David (played by Jack P. Shepherd) was raped off-screen by Josh after having his drink spiked during last week’s Coronation Street.
While Weatherfield residents and David’s family believe they are friends, the character woke to distressing scenes in Josh’s bed.
Returning home, David took a shower and sat collapsed on the floor in shock before disposing of all of his clothes from the previous night.
While David’s disposal of evidence could prove problematic, Josh actor Ryan revealed a subtle detail that you may have missed last night.
As David woke up in Josh’s bed, he discovered a note and his clothes folded – something that could prove significant in upcoming episodes.
Ryan explained: “Its massively shocking. I spoke to Sam from Survivors Manchester and the one thing that Sam said was the morning after they had, and for other stories, where their people had then left nice notes, or folded their clothes up like we saw the other night and treated it like, ‘Oh what a great night we had and it was totally consensual’.
“Completely in denial and, ‘We had a great night and I hope you feel well this morning’.”
He continued: “I was definitely happy to take on the role, I knew it would be massive impact once I found out it was happening to David.
“It requires a lot of research, we will start to see more of the type of character that Josh is and the way he works and the manipulation games that he plays.”
He continued: “I have been talking to Duncan Craig from Survivors Manchester a lot and working with survivors and seeing similar patterns that people like Josh play on their victims.
“I have seen with other stories and how the mental side of that works. In terms of the initial act, I guess that just came from a selfish objective in what he wanted, that was my initial approach. Absolutely power and domination.”
Ryan spoke about his Coronation Street role to Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live and was joined by Duncan from Survivors Manchester, who said he “couldn’t be prouder” of the way ITV have handled the tough storyline.
Duncan said: “Credit where credit is due, Kate Oates the series producer and the writing team and Ryan and Jack who plays David and Vicky the director, the whole Coronation Street team have committed to this story 100 per cent and I couldn’t be prouder.
“It is really important when we’re talking about an issue that is incredibly difficult for men to talk about. I know personally how difficult it is as a survivor myself.
“It feels sometimes like the world doesn’t want to listen, for a programme like Coronation Street which is a national treasure to step forward and deal with a difficult subject with sensitivity, commitment to finding out exactly what goes on in the whole process for a male survivor is nothing short of life-changing.”
Duncan also revealed that their phone lines have been inundated with calls following the broadcast.
He added: “We know it’s life-changing because men are contacting us and telling us because of what they have seen on TV and in the press has given them hope.”
If you’ve been affected by the scenes broadcast, visit itv.com/advice for support information.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow on ITV at 7.30pm.
