Saturday, 18 February 2017

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
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5 comments:

  1. Louby18 February 2017 at 15:30

    Definitely made me feel uncomfortable. Even more so not knowing what's going to happen next, and that woman's involvement in it is sickening.

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  2. Tvor18 February 2017 at 16:31

    I wonder what kind of hold Nathan has over Mel that he can get her to go along with all this. She doesn't seem to be wholly comfortable with it. Bethany spotted marks on her arms so i reckon Nathan has her hooked on heroin.

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  3. Humpty Dumpty18 February 2017 at 18:46

    I wonder what makes Bethany so special. Nathan doesn't seem to have a particular affection for her and he's probably been the first lover for many young girls. Guess that her good looks will get him lots of business. If this first time sex follows the usual Corrie rule, Bethany will be pregnant and Nathan/Mel will arrange an abortion.

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  4. dulyquoted18 February 2017 at 19:45

    What makes Bethany special? Maybe how much she's willing to give of herself in return for love and approval?

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  5. Bobby Dazzler19 February 2017 at 21:42



    I think Nathan has slept with Bethany but hasn't had sex with her because he wants her to remain a virgin....more $$$$. He wouldn't risk the money and she feels safe..she thinks he "respects" her by not sleeping with her, when he intends to sell her. Not sure why, but a virgn is n high demand.
    It was a performance that made me cringe. I thought the acting was well done, and I hated the Nathan character, exactly what was supposed to happen.
    If this storyline saves one girl, then it was well worth the effort, especially as kids spend so much time on social media.

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