Coronation Street has announced the release of a new documentary special looking into the lasting impact of hate crimes, both on those it affects in real life and the actors who have portrayed the storyline on the soap.
Titled Identity Stories – streaming on YouTube and the ITV Hub – this half-hour piece brings together cast members Mollie Gallagher (Nina Lucas), Maximus Evans (Corey Brent), Tanisha Gorey (Asha Alahan) and Millie Gibson (Kelly Neelan), plus mental health advocate Dani Winter-Bates, to reflect on coercive control, social media and self-expression.
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Discussing the project, Winter-Bates shared in a statement: "I was honoured to be asked to be involved in the campaign following on from Coronation Street's depiction of hate crime. Seeing what was initially wild and wonderful ideas come to fruition months later was amazing.
"All of the cast within the storyline and the team at ITV made this such an amazing experience. Hopefully it will go some way to increase the dialogue and reduce discrimination wherever it may present itself."
Just last month, Gallagher collected a National Television Award for Best Serial Performance following the death of Seb Franklin (played by Harry Visinoni) plot.
Tearing up onstage, Gallagher told the crowd: "I can't believe this, I'm absolutely speechless. The storyline has been an amazing one to tell, lots of awareness has been raised and I am so grateful to be part of that.
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"We worked closely with the Sophie Lancaster charity and Sylvia [Lancaster, Sophie's mother] is the most inspiring woman and she's brilliant.
"I just want to dedicate this award to anyone who feels like they don't fit the mould, or feel like they don't belong. You are amazing! You are."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.
