Coronation Street has never shied away from tough storylines, but this current grooming plot is hitting a nerve for a lot of viewers. Actress Beth Nixon, who plays school sports coach Megan Walsh, has now spoken out about how seriously she is taking the role, as Megan’s illegal relationship with 16-year-old student Will Driscoll continues to unfold on screen.
Beth Nixon Says She’s Determined To “Do Justice” to the Grooming Storyline
Beth Nixon has said she feels a real responsibility to handle the storyline with care. Alongside, she explained that she wants to “do justice” to the plot so it can “serve the people who have been through it.”
Nixon, who plays Megan Walsh is in a sexual relationship with her teenage student Will Driscoll. She described the role as “incredibly dark” and admitted she felt determined to approach it with “as much care as possible.”
Speaking to BBC Radio York, Nixon said she wanted to make sure the storyline was treated respectfully because grooming is a reality for many people.
And she didn’t want the show to get it wrong. Nixon also pointed out that the issue has become even more relevant recently. She said there has been “a rise in cases,” including incidents in Manchester, where Coronation Street is filmed.
Nixon Researched Heavily As Barnardo’s Backs the Plot
Before filming began, Nixon said she had to “delve into research” to prepare herself properly. She said she wanted to get inside the reality of grooming and exploitation, rather than playing it like a simple villain role.
It is because the story needs to reflect how complicated and damaging these situations can be. As the plot develops, Nixon revealed that Will will start to understand what has really happened to him.
She said he “comes to realise he is a victim” and recognises “it’s not love”. She added that Megan “will get her comeuppance” as the truth becomes clearer. Children’s charity Barnardo’s also supported the decision to show this storyline, even though it may make viewers uncomfortable. Luneta Tajblova, a senior practitioner at Barnardo’s TIGER service, said she hoped the storyline could help young people recognise grooming.
Tajblova also said some young people may only understand the truth much later, even after they have escaped the situation. She warned that someone might have been groomed in the past and still “don’t quite realise that that’s what’s happened”. This is why storylines like this can be so important when handled correctly. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.