Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the actor, who plays barman Sean Tully, admitted that although a huge amount of controversy has surrounded the soap since the plot was introduced, he thinks it is important for the show not to shy away from difficult content just because it might offend some people.
“I think that with any storyline, it has to come from telling a story’s point of view, there are stories that need to be told. Coronation Street is a slice of life, so that’s its purpose, it was always to be a slice of life.
“Like any storyline, as long as it’s being told because you want to tell an exciting, interesting, or thought-provoking storyline, then we will always continue to tell them,” he said.
The 41-year-old, who also spoke exclusively about how he wants his character to exit the Cobbles, also added that although the plot surrounding teenager Bethany (played by Lucy Fallon), who has been in a destructive relationship with older man Nathan (Chris Harper) and a victim of his sex ring, has caused so much upset with some viewers, it was justified.
“This is just one of those stories that has happened to resonate with some people, and some people think we shouldn’t be telling those stories and some people think we should.
“The point is, the game that we’re in is to push buttons, to make people sit up and take notice, and ultimately be immersed in the world that’s not actually real,” he continued.
The Manchester native also revealed that he only ever reads the scenes that Sean will be present in, saying that he believes he should only be aware of his own character’s perspective.
“I don’t read anything else other than the scenes Sean’s in, so if Audrey has had an argument with a customer across the road at the hair salon – I don’t want to read that beforehand – because the next time I see Audrey, I might play it as if I shouldn’t know that, so I only ever read the stuff that I’m in.”
Antony said that in approaching his role that way, he will often be surprised by developments on set.
“We are supposed to be happening in real time and I don’t want to know what other people are doing, so I literally watch it as a viewer and go, ‘oh I didn’t know that was happening!’,” the SSAFA ambassador laughed.
The actor has spent the month campaigning for the Armed Forces charity SSAFA and their Big Brew Up campaign, held this weekend.
Coronation Street next airs Monday at 7.30pm on ITV.
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