Coronation Street’s Josh Tucker, real name Ryan Clayton, has confessed to keeping an upcoming storyline secret from his family
The actor admitted he hadn’t told his grandparents about scenes that involve male rape and, while the sexual assault itself takes place off-screen, his character does drug and attack a friend.
Josh will attack his unsuspecting friend David Platt next week, while he is unconscious.
Ryan told the Daily Mirror: “My family are just happy for me, maybe when it comes round to my Nanna and Grandad, they’ll think, ‘oh, that’s what the part was!’ My Nanna did ask ‘Ooh, he’s not playing a baddy, is he?’ and I was like ‘er, well…’”
Male rape is new ground for TV soaps and is a taboo subject, only previously being confronted on post-watershed Hollyoaks spin-off Breaking Boundaries in 2000.
Ryan, who worked closely with charity Survivors Manchester, said: “I knew it would be a challenging storyline but a very important storyline.
“In his head, he doesn’t see it as sexual assault, he totally believes it’s consensual. He thinks David is attracted to him. You’ll see there’s a trigger that Josh overhears.”
Ryan is ready for some social media fallout. “I’ll take it as it comes. I’m anticipating it, it’s nice to know they’re watching – in a way it’s a compliment.”
The scenes around the assault will be broadcast on Friday. David will be shown waking up in Josh’s bed in Monday’s episode.
Jack P Shepherd says: “David has no reason to think Josh is anything other than a mate.
“His reaction is not uncommon. Hopefully people will start talking about the storyline and it could help someone who has gone through something similar to realise the need to open up and speak to somebody.”
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
