The grooming of Bethany Platt in Coronation Street

Last night's Coronation Street made very uncomfortable viewing, that's for sure. We knew it was coming, we'd seen the tabloid spoilers and the official previews. Our blogger Emma had even interviewed Chris Harper, the actor playing Nathan Curtis on Corrie.  You can read Emma's interview here.

But still, even though we had all the warning we needed, I didn't expect it to shock me as much as it did last night. The grooming of Bethany took a dark and nasty turn when she slept with Nathan. He didn't force her into bed, he didn't do any of the things we're familiar with in soap or early evening TV drama.  And that made it all the more powerful and awful to watch.

Earlier this week, Corrie scriptwriter Jan McVerry admitted that some of the show's team have grappled with the storyline, expressing concern that it's too dark for Corrie. You can read our blogger Stevie Dawson's thoughts on that here.

The episode ended by asking people to head to itv.com/advice if they had been affected by the issues in the programme.

The NSPCC website contains information about how to spot if a child is being groomed. Signs include being secretive, including about what they are doing online; having older boyfriends or girlfriends; having new items such as clothes or mobile phones that they won't explain; or appear to have access to drugs or alcohol.

If you would like to speak to someone for help or advice:

• Contact the NSPCC free helpline by calling: 0808 800 5000
• By texting: 88858
• By emailing: help@nspcc.org.uk
• Or visiting: www.nspcc.org.uk
• Children can also contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on: 0800 1111

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License