THERE is set to be major trauma swooping on the Coronation Street cobbles as the soap tackles the subject of consensual sex in a new storyline.
The harrowing storyline will see Amy Barlow, played by Elle Mulvaney, raped as a result of non-consensual sex with flatmate Aaron Sandford, played by James Craven.
Amy and Aaron will be involved in a storyline about non-consensual sex
In an upcoming episode, viewers will watch on as Amy and Aaron find themselves have a drunken kiss whilst back at the flat after Aaron has a row with girlfriend Summer (Harriet Bibby).
The pair will then decide to move to the bedroom where Amy begins to get undressed but later admits that she feels sick as she rolls over on the bed.
Aaron continues to kiss Amy as she rolls over as he makes the decision that the pair will have sex.
Amy will not realise what has occurred until she wakes up the following morning.
She is left horrified at discovering just exactly how far things went between the two.
Amy is left struggling with her emotions as she is forced to come to terms with what has happened and realise that she was raped at the hands of her flatmate.
Aaron is left shocked as he tries to convince her that they were both up for it and that he has done nothing wrong.
It is hoped that the story will spark debate and awareness of non-consensual sex as fans of the show will see how different characters on the Street respond to the news and take in the information.
The storyline will show how both Amy and Aaron deal with the aftermath of the situation and how they come to terms with what exactly happened.
Both characters will also find themselves dealing with the police as the story rumbles on.
Coronation Street bosses have worked closely with The Schools Consent Project, a charity whose aim is to speak to school pupils about consent, its legal definition and other sexual offences.
Monica Boghal, the director of the charity, said: “We are delighted to have been consulted on this storyline which conveys important messages around the topic of sexual consent with care and sensitivity.
“Its inclusion in such a wide-reaching show emphasises the crucial need for consent conversations and the power of consent education.”
Actress Elle added: “Initially when I was given the storyline I was quite anxious to take it on as it’s such an important issue and we wanted to get it right.
“There are so many different viewpoints from the characters but for us it was important that when we portray that night
it’s clear that while Amy doesn’t say the words she definitely doesn’t consent.”
Coronation Street will air these scenes during the episode broadcast on Friday 3rd March.
