Coronation Street spoilers follow from Wednesday’s episode (11 February), which is available to watch now on ITVX and YouTube but hasn’t yet aired on ITV1.
Coronation Street star Beth Nixon has revealed a major change is happening in the grooming storyline between her character Megan Walsh and pupil Will Driscoll. The dark plot has seen the sports coach groom teenager Will, even falling pregnant with his baby.
But in recent episodes, Will’s schoolmate Sam Blakeman has become suspicious about the pair’s relationship and has set about proving there’s something dangerous going on.
Speaking about Megan’s current feelings towards Will, Nixon shared that the character has become “bored” with him and is now mainly carrying things on in order to protect herself.
“I think she gets bored very easily – with people and places,” Nixon shared.
ITV
Related: Best streaming services
“Originally, she likely did enjoy Will’s company, but as soon as things got tricky, he stopped serving a purpose. Now, he’s an issue.
“She stays with him because she’s dug herself into a hole, if she lets him go, he’ll tell his family. She keeps him on side by telling him exactly what he wants to hear.
“I think she convinces herself she cares about him just to feel less guilt, but in reality, she’s lying to herself to keep the game going,” the actress added.
Asked whether Megan feels guilt, Nixon explained that she believes the character does but her narcissism means she will always put her own needs and desires first.
ITV
“She feels guilt, but her own life and her own desires are more important than anything else. She’s a narcissist,” Nixon shared.
“She feels sadness and empathy, but she snaps herself out of it because guilt would hold her back from getting what she wants. Her needs always come first.”
The character of Megan has been a challenge for Nixon and the actress explained she has to approach the character by remembering that Megan doesn’t think she’s doing anything wrong.
Nixon explained: “That’s the only way I can play it. It’s a dark place to go, especially because Lucas Hodgson-Wale [who plays Will} is so young. Thankfully, we have a great rapport and trust each other, and the level of intimacy on set is very restricted, which makes it easier.
ITV
“But ultimately, you have to convince yourself that Megan’s actions are justified. Even though it’s ‘icky,’ she believes she is right.”
Nixon also spoke about the importance of the storyline which, while provocative, carries a very serious message.
“We’ve seen stories like this before, but the role reversal of an older woman makes it that bit more shocking,” the actress said.
“There is a massive stigma and a double standard – if this were a man, the reaction would be different. People often think the boy is ‘lucky’ but this is grooming and abuse. I hope it shows the warning signs – Will’s lashing out, his stress, his grades slipping.
ITV
Related: Coronation Street confirms two unlikely targets for Jodie’s wrath
“If it opens the eyes of one parent or peer to what is happening to a child, then we’ve done our job. It’s important to talk about because there’s an increase in female offenders being convicted,” she added.
“We are showing that women can be the abusers, the manipulators and the ones playing with emotions to get what they want.”
Next week will see Sam continue to try and expose Megan, by coming up with a risky plan to put a hidden camera in Megan’s flat to find evidence of what’s going on between her and Will.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
For exclusive soap star interviews, gossip, spoilers and theories every week, don’t miss the Soap Scoop podcast from Inside Soap magazine. The latest episode delves into next week’s soap spoilers for EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale – featuring steamy affairs, shocking deaths, flash-forwards and major moral dilemmas.
