Coronation Street fans have hit out at the depiction of police procedure in the soap and its real-life impact as the grooming storyline involving teenager Bethany Platt takes another horrific turn.
In Wednesday's episodes, Bethany (Lucy Fallon) was rescued from boyfriend Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) as he tried to traffick her abroad.
Got him!
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 21, 2017
"Nathan Curtis, I'm arresting you on suspicion of human trafficking." #Corrie #Bethany pic.twitter.com/lsr2buqoU8
With fans hoping that Bethany's nightmare was now over, the soap's writers served up another shocking twist as Bethany was confronted by police officer Neil Clifton, a member of Curtis' grooming ring who raped her earlier this year.
Clifton threatened Bethany's family if she told the truth about what had happened to her with Bethany then too terrified to name him during her interview. She later said she would not answer any further questions.
What's next for Bethany?
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 21, 2017
Make sure you join us on Friday at 7.30 & 8.30pm as the story continues... #Corrie @itv @wearestv pic.twitter.com/6cIi3CND9i
While Lucy Fallon's performance as Bethany received widespread praise, some viewers were angry that Clifton's intervention was too far-fetched and could deter victims of real-life abuse from coming forward.
If you have been affected by this storyline, please contact Childline in Ireland on 1800 66 66 66 or The Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 778 888.
Here's some of what Corrie fans have been saying:
Bethany's melting my heart poor girl @itvcorrie #Corrie incredible acting by @lufallon ♥ 😭
— jez tallack (@jezbit1220) June 21, 2017
The scenes with Bethany giving her testimony and looking up at the camera were powerful/frightening. #corrie
— Sarah (@E20AlbertSquare) June 21, 2017
Why is it Neil is allowed 2investigate &monitor cases on his own? Ud think police officers would have 2attend 2calls in pairs? #corrie
— Angoora Begum (@AngooraBegum) June 21, 2017
Found that very hard to watch. Very dark. Actress playing #Bethany was brilliant,as indeed were the actors playing both Police. #cse #Corrie
— Jacqueline (@jacquicotter) June 21, 2017
Well done to the writers and cast for portraying such a dreadful subject which does occur in the uk. #Corrie
— Lora C (@GoogleQueenxx) June 21, 2017
Surely when Neil went to the Platts to visit Bethany, a female PC would have gone either with Neil or as well as Neil. #Corrie
— Natasha :) (@crazygirl1814) June 21, 2017
Thought @lufallon was very good on #Corrie again tonight, such an important storyline 📺
— Sam Clark (@sambakey) June 21, 2017
Maybe some more realism in the interviewing procedure. #Corrie
— LordGreystoke (@PolygoniaSpec) June 21, 2017
Loving Bethany's story but not liking the police officer in the grooming ring considering it could put real victims off reporting #Corrie
— Ed G-S 🌹 (@funkenpaldi) June 21, 2017
His involvement's just completely unnecessary. Probably putting off victims coming forward. #Corrie
— Dan Harvey (@HarveytheHornet) June 21, 2017
#Corrie oh no apropriate adult present ?
— SHARON ALLEN (@nanaglasses) June 21, 2017
#Corrie #Bethany storyline very bad giving real victims no confidence to come forward, no wpc at arrest, no specialist chaperone, no safety
— Tarquin Malarkey (@TarquinMalarkey) June 21, 2017
Hmmm, #Corrie would a girl who'd been rescued from traffickers really be left alone in a room with a male police officer? @itvcorrie
— Sam Bridger (@marketingmog) June 21, 2017
Just when Bethany thought her nightmare was over... There's Neil. Makes me sick. #Corrie
— Tina (@ElloTeenah) June 21, 2017
#CoronationStreet #Corrie @itvcorrie @lufallon This is my Theory... pic.twitter.com/wJwy5aP6Us
— Anthony Gill (@AntGill77) June 21, 2017
Not really getting the Bethany/Nathan thing. finding it a bit far fetched #corrie No way she would've been left to be seen by a corrupt cop
— penny webster (@pennywebster16) June 21, 2017
Coronation Street continues on TV3 and ITV on Friday at 7.30pm.
