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Coronation Street male rape storyline sparks 1,700 per cent increase in helpline calls

Villain: Josh Tucker (left) assaulted David Platt: ITV
Villain: Josh Tucker (left) assaulted David Platt: ITV

Coronation Street’s male rape storyline involving David Platt has sparked a 1,700 per cent increase in calls to Survivors Manchester’s helpline.

The charity advised the soap’s writers on the handling of the plot which sees Platt, played by Jack P. Shepherd, drugged and attacked by his friend Josh Tucker played by Ryan Clayton.

Founder and chief executive of the Manchester branch of Male Survivors, Duncan Craig told ITV news: "I found out the actual statistics and how many more men – in response to what happened on Coronation Street – had picked up the phone and asked for help.

"I just think it's mind-blowing and I'm so proud of Kay, of Ryan, of Jack, the writers and the Coronation Street team for presenting what is a really difficult story but an incredibly important story."

Earlier this week viewers struggled to watch scenes showing Platt in the aftermath of his assault.

A devastated-looking Platt returned home from Tucker’s flat and was seen showering and disposing of the clothes he was wearing as he tried to come to terms with what had happened to him.

Platt was later forced to come face to face with his attacker after he turned up at his house.

Emotional: David Platt is struggling to cope with the ordeal (ITV)
Emotional: David Platt is struggling to cope with the ordeal (ITV)

He was so disgusted by the sight of the personal trainer that he ran outside to vomit before Tucker later admitted to spiking his drink.

Platt said: "I know what you did and I can still feel it. You're twisted."

Corrie boss Kate Oates has been forced to defend the storyline after viewers criticised the soap for being too dark.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain she insisted the soap will maintain its comedy. "We know what our viewers like and what they don't like," she said. "We're not losing the laughs in Corrie. I think if we lost the comedy in Corrie, I would be dragged out!"

Coronation Street continues Wednesday, March 21 at 7.30pm on ITV.