My favourite Coronation Street story of 2024, thus far, has got to be Leanne's descent and indoctrination into the wellness cult a.k.a The Altovalent Institute. What does ALTOVALENT mean?*
I use the word Wellness as I think this is a very modern-day story. Post-COVID (and during it) you will have seen many an Instagram or FB Page offering this kind of cultish CBT pseudo-science lifestyle guru guff, and Leanne is almost the perfect victim for cult leader Rowan. Interviewing actor Emrhys Cooper at the Coronation Street media suite, I was surprised to learn that Emrhys (great name, that!) has some real-life cult experience! Read on…
Hello Emrhys,
Is Rowan now confident that he has Leanne where he wants her?
“He’s pretty confident and he sees another potential victim in Amy. I think he will orchestrate Leanne into doing dirty work recruiting this new addition to the organisation!”
He also has the dirt on Nick and Toyah. Will he bide his time or use it to his advantage when he needs it most?
“I think Rowan is pretty experienced with blackmail, and he’s enjoying it. The affair was a surprise he was trying to get it, and BOOM he got the best piece of dirt. Leanne’s upload got him a lot of information, and he has the best ammunition”
How does Rowan react when he sees Amy at the institute ‘taster session’?
“She’s a little lost and has £40K, so it’s perfect. He’s overheard about her inheritance, through Leanne, and she needs direction, so he thinks HE is the right direction! (laughs). He believes in the institute and justifies his actions for the greater good. He thinks it's the right thing for her”
What do you think his motive is, is it about fleecing Weatherfied residents and then leaving, or sticking around to help people?
“It's an interesting duality with Rowan: he wants to help people and believes in people, but he’s also aware he’s taking advantage. However, he would like to stick around and open another resource centre so he can get more victims!”
Would you like to see him unmasked and to see a darker side to him?
“I would like to see him unmasked to find out more about him and his past. I’m excited and looking forward to seeing him unravel. We've seen the charming facade, but there is a darker side to him, and I would like to see that brought out”
What do you think he’s capable of?
“A lot! I think he’s willing to do whatever it takes. We will learn (in the coming weeks) about what he’s done in the past. He’s willing to go very far in protecting his mission and he’s not going to let anything get in his way”
Do you enjoy playing Rowan?
“I’ve honestly had the best six months playing Rowan. I’ve said this in other interviews, my parents fell victim to Rowan-type characters when they were in a cult, 22 years ago. I've been around this kind of character. Not necessarily in cults but in life I have experienced conmen. I love how Corrie's writers have made this realistic as he is charming and sophisticated - he’s not an obvious villain. Given my connection and seeing the dangers first-hand, with my parents, it left a lot of scars on them. They got into this organisation thinking it was a wellness and fitness thing. Cults are very good at disguising what they are really about. I was impressed by how the Corrie writers have had this. My job is to tell this story as realistic as possible. My dad gave me advice on this, I am fascinated with cults, and this role is important to me so I spread awareness about this kind of character and organisations”
Do you think Rowan could be a victim of the cult as well?
“Great question! I think he’s had a dark and chequered past and he discovered this organisation, which helped to turn his life around, but they have a lot of information on him! He’s also done an upload so he may be scared to leave the cult. He’s fully invested and very ambitious so I do think he believes in it”
Thanks, Emrhys!
Will Rowan expose Nick and Toyah? My next cast interview to publish is with Georgia Taylor so I’ll let you know!
*it's a completely made-up word! Can any Corrie fans tell me if I’m wrong, or if it's an anagram? I am @rybazoxo on X
