Josh (played by Ryan Clayton) will arrive on the cobbles soon, and while he seems unassuming at first, he’s set to commit some awful deeds.
It was already known that he would be attacking David (Jack P. Shepherd) but this is the first look at him in Weatherfield.
The spoiler photos show Josh interacting with Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) as he applies for a job with the mechanic.
Josh turns up on the street hoping to fill the vacancy at the garage left by Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) who was murdered earlier this month by villain Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre).
Also a personal trainer, the character’s initial business will reportedly be getting his new neighbours in shape for a charity boxing match, leading to huge popularity with the locals.
David is set to enjoy a drunken night out with the handsome newcomer, before being drugged and assaulted by him.
Naturally, it has devastating affects for him as he becomes crippled by guilt and shame.
A source revealed to the Mirror: “There won’t be any sexually explicit scenes, what has happened to David will be implied by his reaction and behaviour when he wakes up the next day and starts to remember some of what happened.
“With Josh still on the street, David struggles to deal with the shame of what has happened to him. This is a big storyline for Jack and everyone is determined to get it right.”
To ensure the serious subject is depicted truthfully and sensitively, the soap is working closely with Survivors Manchester.
Hollyoaks was the first soap to explore male rape back in 2000 when Luke Morgan (Gary Lucy) was violated by Mark Gibbs (Colin Parry).
However, this is the first time the dark storyline will be explored in Coronation Street since it began in 1960.
The father-of-two has had his fair share of drama throughout his time on the programme, but this is his most harrowing storyline yet.
It will come as a further blow for the Platt family following Bethany’s (Lucy Fallon) grooming ordeal last year.
After being sexually abused by Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper), Bethany finally saw justice served when he was sent to prison last October.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on ITV.
Anyone affected should call the Survivors UK helpline on 0203 5983 898 or email them at help@survivorsuk.org.
