TERRIBLE TALE
Who assaulted Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street?
The Corrie character's rape storyline came back to haunt her in 2024
TOYAH Battersby has been a much-loved Coronation Street character since arriving on the cobbles back in the 90s.
Sadly her life hasn't always been easy, and this includes the night she was raped as she walked home.
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Who is Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street?
Coronation Street's Toyah Battersby arrived on the famous cobbles in 1997 with her dad Les, mum Janice, and sister Leanne.
During her years in on the street, her character has gone from being a teenage activist, to a heartbroken widow.
Toyah has also had a stint as the Rovers landlady, and been involved in some of Corrie’s most talked-about stories.
Despite having a the 13-year break from Weatherfield, she continues to dominate the big plots - which included Toyah being held hostage in July 2023.
Read more on Toyah Battersby
What happened to Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street?
Toyah’s darkest hour came when she was raped by a friend in 2001 as she walked home.
She was found in the alleyway of Coronation Street by Jason Grimshaw.
Toyah had no idea who attacked her that night and everyone on the street was ordered to have a DNA test.
Peter Barlow was initially arrested on suspicion of rape, but when the DNA results came through he was cleared.
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Who assaulted Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street?
It turned out that the man that had raped her was actually Toyah's friend.
When evil Phil Simmonds first arrived on Coronation Street, kind-hearted Toyah helped him find somewhere to live, as he was homeless.
Coronation Street's most controversial, twisted and devastatingly dramatic moments
But he repaid her by attacking her in the alleyway, and raping her.
Simmonds was finally caught out when he called Toyah’s name and she recognised the voice she’d heard just before her ordeal.
In June 2024, her assault storyline came back to haunt her.
It was after it was revealed Toyah had buried the stillborn baby she had given birth to, that had been conceived when she was raped.
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Who is Phil Simmonds?
Phil was introduced to Coronation Street viewers in September 2000, before leaving the following August.
The evil character was played by actor Jack Deam.
Before his Corrie stint he starred in the Granada TV soap Families, as well as Heartbeat, and The Life and Times of Henry Pratt.
His other credits include Soldier Soldier, Clocking Off, Hillsborough, and New Tricks.
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Who plays Toyah Battersby in Coronation Street?
Toyah is played by actress Georgia Taylor - a role she had from 1997 until 2003, before returning in 2016.
During her time away from the ITV soap, she played Ruth Winters in Casualty, and Kate Barker in Law and Order: UK.
She’s also appeared in the movie version of the hit play The History Boys.
Georgia lives with her partner, actor Mark Letheren, who she met on the set of Casualty.
How to watch Coronation Street?
Coronation Street airs three times a week 8pm on ITV.
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Each episode lasts for an hour and can be watched Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.
But if you miss any episodes you can catch up with them on the streaming service ITVX.
How to report a sexual assault
- Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery.
- Contact a voluntary organisation, such as , , , or .
- Call the 24-hour , on 0808 2000 247.
- Speak to the – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year).
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