Coronation Street in crisis as top writers battle over controversial Bethany Pratt grooming storyline

CORONATION Street's writers have had "heated discussions" over a plotline that has seen Bethany Platt groomed.

The ITV soap is tackling one of the darkest stories in its history with Bethany being targeted by creepy Nathan Curtis, and the brave storyline has led to some rows in the writing room according to one of the show's writers.

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Calling the story an "important one to tell", writer Jan McVerry has revealed that the show's passionate writers have been in rows over how to get it right.

"My own children are teenagers but others with very young children have asked 'should we be going into this darker territory?'" she told the .

"We have had many discussions on how to tell the story," she added as the newspaper claims "heated discussions" have taken place over it.

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The Sun exclusively revealed how beauty shop owner Nathan would target Bethany with the aim of pimping her out to his friends.

The storyline draws inspiration from real-life horrors — and sources told how bosses debated the move before deciding to go ahead to raise awareness among young female fans.

One told The Sun previously: “This storyline was not undertaken lightly, it was the subject of major discussions among the show’s writers and bosses

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“But in the end they agreed that, while controversial, it was very important.

"We know Bethany’s popular with girl viewers and hope to make them aware of the risks of this situation.

“The really sinister element is that, while viewers will be aware Bethany’s boyfriend is bad news, she’ll have no idea. Hopefully that will resonate.”

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The source added: “The show is working closely with relevant child protection charities to make sure what we air is as realistic as possible.”

Bethany’s experience will echo those of victims of the Rochdale sex ring, whose perpetrators preyed on almost 50 teens.

Nine got a total of 127 years’ jail in 2012 for sex crimes against girls as young as 13. A Corrie spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on storylines.”

• Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights on ITV

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