Jack P. Shepherd is hoping his harrowing ‘Coronation Street’ rape storyline will help real-life victims to "open up".
The 30-year-old star’s character David Platt will be sexually assaulted by newcomer Josh Tucker – who is played by Ryan Clayton – next week after the mechanic drugs him during a night out, and Jack has realised the "gravity and significance" of the storyline since researching the storyline.
He said: "David thinks he has made a new friend in Josh. He hasn’t really ever had a male friend and no male role models, because his dad is not around and Nick has moved away. He’s been trying to impress Josh with his training for the fight and he is enjoying his company. He has no reason to think Josh is anything other than a mate.
"When I was told about the storyline Kate Oates and I met with Duncan from Survivors Manchester and that was when I realised the gravity and significance of the storyline.
"David’s reaction and decision to remain quiet because he feels ashamed about what has happened is not uncommon.
"Hopefully people will start talking about the storyline and it could help someone who has gone through something similar to realise the need to open up and speak to somebody."
Josh will attack David on Friday March 16, but the incident will not been seen on screen.
In the following weeks, David will keep the harrowing event a secret from his friends and family, who grow worried about the struggling hair dresser.
‘Corrie’ boss Kate Oates is hoping David’s "suffering in silence" will encourage people to talk about what has happened to them.
She said: "We decided to cover the topic of male rape to help try and highlight the culture of silence that surrounds male sexual assault, and issues surrounding male mental health in general.
"Survivors Manchester have been so generous with their time and knowledge, working with Jack, Ryan and the team, and I’m in awe of the work they do.
"Over the next few weeks of ‘Corrie’, our message is to talk: it’s hard to speak out, but if you’re suffering in silence, there are people out there willing to listen and support you."
Duncan Craig, founder and chief executive of Survivors Manchester – a survivor-led and run organisation aiming to create a safe space for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape – has praised Jack for being "incredibly respectful" when researching the story.
He said: "Sitting down with Jack and talking through some of my own experiences as a survivor was a brilliant experience.
"Jack asked me so many questions and we talked about the idea of what it is to be male, why so many men stay silent after being sexually assaulted, and what it’s like living in silence.
"He was incredibly respectful and his hunger to understand will ensure that the man sat at home watching David will feel less isolated and that’s the start of breaking the silence."
Jack P. Shepherd hopes Coronation Street rape storyline will help victims
