7 hours ago
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Coronation Street star Liam McCheyne has admitted he had a candid conversation with his mum sparked by the soap’s hard-hitting knife crime storyline.
The teen actor’s character Dylan Wilson has been a key player in the plot, which earlier this week saw Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) stabbed to death by his brothers Matty (Harry Lowbridge) and Logan (Seamus McGoff) using a knife that Dylan had possessed.
Dylan is set to face the repercussions of carrying the weapon after his dad Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) reports him to the police.
Liam revealed how Sean’s actions sparked a conversation between Liam and his real-life mother.
He explained: ‘Sean makes out to Dylan that he’s going to help him in whatever way he possibly can and tells him he’s going to go to the bank to get as much money out as he can. Of course Sean doesn’t even go to the bank at all, as any parent would do, he goes straight to the police station
‘It’s interesting because I actually asked my mum if she was ever in that situation, what would she do, and she said she absolutely would do the same, which was great from a parent’s point of view.’
While Liam completely understands why his parent would report him, the same cannot be said for Dylan.
Knife crime - the stats
England and Wales has seen an 80% increase in knife crime in the last 10 years. According to a study compiled up to June 2024, there have been 50,973 police-recorded offences involving a knife or sharp instrument.
The same study highlights that there have been 225 murders involving a knife or sharp instrument in England and Wales in the 12 months to June 2024, 78 of the victims were aged under 25, and 10 of the victims were aged under 16.
Kate Brooks, producer of Coronation Street, said: 'It's vitally important to shine a light on this topic, and really show the impact knife crime has on not only the victim and their loved ones, but also the wider community.
'With the alarming statistics, we want to do anything we can as a show to combat this violent endemic. After watching this harrowing, but important story unfold, if one person thinks twice about bringing a knife to a fight, then we've achieved our aim to raise awareness.'
The Ben Kinsella Trust has been working closely with the show on the storyline. You can find more information and support on knife crime by visiting their website
Liam said: ‘At that moment when Dylan realises, it’s now him against the world – even his dad has betrayed him.’
‘Dylan is a 17 year-old self-orientated lad, just like most 17 year olds are. His initial thought is, “Oh, my dad’s going against me now, this is it,” and he now thinks he’s all on his own.’
Explaining Dylan’s rationale, he continued: ‘I think Dylan struggles with a fear of abandonment though, especially after his childhood of never having two stable parents living together, or anywhere near each other. Now Violet is in London and his dad has betrayed him so Dylan feels entirely alone.
‘I hope eventually that Dylan will be able to forgive Sean, but the dynamics between them now will be really interesting to play.’
Coronation Street continues on Monday at 8pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
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