Coronation Street’s extremist storyline has ratcheted up in the latest episode of the ITV soap as Griff faced off with Roy Cropper.
Max Turner (Paddy Bever) is being groomed by Griff and his far-right friends, as the teenager becomes increasingly isolated from his family. He has been struggling with school bullies but found a 'friend' in Griff after the activist stood up for him.
The scenes only Wednesday night in Weatherfield saw Brian, Roy, Gary and Maria join the audience in the community centre expecting a meeting about the environment – only for Griff to begin his address, revealing his true agenda.
Griff was then left gobsmacked when Roy picked apart his argument by pointing out numerous factual errors in his speech. As the crowd began to applaud Roy, Griff realised he had lost their support.
While Coronation Street fans took to Twitter to praise Roy and the soap for the ‘uncomfortable by necessary’ storyline, several were left fearful for Roy after the scenes.
As many were left concerned Roy could face the wrath of Griff’s vindictive gang, one wrote: “Roy really needs to be careful here, because Roy's Rolls could become a potential target for Griff and his lackeys in the future and folk in the cafe could get caught in the crossfire like Shona etc.”
A second penned: “Roy might want to carry a brick in his shopping bag at night from now on.”
A third wrote: “If they dare touch Roy Cropper, I will be throwing hands.. he needs protecting at all costs,” as another said: “I hope Roy is fully insured for fire damage.”
Another fan noted: “Oh god that's so insidious. This is such an uncomfortable storyline but it is necessary because let's face it, we've got people like this thinking it's fine to think this way.”
“The scary thing is you see idiots like Griff, all over social media. Spouting incorrect ignorant c***,” another wrote.
This comes after Coronation Street received over 100 Ofcom complaints for the ongoing extremist storyline.
In recent scenes, Max has attracted the attention of a young lady, who is part of the plan to groom Max and get him to use his technology skills to work on their far right propaganda.
Max has been struggling since he learned a refugee was given a place at his school, Weatherfield High, whilst there wasn't any space for him to return to the establishment.
Ofcom has now confirmed they received 112 complaints for the storyline, with references to racial violence.
Coronation Street Producer Iain MacLeod previously shared his hope that the storyline would raise awareness of grooming.
He said: "Overall, Max's story is one about the grooming of a vulnerable teenager at a point where he's feeling most alienated and disenfranchised. The story will encompass the ‘traditional’ recruitment techniques of extremists groups, and we'll see Max befriended in person by older, mentor-like figures that will give him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.”
