Exclusive: Coronation Street to explore the effects of racism in new story
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street bosses are planning to further explore the effects of racism in an upcoming storyline, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.
The ITV soap aired a racism plot involving the Bailey family this year, as Bistro manager Don repeatedly made offensive remarks towards Ed and his loved ones.
Coronation Street worked with Baroness Doreen Lawrence on the storyline, which aimed to show the damaging effects of verbal racist abuse.
Baroness Lawrence is the mother of the late Stephen Lawrence, who was tragically murdered by a gang in a racially motivated attack in 1993.
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Corrie chiefs have now revealed their future story plans as part of an in-depth Digital Spy feature about how soaps are responding to the Black Lives Matter movement.
"Following on from the racism storyline the show told in recognition of Stephen Lawrence Day, we've got a more in-depth look at the effects of racism coming up," John Whiston, the Managing Director of Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, told Digital Spy.
"There's also an important new character joining the Bailey family."
The Baileys' storyline explored the family's differing reactions to racism, as Ed and his eldest son Michael couldn't initially agree on how it was best to deal with Don's unacceptable comments.
Related: How soaps and soap stars have responded to Black Lives Matter
The story came to a head when Ed confronted Don during an event at the Bistro and was supported by his friends, family and neighbours. Don was later sacked as a result of his behaviour.
Trevor Michael Georges, who plays Ed, praised Coronation Street for exploring the storyline.
Speaking in April, he explained: "People watch and take what they see to heart. The subject matter won't go away if we ignore it and many don't have anywhere to go to find a platform for reflection. It's also good for Coronation Street to stay grafted to the real world to maintain its own relevance."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.
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