My CHALLENGING role

CHRISTOPHER HARPER on his shock return to the cobbles and how playing Nathan has changed his life

- ALISON SLADE

CORONATION STREET HOL MON, WED & FRI, 8PM, ITV1 SOAP

Bethany Platt’s sexual exploitation at the hands of ‘boyfriend’ Nathan Curtis was an uncomfortable but compelling watch on ITV’s Coronation Street back in 2017.

Thanks to Bethany’s bravery, Nathan (played by Christopher Harper) and his accomplices were locked up for rape. But now, almost seven years down the line, Bethany (Lucy Fallon) is about to discover that her abuser is a free man. Is the twisted returnee responsible for the murder of missing teen Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton)?

TV Times joined Chris, 46, for an exclusive chat to find out more…

How did you feel when you were asked to return to Weatherfield?

I was really emotional, actually. I love playing Nathan. He’s slippery and manipulative, and the devil has all the best tunes. But I was aware it was our duty to continue Bethany’s story, so it was wonderful to hear that Corrie had worked with The Maggie Oliver Foundation [a charity that supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse].

I talked to my wife [actor Emily Bowker], to the charities and to some survivors, to make sure this was a sensible thing to do. When I realised it was going to be oxygen for their campaigns, I thought, ‘I’ve got to do this.’

Nathan’s situation is true to life – people are coming out of prison for sexual offences and ducking probation rules, and turning up in the supermarket next to the person they were abusing. Survivors are coming face to face with the person who has caused them so much pain.

Tell us about the charities you have worked with…