Coronation Street being assessed by Ofcom after viewers complain over shocking child grooming storyline
Soap has courted controversy as Nathan Curtis revealed vile plan to pimp out school girl Bethany to his pals
CORONATION Street is being assessed by Ofcom after viewers complained about the soap’s shocking child grooming storyline.
Fans of the show have been divided over the controversial plot featuring school girl Bethany Platt and some have taken their grievances to the broadcasting watchdog.
Audiences have seen evil Nathan Curtis planning to pimp out Bethany, 16, to his pals, dressing her up and taking her to his flat to meet them.
When speaking to one of his sleazy friends, he promised him that he would be “the first to know” when the youngster is “ready”.
The issue of child grooming has left many viewers feeling uncomfortable, and a spokesperson for Ofcom has revealed they have received complaints.
They are now reviewing the matter and will decide later whether to launch a probe.
A statement give to The Sun Online explained: “We will assess these complaints before deciding whether to investigate or not.”
Corrie boss Kate Oates has insisted she hopes the storyline will help viewers understand the dangers their children may face.
Bethany was oblivious to Nathan’s plotting
She said: “Bethany’s story has been crafted over many months, to create an awareness for viewers about the dangers of grooming.
“Her journey has begun in a way many young people will recognise: through feelings of low self-worth.
“Bethany’s story is a challenging watch: but we hope it will encourage open discussion amongst friends and families about self-esteem, confidence and most importantly, safety.”
Viewers were given their first glimpse of the shocking storyline in Wednesday night’s episode and many took to Twitter to complaint the gritty issue should not be tackled before the watershed.
One commented: “Nathan and his mates make me sick 🤢 I don’t wanna watch while this storyline is on, it makes me feel too uncomfortable. #Corrie.”
Another tweeted: “Soo uncomfy watching #Corrie with Bethanny 😏😮😕 @lufallon @itvcorrie.”
While a third noticed: “Nathan’s parading Bethany around like cattle #Corrie.”
One commented: “This pedo storyline is a bit much before 9 @itvcorrie #corrie @ofcom.”
Another agreed, remarking: “Surely #Corrie has to go post-watershed with this Bethany story-line, not for young viewing.”
But many viewers have praised soap bosses for tackling such a sensitive subject, and has been backed by children’s charity the NSPCC.
An NSPCC spokesman told The Sun Online: “The NSPCC has been working with Coronation Street writers to ensure their current grooming storyline gives an accurate reflection of how abusers exploit and manipulate their victims…
“Soaps play an important part in highlighting abuse, and in giving victims the courage to speak out and in signposting them to help and support.
“It can make for difficult viewing, but it’s vital this type of abuse is portrayed as realistically as possible.
“We hope it will raise awareness of the signs of grooming and encourage more victims to come forward and seek help.”
The NSPCC’s helpline is available 24 hours a day for adults with concerns about a child or wishing to report non-recent abuse.
It can be reached on 0808 800 5000. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
- Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on ITV