Coronation Street Viewers Express Disgust Over Megan's Controversial Remark
Coronation Street fans have voiced strong disapproval following a particularly unsettling moment in Thursday's episode, where teacher Megan Walsh made what many described as a 'disgusting' comment to teenager Will Driscoll. The scene left numerous viewers feeling physically sick, with social media platforms flooded with criticism of the character's actions.
The Shocking Scene That Sparked Outrage
In the latest development of the long-running grooming storyline, Megan Walsh, portrayed by actress Beth Nixon, has continued her illicit affair with schoolboy Will Driscoll. The teacher has gone to extraordinary lengths to conceal her inappropriate relationship, including fabricating a romance with colleague Daniel Osbourne, played by Rob Mallard.
During Thursday's episode, after Will manipulated fellow student Sam Blakeman into drinking vodka and then allowed him to take the blame, Megan approached the teenager with a suggestive proposition. With Daniel momentarily absent from their pub table, Megan told Will: "You did really well with Sam today. Do you wanna come over and get your reward?" while giving him a meaningful look.
Immediate Fan Backlash on Social Media
The comment prompted immediate reaction from Coronation Street viewers across multiple platforms. On Reddit, one fan expressed their disgust, writing: "Just how far are they going to push Megan? That comment was disgusting. I mean, yes I know she'd probably say that but I feel sorry for anyone watching that when they're trying to eat their dinner! Too far I think!"
Another viewer agreed with the sentiment, stating: "It was nauseating, but I guess it's meant to be. What she's doing is so wrong, and it's how she's controlling him and covering her tracks without him realising it. It did make me feel really sick though!" The overwhelming consensus among fans was that the storyline had crossed a line with this particular exchange.
Background of the Controversial Storyline
The grooming plot has been developing for several months, with Megan's character engaging in increasingly manipulative behavior to maintain her secret relationship with the teenage student. Recent episodes revealed that Sam Blakeman, a student in the year below Will, has discovered the inappropriate relationship and has been threatened by Megan to keep quiet.
In response to Sam's suspicions, Megan instructed Will to "keep him close" to prevent their affair from being exposed. This led to Will inviting Sam to a concert and subsequently manipulating him into drinking alcohol during revision time, resulting in disciplinary action when they were caught by Daniel.
Producer's Perspective on the Storyline
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks has previously addressed the controversial nature of this plotline, emphasizing its importance in raising awareness about grooming behaviors. She explained: "It's a very important story to tell and we want to be as truthful as possible. As part of that story Sam will end up getting embroiled in it all."
Brooks further revealed: "Sam is semi-related to the pub family and he potentially gets wind that something's amiss. We will see the lengths that Megan will go to manipulate Sam into keeping quiet. It'll be massively detrimental to Sam's wellbeing." This suggests the storyline will continue to explore the damaging consequences of Megan's actions on multiple young characters.
Character Motivations and Future Developments
Megan Walsh has employed numerous tactics to conceal her relationship with Will, including:
- Establishing a fake romantic relationship with colleague Daniel Osbourne
- Claiming to be pregnant with Will's baby to maintain control over him
- Threatening Sam Blakeman to prevent exposure of the affair
- Manipulating Will into controlling Sam's behavior
The storyline appears poised to escalate further, with Megan likely to employ even more extreme measures to protect her secret. The emotional and psychological impact on both Will and Sam promises to be a central focus of upcoming episodes.
Coronation Street continues to air weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with this controversial storyline expected to remain a significant plot point in the coming weeks.
