Coronation Street viewers sickened by Bethany Platt rape scene in grooming storyline

Coronation Street viewers were left horrified and sickened as the Bethany Platt grooming storyline came to a head with a disturbing rape scene.

The story, which has seen Lucy Fallon's character be gradually manipulated by her older boyfriend Nathan Curtis, played by Chris Harper, reached a new level on Friday after she was lured into sex against her will with his friend.

Nathan told Bethany to meet Neil for drinks, but the second episode of the double-bill saw him take her to a bedroom before beginning to kiss her.

The ITV soap did not show graphic scenes but focused on Bethany's face as she began to cry.

Bethany’s ordeal is set to worsen as another stranger called Ian is brought to meet her.

James Rand commented on Twitter: "Coronation Street made me feel sick. I know it's not real but it happens in real life. Poor Bethany #coronationstreet #bethany."

Another viewer named Bethany added: "So upsetting and scary watching coronation street tonight poor Bethany #coronationstreet," while a person tweeting under the name Jazmyn posted: "Proper had tears in my eyes whilst watching coronation street."

Fallon herself also tweeted during the episode: "Thank you SO much for all the support and kind messages about tonight's episode... *weeps into pillow*"

The broadcaster has shared links to support information throughout the storyline, which has dominated the soap this year.

But things are about to get even worse for the teenager as Nathan continues to pile on the pressure.

While she is thrilled by his upcoming proposal, she will find herself again in a difficult position when another friend of Nathan's shows an interest in meeting her.