On the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, a group of extremists will target young Max Turner. Will his loved ones be able to persuade him to change his mind?
In a tough plot to draw attention to the problem of grooming impressionable young men, an extremist gang will target a lonely and defenseless Max Turner (played by Paddy Bever) in Coronation Street. The lives of Max’s friends and family, as well as his own, may be in danger if he joins the group.
When Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) learns that the band they have invited him to see is playing racist songs, he confronts eco-activist Griff (Michael Condron) and his friends.
While unaware that Spider Nugent (Martin Hancock) is an undercover police officer who has infiltrated the gang to expose their activity, Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) asks him about the company he keeps.
In scenes set to air on Monday, Griff focuses on a troubled Max who has been subjected to persistent bullying ever since he was expelled from Weatherfield High School.
Griff intervenes and gains Max’s trust by threatening to teach his tormentors a lesson.
Later, Griff extends an invitation to Max to a Halloween house party, telling the group that he might be helpful to their cause.
As the months pass, Max grows more distant from his loved ones and submits to Griff’s influence.
Max’s computer and video skills enable Griff to use them to disseminate their racist propaganda.
Iain MacLeod, producer of Coronation Street, said, “Overall, Max’s story is one about the grooming of a vulnerable teenager at a point when he’s feeling most alienated and disenfranchised.”
He claimed that the plot will “encompass the traditional” methods of recruiting for extremist organizations.
Max will befriend older, mentor-like characters who will instill in him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood, as seen by ITV viewers.
Then, later in the narrative, we will examine a problem that is very 21st century: teenagers who self-radicalize by viewing extreme content online “Iain clarified.
“In the end, we wanted this to be a tale about family communication and the right and wrong ways to approach young relatives who are drawn to extreme viewpoints.
“David’s [Platt] misguided attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax for the story’s resolution.”
According to Tim Jacques, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Coronation Street has a long history of bringing difficult issues to the forefront of communities all over the UK.
“Unfortunately, the terrorist threat still remains one of those very real concerns,” he continued.
“We hope Max’s story will help to demonstrate why it’s crucial to seek support or guidance if you’re concerned that a loved one is going down a risky path. It doesn’t have to be that way, really.
“David’s [Platt] misguided attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax for the story’s resolution.”
According to Tim Jacques, senior national coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Coronation Street has a long history of bringing difficult issues to the forefront of communities all over the UK.
“Unfortunately, the terrorist threat still remains one of those very real concerns,” he continued.
“We hope Max’s story will help to demonstrate why it’s crucial to seek support or guidance if you’re concerned that a loved one is going down a risky path. It doesn’t have to be that way, really.
Will Max be able to flee the group before anyone suffers a serious injury?
Can Max, who is weak and in danger, be saved by David (Jack P. Shepherd)?
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