Coronation Street’s Max Turner will be groomed by extremist group in new hard-hitting storyline 

Coronation Street will illuminate the issue of the care of disenfranchised and impressionable young men in a hard-hitting storyline involving Max Turner.

A lonely and vulnerable Max, played by Paddy Beaver, becomes the target of a band of extremists who end up endangering his own life and that of his friends and family.

On Friday’s (October 28) episode, viewers see Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) confront eco-activist Griff (Michael Condron) and his friends when he discovers the band they invited him to is playing racist songs.

Toyah (Georgia Taylor) confronts Spider (Martin Hancock) about the company he doesn’t know is an undercover cop who has infiltrated the gang to expose their activities.

On Monday’s (October 31) episode, Griff turns his attention to the troubled Max, who has been the victim of persistent school bullies since losing his place at Weatherfield High. Griff intervenes and threatens to teach the bullies a lesson and gain Max’s trust.

He invites Max to a Halloween party at his house and tells the rest of the gang that he can be useful to their cause.

Over the next few months, as Max becomes more estranged from his family, the teen becomes captivated by Griff, who uses Max’s video and computer skills to spread their racist propaganda.

Danger: A lonely and vulnerable Max, played by Paddy Beaver, becomes the target of a band of extremists who end up endangering his own life and that of his friends and family

Coronation Street Producer Iain MacLeod said: “Overall, Max’s story is one about caring for a vulnerable teenager at a point where he feels most alienated and disenfranchised.

The story will cover the ‘traditional’ recruiting techniques of extremist groups, and we will see Max personally befriend older, mentor-like figures who will give him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.

Later in the story, we’ll explore a whole 21st century problem: teens radicalizing themselves by watching extreme content online.

“Ultimately, we wanted this to be a story about communication within families – what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who lean toward extreme views?

Showdown: On Friday’s episode (October 28), viewers see Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) confront eco-activist Griff (Michael Condron) and his friends when he discovers the band they invited him to is playing racist songs

“At the end of the story, David’s misjudged attempts to deal with Max will bring the story to a shocking and thought-provoking climax.”

Tim Jacques, Senior National Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, said: “Coronation Street has a long history of raising awareness of challenging issues at the heart of communities in the UK. Unfortunately, the terrorist threat remains one of those very real concerns.

“Our case shows that children and young people are vulnerable to radicalization and increasingly attracted to toxic ideologies through online spaces and platforms.

“We hope Max’s story will help show why it’s so important to get support or advice if you’re concerned that someone you love may be heading down a dangerous path. It really doesn’t have to be that way.’

If you’re worried that someone you know might radicalize, you’re not alone. Advice and support is available at www.actearly.uk.

Shocking: Max becomes more estranged from his family The teen becomes captivated by Griff who uses Max’s video and computer skills to spread their racist propaganda