Stephen Lawrence’s mother consulted with ‘Coronation Street’ writers on a storyline about racism.
Baroness Doreen Lawrence’s son Stephen was just 18 when he was murdered in a racially motivated attack at a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London, in April 1993 and she has campaigned tirelessly for justice since his death.
She was asked to advise writers on a script which will explore prejudice faced by the Bailey family as Ed Bailey’s sons Michael and James are left shocked when their father is on the receiving end of racist comments made by Bistro manager Don.
The storyline will focus on the generational divide about attitudes towards racism and will also see Ed reevaluate his attitude about James’ homosexuality.
‘Coronation Street’ producer Ian MacLeod said: "It is a huge privilege to have someone of the standing of Baroness Lawrence consult with us on this episode.
"I really believe that her input, and the contributions of the cast playing the Bailey family as we workshopped the scripts, have resulted in an episode with real weight and authenticity."
MacLeod called it a "really interesting story" to explore the "generational gap" in the family’s attitude towards racism.
He added: "The younger contingent think you should deal with it head on, and zero tolerance, where Ed and Aggie have a slightly more ‘keep your head held high and ignore it because you will never change these idiots’ minds’ view.
"It’s about them exploring those generational differences between their approaches to racism, and then ultimately reconciling with each other’s points of view a little bit."
Iain also revealed that the cast were consulted and said: "They were all saying that although the incidents of overt racism that they experienced are perhaps less than say in the 70s and 80s, there is still a high degree of what you might call subliminal racism, or more covert racism that they are still experiencing.
"So we thought it would be interesting to explore the subtlety and nuances of that, and the subtlety and nuances of the Baileys’ differing reactions to this kind of racism they are experiencing."
The story was originally due to be broadcast on Stephen Lawrence Day on April 22.
However, this was delayed because of changes to the TV schedule caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and will now begin on May 18.
Stephen Lawrence’s mother advised Corrie writers on new racism storyline
