Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street’s newest villain, Mason Radcliffe, has quickly stolen the show’s spotlight over the past few months, providing a new counterpoint to storylines following Stephen Reid’s dramatic exit last October.
Mason, played by Luca Toolan, was introduced to the show in September 2023 but began playing a more central role a few weeks later as an emotional storyline focused on school bullying began.
The new arrival focuses heavily on Maria Connor’s young son, Liam, who is now afraid to attend school after repeated incidents. Sean Tully’s son, Dylan Wilson, is closely related to him, regularly succumbing to peer pressure from Mason and his friends.
So, is there any time left in the story or will it all be over? This is the minimum.
When will Coronation Street’s Mason Radcliffe be caught out?
While Corrie fans will be hoping for a quick end to Liam’s feud, the sad news is that his story has a little time left to run.
In an interview last year, the show’s producer, Iain MacLeod, confirmed that Mason and Liam’s story will continue in February or March.
This shows how real life situations of bullying can go on for long periods of time.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other media in October 2023, MacLeod said: “I have read some scenes that are much deeper into the story, so they will be broadcast next February or March.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking in terms of the reaction of the children who are being bullied, and the feelings of bullying on the parents because they know what’s going on but they can’t penetrate this wall of secrecy that surrounds it, because the victims do not want to speak up.
“It drives the characters of Gary and Maria into very extreme territory in terms of their emotional reaction to what they believe is happening. It’s very sad.”
Luca Toolan, who plays Mason, spoke exclusively to Digital Spy about the future of the story last year.
The young actress told us: “Corrie has said it’s probably going to be on for at least another few months, if not more. That’s really nice, because it gives the three of them a bit of time we settle into the characters and grow as actors.
“We will see another side of the characters involved. The longer the story, the better, because it means you have more to play with.”
The good news is that Corrie bosses have already promised a happy ending for Liam in the long term.
MacLeod recently said: “We want there to be some positive messages as well. So the outcomes will be good for the worst off – and when they seek help, they will get it and then they will be on a positive path. forward.
“But before that, it’s a deep exploration of teenage mental health and bullying. If we get it right as we see it, I’m very proud.”
Mason, Liam and Dylan’s story from Coronation Street so far
Coronation Street launched its bullying storyline in October 2023, with Mason befriending a reluctant Dylan and Liam.
Mason was in trouble from the start when he forced Dylan and Liam to try some vapes, causing Liam to suffer an asthma attack. Mason ran, and Dylan made sure Liam got the help he needed at the hospital.
When the news of the incident came, Liam’s stepfather Gary was worried. It has been revealed that Mason is part of a prominent family – the Radcliffes – who are known to be dangerous people in the local community.
Following in his family’s footsteps, Mason revealed to Liam and Dylan that he was responsible for a hit and run incident that injured Stu Carpenter’s granddaughter Eliza Woodrow.
Mason shared the truth while searching for a false alibi in case any police suspicion fell on him.
A few weeks later, Mason’s vape obsession continued and he forced Dylan to sell them on his behalf to some of the other kids at school.
When Sean, Dylan’s father found out, he disposed of the vapes to punish his son. Mason was furious at the lost products and demanded compensation by grabbing Dylan’s expensive new trainers. Liam found himself framed for the stolen footwear when the school investigated the incident.
Mason later threatened Liam with a knife when his attempt to tame the vulnerable schoolboy did not go as well as he had hoped.
Dylan saw the frightening encounter but felt too intimidated to protect his friend. He also agreed to start selling vapes to Mason in a new location after getting himself a job at the kebab shop, which is regularly visited by school children.
Speaking recently about his role in the storyline, Liam McCheyne – who plays Dylan – explained: “I think my overall description of Dylan is that he wants to be involved. in London.
“He wants to fit in with the cool kids and be like them. He doesn’t want to be like he was in London – it’s a complete change from who he was before. It’s almost like a new start for him and he can have a little bit of freedom so I think he would be very easily influenced.
“I think Sean understands how dangerous Mason’s influence is, but Dylan ignores him a lot. Mason isn’t a real friend to Dylan, but like I said he’s very easily influenced so I don’t think he understands what’s going on get him. himself in.”
Coronation Street took a screen break before Christmas, but revisited Liam’s plight in January.
Liam was shown skipping school to avoid Mason’s bullying, but his mother Maria and stepfather Gary soon found out what he was up to.
When he returned to school, Mason stole Liam’s phone. When Mason pinned him against a wall and threatened to turn violent again, Liam set off the school’s fire alarm to escape.
Mason refused to return the phone unless Liam agreed to a meeting with him. Despite his younger stepbrother Jake’s concerns, Liam promised to go ahead with the meeting and stand up to Mason.
Meanwhile, Liam also broke his silence telling Maria and Gary that he is being bullied, but refused to reveal the full details or who was responsible.
Coronation Street broadcast on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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