assault, he doesn’t see it as that,” Ryan revealed. “In his head he totally believes it’s consensual and will try to buy that for as long as possible.”
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If you or a loved one have gone through a similar experience and would like to talk to someone in confidence, please visit survivorsuk.org