Coronation Street star Chris Harper, who plays the sinister Nathan Curtis on the soap, has revealed that his character will continue to seduce vulnerable teen Bethany Platt – and even go as far as to propose to her. The actor is involved in a dark storyline, focused on teenage grooming, but Chris has said that this is "only just the beginning for Bethany", played by actress Lucy Fallon.
"Nathan has done it before to other people [groomed them] and is doing with other people still," Chris said during an appearance on This Morning. "Bethany is falling in love with him. She is going to be entering a dark space and Nathan introducing Neil is just the beginning. Counsellors call it love bombing and it can happen to anyone."
© Photo: ITVLucy Fallon and Chris Harper star as Bethany and Nathan
"The perpetrator pretends to be your hero but Bethany to Nathan is a commodity," he added. "Nathan will be proposing to her and Bethany starts wearing a ring. He wins her trust and makes her fall in love with him then flips it and plays on her age." When asked by Phillip Schofield if Nathan will last on the cobbles, Chris said: "I hope Nathan doesn't stay in Weatherfield. I hope he doesn't get a job in the Rovers and become good but bitter."
Despite the challenging storyline, which has caused controversy among fans, Chris said that the show has received a "brilliant" response from victims of sexual abuse. He also said he was so happy to have landed the Corrie role. "It's a fantastic role," said Chris. "I actually burst into tears when I found out I got the role. My wife, who's brilliantly supportive, is the one who suggested I run the London Marathon for the NSPCC. It's a great part, but I also got to be a part of a greater message."
