Coronation Street Blog interview: Ryan Clayton, Jack P Shepherd & Julia Goulding

It’s not only Phelan who’s causing a stir on the cobbles this week, as Josh is still causing turmoil for David. With his rape ordeal continuing, David has been confiding in Shona recently after opening up about everything he’s going through, and this week sees the troubled Platt tell Gail and Audrey about what has happened to him. We sat down with Jack P Shepherd, Julia Goulding, and Ryan Clayton to find out more…

“Wow”, Ryan (Josh) replied after being asked what it is like playing the most loathsome character on TV. “I thought it was a toss-up between me and Connor (Phelan) but apparently I have taken that crown! There has been a fair few reactions but none of its malicious. We’ve come a long way from the days of Johnny Briggs being hit by handbags! People are used to it much more now and can differentiate between the person and the character.”

As with a number of Coronation Street storylines at the moment, there has been a heavy debate about whether topics like this belong in the soap or not. “I had a lot of feedback when the fans first got told about the storyline”, said Jack (David). “People weren’t happy. They were saying ‘it’s ridiculous’, ‘it shouldn’t be on TV.’ ‘It’s a family show. We don’t tune in for this.’ And I think the way that Corrie handled it where, you didn’t see anything – you just saw a bedroom door shut. It was just left to your imagination.”

When asked whether it’s good that Corrie are addressing something so serious, Ryan said “Absolutely. I mean, you see the viewing figures and you see how many people there are. Hollyoaks has explored this in the past but you are looking at a different demographic there. So Corrie can be insightful to an older generation and perhaps even a younger generation coming through.” He continued, “I think it’s important that soaps represent real life. And you can see the statistics of how many people are affected by male rape or, you know, any form of rape and it’s important to tell such stories and represent people like that so that they can open up.”

Since the beginning of this storyline, viewers have seen David deteriorate, pushing his loved ones away and isolating himself. He is almost always perceived as the trouble maker round the corner, however this storyline has allowed the viewers to see a different side to him. When asked about this, Jack said “That’s the good thing about Corrie, that you can explore different sides. You are not always the baddie. You can be a nice guy, you can be a loving guy, you can be funny. And that’s why I enjoy it. And this particular storyline has been very internalised. Usually you see David’s reaction and you know what he is going to do. He’s going to go mental, or whatever, or lash out, but through all this he has just been quiet. It’s been like a change of character.”

During the interview, I brought up the fact that at the beginning of this hard-hitting storyline, Josh believed he hadn’t done anything wrong; I was interested to find out whether this was still the case. “I think somewhere deep inside him knows what he has done isn’t okay but getting him to admit that – as is the case with a lot of rapists – getting him to admit that to himself is difficult. Because as soon as he admits that then you can either go, ‘Okay. I need to apologise and I need to prove myself as being a good human being,’ or it just means that they are a psychopath; that they are going to continue to deny it. So I think his approach is that he is going to keep denying and telling himself that it was okay and that he is not a bad human being.”

The scene where David finally opened up to Shona was so heart-wrenching for so many reasons. When asked if the scenes were emotionally charged to film, Jack said “Yeah”, before looking embarrassed. However, Julia was quick to shower her co-star in praise. “I thought you were brilliant. I really did. I am so proud of you,” she told Jack. “Because we obviously have a laugh on set, and stuff, and we mess around between takes but this was obviously such a different feel, such a different tone. Jack had such a hard place to get to, and we had an amazing crew and it was actually a lovely, still morning and the sun was beaming through.”

Ryan, Jack and Julia have all been fantastic during this storyline, no question. The only thing left to do is to keep on tuning in to this exciting week on the cobbles.

Sophie Williams

Read all my general natterings on Twitter @sophie_jw26. 

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Ryan Clayton Interview: Net closes in on Josh

How scared is Josh of Shona?
Shona is definitely a threat to him and as you’ll see, she starts to cause problems for him because she isn’t going to allow him to settle. It’s definitely panicking him but he’s pretending he is not bothered and he will continue to do that because that is his approach.

How much is it a problem that Shona is sniffing around his past?
He doesn’t want those worlds to cross, that’s why he always jumps up and moves from place to place so quickly. So people from his past interacting with people from his present is a problem but he thinks that he will be okay because he thinks that David is not going to admit to police that they slept together because he is clearly not okay with it. 

Is that testament to how clever Josh is that he juggles his past and present so effortlessly?
Yes, he has very different lives and he will come in to a community like Weatherfield, get to know people there and if he needs to, he will jump ship and go somewhere else.

Do you think his behaviour shows that what Josh did to David, he has done to others?
Yes and we learnt from even his first day in Weatherfield that he has been around so there has been problems in his past but that’s the thing, he will put them behind him. Josh never deals with his problems, he just moves on to the next place. 

Does Josh ever feel guilty? As he lives in the same place as David, he must see that David isn’t okay after what he has done to him?
In Josh’s head, he has tried to move past it and tell David that he will be fine. There’s no guilt on his part but he feels like he wants to alter David’s behaviour because he doesn’t want to see David the way he is. But Josh does not realise the consequences of his actions, what they may lead to and how that person might be affected by that. He doesn’t care about those things but he also just wants David to go on about his life as normal. 

What are Josh’s first thoughts when Claire tells him that Shona has been asking about his past?
It’s immediate panic because Shona could find out about his previous life. He questions, is she going to meet someone else that he has done this to? And if she does, then two voices are louder than one so that could become a problem. 

How does Josh feel about David’s court appearance?
Josh is lapping it up that David is in court because he sees it as he doesn’t have to deal with that situation, it gives Josh a stronger argument that David is a bit of a headcase. 

Why does Josh drip poison in Max’s ear about David?
To rile David because he know that David is on probation and that he can get him in more trouble. The more people who think that David is not all there, the better.

What is Josh’s reaction when David grabs him in the canteen?
Josh is happy because David has done it out in public and everyone has seen it. 

Does Josh have true feelings for Alya?
He would like their relationship to carry on but deep down, no not at all. He doesn’t even even remotely have feelings for her but he if he tells Alya he loves her then he will start to believe his own lies, in his own head. If he lies about something then he goes at it so much, full throttle, and he will fully invest in it. 

Which scenes have been the hardest to play?
The aftermath. The scene of the rape was very hard to film but the aftermath has been harder because Josh is so unhinged and irrational. Playing someone with that thought process who is completely deluded is difficult but you have to find that truth of someone with a completely unfragmented mind. 

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Ryan Clayton Interview: David's rape and Josh's future

What is Josh’s attitude towards David and what has happened?
Josh is getting sick of David because he has been making threats about going to the police and he’s also concerned that David has broken up with Shona because he needs him to pull it together.

What happens when Josh intimidates David about breaking up with Shona?
Josh says to David, ‘What are you doing? You need to pull it together,’ and David makes a threat to Josh and Josh sees more of a volatile comeback from David. So Josh is more fearful now that David will say something.

What did Josh expect was going to happen after the rape? Did he expect that David would keep quiet?
Yeah he wants David to hush up because Josh isn’t going anywhere, he likes it there so he wants to stay.

How is Josh feeling about the boxing event?
He is looking forward to it as it is a chance for him to get closer to the rest of the street, it’s his big thing that he has organised and it’s a chance to get closer to Alya too. It ties him in and keeps him involved with everyone and the more involved he is then there’s more of a chance that if anything is spoken badly of him that people are not going to believe it, it’s very tactical.

Tell us what happens when Tyrone pulls out of the boxing match.
When Tyrone pulls out, it’s the first time that people at work see a different side to Josh. The calm, jokey, jovial lad who will sort anyone out now flips out at Tyrone for the first time because the stress of organising the boxing and what has happened with David gets to him.

What happens when David suggests that he takes Tyrone’s place?
David comes along and says, “I’ll do it,” and Josh loses his rag at him. He doesn’t want David anywhere near this event, epilepsy or not, so he is very dismissive.

Is Josh worried that David will tell someone what happened?
There is an inner turmoil definitely but he is always just trying not to let his mask slip.

How does Josh feel when David beats up Gary?
Josh is revelling in it because this is more ammo for Josh to prove that David is full of rubbish if anything ever comes out. If David is the type of person to do that then he is obviously unhinged.

What were your first thoughts when you were told about this storyline?
I thought it was an issue that is not really spoken about and it’s a story that needs to be represented. I was totally on-board, there have been times when I have been playing scenes and it has been tough but I’ve never had a problem with the storyline.

Has it been hard to get in to Josh’s headspace?
Yes but not for the scenes of the rape because in Josh’s mind he just wants sex and his objective was very clear; that’s what he wanted and that’s what he got. It’s the aftermath of it; Josh’s thought process and the manipulation games. I have spoken to Duncan from Survivors Manchester about the traits that rapists have and tend to show, obviously everyone is different, but there are familiar manipulation games that those kind of people play and that is common throughout different cases.

Why is it an important story to tell?
There is on average around nine thousand men raped every year and how often is that told? It is an underfunded, under represented and unspoken about issue. It needs to be seen as something that doesn’t just happen to gay men and something that doesn’t just happen in prison. It’s not that there are a lot of misconceptions, there is no conception, it’s not spoken about.

What do you want this storyline to achieve?
I hope this story raises awareness and also to get through to people who may go down the path that Josh has.

Has anyone from Coronation Street given you advice?
Connor McIntyre gave me some great advice and told me to just focus on the storyline, do it justice and the best job I can do.

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Coronation Street Blog Interview: Ryan Clayton

Josh Tucker seems just the kind of bloke you’d like to have around. Affable, funny, cheeky and good company, he’s seldom without a group of enthusiastic hangers on, despite being new to the street. Of course, it helps that he has positioned himself at the centre of things with a job at the garage, and as the organiser of and trainer for Luke’s charity boxing match. Those who haven’t read the recent spoilers concerning Josh may wish to look away now.

As these previews have revealed, we know that he isn’t all that he seems, and it is through Josh and his relationship with David Platt that Coronation Street will cover the issue of male rape. Indeed, as next week’s previews show, it seems we'll begin to see the real Josh.

I travelled to ITV in Manchester for an interview with actor Ryan Clayton about the story to come, and to meet the man behind his character.

It was evident from the start of our conversation that Ryan fully believes in the importance of portraying this storyline, and spoke with conviction about how male rape is unrepresented. He spoke of the traits in Josh that we have yet to see, but which the character shares with other male rapists; we’re told he’s opportunistic, a manipulator, seeks to exert power and is a calculating and dangerous individual. 

Ryan has spoken in detail about the storyline and character, and how both he and the writers worked with Survivors Manchester to understand and ensure a faithful representation. You can read all about that here, so I thought I’d focus this interview on getting to know the actor behind Josh.

The set of Roy’s Rolls was the venue for our interview, which seemed a perfect match for what was a friendly and enthusiastic chat over a cuppa. It has to be a daunting prospect, not just joining Coronation Street, but playing such a character. While Ryan seems to be savouring every moment as he takes it in his stride, he's endearingly humble about it while at the same time deservedly confident about his ability to portray Josh.

On playing a bad guy, he says, “I’ve played a lot of villains, I think it’s something to do with my hair or my eyes, maybe, yeah. I seem to get cast in those roles” he laughs. “But they are really interesting sorts of people, and how they work and how they go about things." He continues, “you can come into telly, and a lot of jobs, and you can go a long time before you’re playing these real interesting characters. A lot of the time you could just be playing yourself. So, to come into something like Coronation Street and play a really interesting, very complex guy is great.”

In terms of gaining insights from other villainous characters, Ryan says, “I think you’re always taking inspiration from villains. The way Connor plays Pat is absolutely brilliant.” He continues, “just not playing the comic book villain, and just playing it in a much more interesting way and trying to be as likeable as possible ‘cos that’s what’s going to mess with an audience’s head much more.”

While playing a villain clearly requires a departure from his own personality, the fact that he has been boxing since he was 11 year’s old makes that aspect of his characterisation easy at least. “I toured a play called Gypsy Queen before this and it was a boxing play” he says.

Ryan reveals how he is a fan of one Corrie writer in particular who we’re told has written the aftermath scenes. “I’ve always loved Jonathan Harvey who wrote those scenes, I’ve always been a big fan of him, and done his plays at drama school” he says. “One of my favourite plays is written by him called Guiding Star. So it felt very strange, ‘cos I was waiting to do a bit of Jonathan Harvey and then it happened to be those particular scenes, which was great.”

Ryan tells us how he auditioned for his first job the day after he finished drama school and found out he’d gotten it the very next day. While he’s mostly worked in theatre, he’s been interested in television since he started acting aged 17. Speaking of how he came to be an actor, he says “I was always good with impressions and accents and taking people off and being the class clown basically, and I was persuaded to do it. I was like, yeah, go on, I’ll have a crack and chose very different options when it came to college.” He continues, “I’m glad I did, definitely. And I think people who’ve taught me since then have helped me carry on this.” 

He’s a fan of British film and drama and grew up around Coronation Street. He says, “I was only looking back at old videos from when we were younger the other day, at Christmas, and you can hear Coronation Street in the background. So, I think growing up a Mancunian, it feels right, it fitted.”

He cites Suranne Jones and Sarah Lancashire as former Corrie actors who are “great inspirations” to him in their career paths. He's also inspired by John Simm and Stephen Graham, adding  “I’m a big fan of This is England”.

In terms of possible negative Twitter reactions to his pending infamy, Ryan says while he’s aware nothing can prepare you for it, he’s anticipating it, whether it happens or not. “I’ll just accept it, and it’s fine” he says. “I guess it’s just nice to know that they’re involved in it, and watching it and invested. I guess it shows I’m doing a good job, so if anything, it’s a compliment.” He adds, “I think the way that Connor deals with it is a great way, and he’s a great people person and as soon as you show your real side, then I think that’s the best way to deal with people.”

Asked if he is worried about being hassled in the street, he says, “that’s something I’ll take as it comes really, but it’s great to be telling something that is an important story that needs telling and is going to represent people.” Ryan related some fond and funny accounts of being recognised so far and said, “It’s nice, it’s lovely. Again, it’s just nice to see people so invested in the show.”

He’s received a very warm welcome from the people on Coronation Street too, and is genuinely appreciative of how they’ve made him feel part of it all. “It’s a lovely place to work. It is like a big family and everyone’s just really welcoming and has made me feel welcome.”

His family are delighted for him to be on Corrie, and being a City fan, we’re told he’s making a small dent in the red to blue ratio in the Corrie building.

Ryan saved the best laugh til last when, having given serious consideration to which of the cast he’s most excited to meet he told us, “I’ve just always loved Kirk. He’s mint isn’t he? Even though he’s a red. Kirk is definitely up there. My mate was like, ‘you’ve gotta get him out for a pint with us’. So, possibly Kirk.”

While Josh Tucker may not be a character designed to win fans, I can most definitely count myself as a fan of Ryan Clayton after our interview which was engaging, interesting, fun and rather lovely throughout.

By Emma Hynes
www.emmahynes.net

Twitter: @ELHynes
Facebook: @EmmaHynesWrites
Instagram: emmalouhynes

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Ryan Clayton interview: Corrie's male rape storyline

What sort of person is Josh being careful to portray to the street?
We have seen that side of him that he is possibly not all that he seems but David and Josh are bonding and getting along with each other. Josh is being supportive to David and he is enjoying being the centre of attention about the boxing match.

Did we see a different side to him with what happened with Lee?
Yes, but what happened with Lee is something that really ties David and Josh together because it’s their secret; it’s between them and that is something that bonds them. So they have become closer and closer and Josh will use opportunities like that for his gain.

Tell us what happens when Josh is flirty with David. 
Josh overhears Shona say something to David like he can’t have Josh all to himself and Josh clocks this. It is those opportunist moments for people like Josh and he knows that he can use this opportunity and do something. 

What happens when they go to the bar the next day?
It stems from what Josh has heard the previous day. Josh takes David out for what, in his head, he thinks is a date and he gets a lot of personal stuff out of David and gets him in a vulnerable state. He makes sure David drinks far more than he does then he puts something in his drink to drug him.

Josh is an opportunist but has he had this plan in his head for a long time?
Josh is prepared because he has had to pick up the drugs. It is something that Josh has planned since overhearing what Shona said. It wasn’t ever a long term plan, in Josh’s head he just thinks, “I can pull tonight.” Josh thinks that they get on so in his head maybe David thinks the same.

Does Josh think that what he is doing is rape? 
No, the reality is, for a lot of male rapists, it’s just about exerting power without feelings, and they enjoy that.

Has Josh does this before or is it a one off?
It is very calculated, we don’t know his history but his plan is very well thought out, so maybe he has done it before. It’s also about where he goes from here, what his agenda is and how he is going to play his mind games. This is just the start of where we see a completely different and perhaps real side of Josh. 

What were those scenes like to film?
It is all implied rather than seen. It was very difficult stuff but we recorded it more or less all as one which helped. 

How do you put that to one side at the end of the day?
I had to because I had to do another scene so that really worked for me. But at the end of the day, I think about if I have done a good job then I can be happy and that’s what takes me out of it. 

What research did you do for the role?
I spoke to spoke Survivors Manchester about the traits rapists show in the aftermath, and the manipulation they often display. The writers also worked very closely with them to make it as realistic as possible.

Why is it important for Coronation Street to cover the issue of male rape?
Male rape is unrepresented in the media. There was a recent BBC documentary about it and in the first few minutes one victim said the public just don’t see it or hear about it and I thought it seemed an important story that needs telling.

Did you know about the role before you joined?
Yes I knew about the role just not who I would be working with. It is quite daunting to come and play a storyline like this with a long standing character but Jack P Shepherd has made me feel at complete ease.

What’s it like working with Jack?
Great! It is good that we have got on so well from the off set, there has to be a lot of trust there from both of us.

• See also: Why Coronation Street is right to air the male rape storyline.

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