AFTER wreaking havoc in the cobbles, Max Turner will be involved in a new dramatic storyline.
However, Coronation Street fans can’t help but think the ITV soap is taking inspiration from rival shows Hollyoaks and EastEnders.
Max Turner has been having a hard time in Weatherfield
He will be involved in a new explosive storyline
His loneliness will drive him to join an extremist gang
Show bosses dropped the news on Thursday, revealing that actor Paddy Bever will help the program “highlight the issue of the grooming of disenfranchised and impressionable young men.”
In recent months, Max has found himself lonely and isolated from fellow youngsters in Weatherfield as his behaviour grew more troublesome.
He most notably accidentally spiked Amy Barlow, although he was actually targeting long-term foe and teacher Daniel Osbourne – who pushed him down a flight of stairs.
Most recently, Max was bullied by classmates in a Pupil Referral Unit, where he was sent to after being booted from Weatherfield High.
In the new storyline beginning on Friday (October 28, 2022), a vulnerable Max will be “targeted by a gang of extremists ultimately putting his own life and that of his friends and family in danger.”
It will all begin when Peter Barlow confronts dodgy eco-warrior Griff due to his racist activity.
On Monday, the activist will then be set on earning Max’s trust by facing his bullies.
While jaw-dropping twists and turns can be expected, Corrie viewers took to social media, unconvinced the storyline will be worth tuning in to.
Many of them realised EastEnders and Hollyoaks had already approached the same issue.
“Already done in EastEnders. You’re about 2 years behind”, one of them wrote as another agreed: “Another reason not to watch, story lines are just terrible, didn’t they just do this on EastEnders?? Who is writing these scripts, bloody awful.”
One viewer commented: “Umm this was covered by Hollyoaks a while back. Try something else please.”
“Lazy writing, boring repetitive plots….irritating, unrealistic characters. Come on Corrie, get it sorted”, another complained.
A soap fan added: “I have a feeling that I will be taking a break soon from my soap.”
“Why though? No need for this unnecessary storyline”, another questioned while one viewer penned: “I remember when Corrie used to be fun to watch, way too heavy now.”
As mentioned above, Max will be embroiled in Griff’s activism while undercover policeman Spider Nugent is still keeping a close eye on him.
The lad will become “more estranged from his family” as he falls under Griff’s spell.
The eco-warrior will be using Max’s video and computer skills to spread his racist propaganda throughout Weatherfield and beyond.
Speaking about the new storyline, producer Iain MacLeod 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.”
“In the end, we wanted this to be a story about communication within families – what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who are gravitating towards extreme views?”
The producer also promised more conflict for Max and his adoptive father David Platt, with whom he’s often at odds.
“For the conclusion of the story, David’s misjudged attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.
Griff will be earning Max’s trust by dealing with his bullies
But that will cause conflict with his father David
