'I had major concerns because of my young family': Coronation Street's Ben Cartwright on why he came close to turning down his role in controversial child grooming storyline
It's the story-line that has both gripped and horrified Coronation Street viewers this year, as Bethany Platt has been groomed and abused by perverted policeman Neil Clifton.
And the actor that plays the unsavory cop, Ben Cartwright, has admitted that he came close to turning down the role, due to the troubling content of the story-line.
'When I first read the breakdown I wasn’t drawn to the part,' he admitted to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV chat show. 'I’ve got a young family. So I had major concerns about that and also about the impact it would have on me as a person.
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'I had major concerns': Coronation Street actor Ben Cartwright reveals he came close to turning down the role of perverted policeman Neil... thanks to character's troubling sex ring plot-line
Ultimately, Ben took the role, which sees his character Neil joining forces with Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) to groom Bethany (Lucy Fallon, pictured)
'I sent some texts to actor friends – the one that changed my mind - they said you should have a positive reason to turn down a role, not a negative one.'
Ultimately, Ben took the role, which sees his character Neil joining forces with Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) to groom Bethany (Lucy Fallon).
'I went for it, and I'm glad I did. The response was universal. The response has been universally great,' he admitted.
'I was taken with a fan yesterday. He was a scaffolder and he said he watched it with his daughter and sat down and had a good chat about it. This is the importance of what you’re doing.'
'When I first read the breakdown I wasn’t drawn to the part!' Ben admitted to Lorraine Kelly on her ITV chat show that his young family lead to 'major concerns about the impact it would have on me as a person'
Stepping in: The story involving Nathan and Bethany was going on before Ben's character arrived on the scene
The story involving Nathan and Bethany was going on before Ben's character arrived on the scene - and so his eldest daughter was already aware of it on the soap.
'My oldest probably knows the story-line. She's about to turn eight. In fact, to help with her reading I get her to do her lines with me. None of the dodgy stuff!' he said.
He added: 'Before that I did a big CBBC show. I'm more known for that in the playground!'
Ben shared with Lorraine his own theories on how the plot will unravel going forward.
Troubling: Ben admitted that Coronation Street 'wasn’t on my radar when I grew up' and that stories like that can upset die-hard fans that cherish the programme
Troubling: 'I sent some texts to actor friends – the one that changed my mind - they said you should have a positive reason to turn down a role, not a negative one,' he recalled
'Maybe he is undercover and getting together with Bethany to put Nathan down. Who knows?' he teased.
Coronation Street's producers have confirmed this week that Nathan and Neil will face trial after the sex ring is exposed.
Next week Bethany is set to get a call from the police after giving a new statement following her decision this week to finally report the corrupt policeman who raped her.
Outcome? Ben shared with Lorraine his own theories on how the plot will unravel going forward
This follows Neil's threats to her, that if she reports he will hurt the people she loves.
Ben admitted that Coronation Street 'wasn’t on my radar when I grew up' and that stories like that can upset die-hard fans that cherish the programme.
'I think it was beneficial that I didn’t grow up watching it because I would’ve had a heart attack on my first day!' he joked. 'But it's the nicest place to work. Everyone is so lively. We are encouraged to go into the green room rather than stay in our dressing rooms.'
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