Coronation Street’s Nathan Curtis star on ‘frightening’ reaction to grooming storyline and how he took action
Coronation Street star Chris Harper, who played Nathan Curtis in the ITV soap, has spoken out about the impact that his grooming storyline had on viewers
Coronation Street’s Chris Harper, famed for his role as the villainous Nathan Curtis, has opened up to LancsLive about the profound impact of his character’s abuse storyline with Bethany Platt (played by Lucy Fallon). His portrayal of a gang member involved in grooming young girls earned him critical acclaim, and he returned to the cobbles in 2024 to stir up trouble in the Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) mystery, once again targeting Bethany.
An NSPCC campaigner and survivor were present on set to provide valuable insight, cementing the charity’s significant role in Bethany’s narrative.
Chris expressed his eagerness to engage more deeply with the NSPCC and learn about their vital efforts. He participated in the London Marathon to support the charity and feels incredibly honoured to be part of the NSPCC’s Number Day on February 7.
Bethany Platt and Nathan Curtis
He shared: “Because Nathan came out of prison and promptly went back to prison I think it just gives us a chance to once again point out that a lot of things, particularly sexual abuse but any forms of neglect, are lifelong and the consequences can be lifelong.”
The actor didn’t want to be seen as just another soap star making a fleeting promotional appearance; the experience genuinely transformed his life. What he found “extraordinary” was the number of individuals who approached him to express gratitude for bringing attention to an issue that resonated personally with them.
He shared his poignant experience: “Even more frightening of a percentage were the number of people who came up to me with tears in their eyes or shaking with nerves and they just very shortly, very bluntly said ‘Thank you’ or ‘It’s really important, it means so much’.
“And just to see people finally seeing their story was really moving, I couldn’t step away from that.”
Bethany Platt confronts Nathan Curtis in Coronation Street (Â
ITV)
Chris highlighted the excitement for Numbers Day, where the NSPCC will attempt to set a record with primary schools involved in fun maths activities like ‘Dress up for Digits’, which will not only educate children but also support the charity. He expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled to be part of a much bigger picture of support that’s very, very needed.”
Looking forward to wearing his unique Liverpool kit featuring his age for Number Day, he said: “It’s a really fun day and a great way to see the NSPCC full of fun activities and it’s a really fun way to have the charity’s presence at the schools.”
Beyond this event, Chris is devoted to helping SHE UK, aiding survivors of childhood sexual abuse which recently secured funding, and supports Trauma Treatment International that helps survivors of torture, trafficking and slavery, persecution and war.
