Coronation Street to air historic sex abuse storyline
08/08/2019
Coronation Street to air historic sex abuse storyline
Coronation Street is to explore the devastating effects of historic child sexual abuse within a family.
Gemma Winter's world is set to be torn apart when it is revealed that her twin brother Paul was sexually abused by their stepdad Kel.
In the coming weeks Kel will come back into their lives when Gemma and Paul's mum Bernie is reunited with her ex.
It soon becomes evident that whilst Gemma and Bernie welcome Kel back into the fold, Paul is unnerved by his return and is struggling having him around.
Unbeknownst to Gemma and Bernie, Paul was sexually abused as a young teenager by Kel and the innocent boy was groomed into believing he and Kel were in a consensual relationship.
However, when Paul's partner Billy Mayhew discovers his secret he points out to Paul that he was a young child and was in fact being sexually abused by Kel.
The heartbreaking story will explore Paul's struggle to come to terms with what happened to him and his ultimate fight for justice. As the story develops Bernie will find it difficult to cope with the fact that she had no idea what was going on under her own roof.
Coronation Street producers and writers are working closely with Survivors Manchester who are advising on the story.
Producer Iain MacLeod said:
Gemma and Paul's family background has always been fascinating to me - the inseparable bond of twins but with a huge fault-line down the middle, which we've hinted at but never explained. This story sensitively explores something that is tragically all too common in families in the real world and will highlight the way these painful events still reverberate many years later. It will, I hope, allow people who have survived similar abuse and perhaps suffered in silence to find their voice and speak up. It will also showcase the brilliant talents of Peter Ash, Dolly-Rose Campbell, Jane Hazlegrove and Corrie newcomer Joe Alessi in some incredibly challenging, powerful scenes. I am very proud of this story.
Peter Ash said:
I have known about this storyline for some time so have had the opportunity to speak to Duncan Craig at Survivors Manchester in advance of filming which has been great. His experience was really similar to Paul's so it was invaluable for me to be able to talk about all the conflicting emotions and not accepting or realising it was abuse until later on in life. I have also spoken to Jack P Shepherd about how he found filming the male rape storyline and he told me about the increase in calls to Survivors Manchester off the back of it which is incredible. It's an important storyline and I want to get it right.
Duncan Craig from Survivors Manchester said:
Following on from our work on the David Platt rape storyline, I am delighted that Coronation Street have once again asked us at Survivors Manchester to help them with this sensitive storyline. We learned so much together before and the effort made last time is allowing us to tackle the finer and complex details of Paul's feelings and behaviour. This story is going to resonate with so many male survivors, I'm proud of Coronation Street for committing to making sure it's right.
Peter (Ash) and I have been talking a lot about how Paul would be feeling and I have shared some of my own experiences of breaking my silence which Peter has handled with so much care. I know this story will be difficult but as a survivor I have to say it is vital if we are to understand male sexual violence and abuse. Well done Corrie for being brave enough to tell this true story.
Once again, I'm proud to stand with Coronation Street in telling a difficult story as truthfully and as sensitively as possible. Their commitment to being authentic to real life issues is inspiring and I know first-hand the actual impact of these stories being told - our last piece of work together resulted in a 1700% increase in calls to the male survivor helpline!
LINK: | https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/coronation-street-air-h... |
See more stories from itv |
More from ITV
15/01/2022
Bagpipes is unmasked as Pat Cash on tonight's The Masked Singer
Tonight viewers watched Bagpipes. Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda and Traffic Cone perform. After all had taken to the stage, Poodle and Bagpipes faced the sing-off...
11/01/2022
Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios
Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios Arjan Pomper is today appointed as Managing Director, Global Entertainment ITV Studios,...
11/01/2022
Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire
Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire ITV detective drama, Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role, has begun filming in ...
10/01/2022
Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet
Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet Oti Mabuse is swapping glitter balls for Cupid's arrows as she takes the re...
08/01/2022
Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer
Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer Tonight viewers watched Firework, Mushroom, Lionfish, Doughnuts and Robobunny perform. ...
02/01/2022
Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener
Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener The Masked Singer is underway for 2022 with six of the 12 brand-new characters making their de...
02/01/2022
Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer
Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer Tonight viewers met the final six masked celebrities, Bagpipes, Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda, ...
29/12/2021
Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021
Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 Torrin from Oxfordshire was crowned champion of ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 competition. The 14-year-old who was m...
22/12/2021
Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice
Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice Oti Mabuse is to join the Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub in January 2022. She'...
19/12/2021
Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022
Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard Adele, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Dave up for four BRIT awards - who alongside Sam Fender will bat...
17/12/2021
ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021
ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021 Figures released today show that 2021 is lining up to be ITV Hub's biggest year yet, thanks to Euro 2...
17/12/2021
ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas
ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas ITV released today a first look at festive special, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which ...
11/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video) All campmates take on the legendary Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Cel...
10/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video) Mattys in a lather as he takes on todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - ...
09/12/2021
ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win
ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today their first full length promotional trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win. Not only...
09/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video) Danny and David face the latest Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Drawbridg...
09/12/2021
ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches
ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches The Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round returns to ITV with four live matches on its main channel as Premier...
08/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video) Danny and Simon team up for todays Christmas-themed Trial Santas - Grotty Grotto Wat...
07/12/2021
Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas
Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christma...
07/12/2021
Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France
Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France Paris, London, December 7th 2021 - Thierry Lachkar has today been named as the CEO of ITV Studios France. He take...
07/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video) Frankie is in a spin in todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - The Grim G...
06/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video) Kadeena and Louise team up to take on Critter-cal Cages in tonights Im A Celebrity... Ge...
05/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gross Vegas. Watch and embed this video on...
04/12/2021
First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win
First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today the first look promo of Limitless Win, Ant & Decs first new show in over 10 years. Watch and e...
04/12/2021
ITV unveils the looks everyone will be talking about in 2022 as The Masked Singer characters are announced in this season's hottest reveal
Prepare to commence the new year with more cries of take it off!' as The Ma...
04/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video) David, Naughty Boy and Adam tackle todays devilish Trial - Cells of Hell Watch and e...
03/12/2021
ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific
ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific 1st December 2021 - ITV Studios has today announced a host of deals in Asia Pacific fo...
03/12/2021
ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multiple Love Island deals
ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multip...
03/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gruesome Gargoyles. Watch and embed this ...
02/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video) Frankie and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial, Castle Scary-Oke. Watch and embed this...
01/12/2021
ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message
ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message The UK's most recognised mental health campaign returns ITV and STV's groundbre...
01/12/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video) Naughty Boy, Adam and Simon take on The Savage Stakeout in tonights Im A Celebrity......
30/11/2021
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows stream on ITV Hub ahead of broadcast
Christmas comes early on ITV Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows ...
30/11/2021
ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV documentary, Storming The Capitol
ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV do...
30/11/2021
The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service
The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service The Duchess of Cambridge will host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th Dec...
30/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video) Kadeena and Arlene do tonights Trial (Bed Chamber of Chills) on a brand new Im A Celeb...
26/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video) Naughty Boy gets a shock as he takes on tonights Im A Celebrity... Get Met Out Of Here!...
25/11/2021
ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand-new second series in Spring 2022.
Kate and Koji ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand...
25/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video) New arrivals Simon and Adam take on Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!s Castle Sca...
24/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video) Richard Madeley takes on tonights Trial - Castle Kitchen Nightmares Watch and embed...
24/11/2021
ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as Noele Gordon
ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as N...
24/11/2021
ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lewis & Partners
ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lew...
24/11/2021
ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs
ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs ITV announces the launch of ITV Adlabs - a new enterprise and strategy to bring together all of ITV Commercial's innova...
23/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video) The public voted for Snoochie to take part in tonights Trial - Treacherous Traps Watc...
22/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video) Danny and Snoochie go head to head in tonights hilarious Trial called - The Castles Dre...
21/11/2021
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video)
Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video) Louise, Naughty Boy, Snoochie and Danny undertake one of tonights challenges - The Plan...
18/11/2021
ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant
Help save and improve up to three lives with just an hour of your time: ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant ITV2's ...
18/11/2021
David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios
Executive producer of critically-acclaimed HBO and BBC drama, Industry, David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios 5 Acts ...
17/11/2021
Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK
Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK Angela Jain has today been named ITV Studios' first Director of Unscripted in the UK. ...
15/11/2021
ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary
ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary from Fremantle UK ITV has commissioned Fremantle UK to produce a new documentary film on Ghislaine Maxwell featur...