Corrie Embarks on Modern Slavery Storyline

The tragedy of human trafficking will be brought to our attention on Coronation Street in the coming weeks as Seb Franklin learns more about his on-off girlfiend Alina Pop and her involvement in the dark underworld of modern slavery. 

We’ve already been given an insight into the controlling nature of the possible ringleaders as Alina struggles to get time away from the nail salon and Jan continues to discourage Seb from pursuing his relationship with her. 

Corrie's Ruxandra Porojnicu

Actor Ruxandra Porojnicu, who is originally from Romania, appeared on ITV’s Lorraine show earlier and explained how she herself could have ended up in a similar position to her character, arriving in the UK with just a few hundred pounds and a somewhat naive approach to life in a strange country:

‘The thing what really helped me (prepare for the role), at least at the beginning, was the fact that I found myself in Alina’s situation when I came here to the UK with big dreams. I just wanted to work for a better future and earn money, that was it’ she told Christine Lampard. ‘I was a bit naive – I didn’t know I’d need to sign a contract or to know more about these people.’

Since getting the Corrie gig, Ruxandra has worked alongside the Salvation Army to prepare for what looks set to be a gripping but tragic storyline. Coronation Street has not shied away from the dark side of British society in it’s storytelling in recent years covering male rape, sexual grooming and suicide. The latest subject has also been part of the national conversation and Parliament has passed laws to crack down on the issue which affects people all across the world. 

The Modern Slavery act was introduced by James Brokenshire in 2015

In July this year a gang of traffickers were jailed in the UK as reported on CNN. This particular group was from Poland and trafficking from Eastern Europe has been a particular problem in the UK. Traffickers and their victims often come from Poland and Romania but not exclusively.

The National Crime Agency has promoted a campaign entitled “Can You See Me?” and they give examples of situations in which the average person might be able to spot these crimes in action. One video depicts a nail bar, and this is the exact example Coronation Street has used. Watch it HERE.

Corrie Producer Iain MacLeod recently talked about the specific scenario writers went with: "This is one of the biggest hidden scandals in the UK today. Our research has shown us that in many towns and cities across Britain, people are being forced to work against their will, living in extreme poverty and in fear for their safety, all so ruthless criminal gangs can get rich at their expense.

"We are keen to highlight that slavery hides in plain sight – the salon which does your nails for a too-good-to-be-true price, the car wash which valets your hatchback for half the going rate... these could all be staffed by people who are being coerced, threatened and exploited."

For more information about how you can spot modern slavery happening in towns and cities across the UK visit the National Crime Agency’s website.

A full interview with actor Ruxandra Porojnicu can be found HERE.

I am on Twitter: @StevieWatchesTV

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