Coronation Street viewers may be in for a surprise when Max Turner makes his return to screens next week with a completely new look. The troubled teen, played by Paddy Bever in the ITV soap, has been behind bars in a juvenile detention facility after pleading guilty to encouraging terrorism.
Max, the step-son of David Platt, was groomed by eco-warrior Griff Reynolds into his terrifying racist gang which saw Alya Nazir, Maria Windass and former Speed Daal waiter Daryan become targets when a bomb was planted in the middle of the street.
Despite previously keeping schtum on what happened when a test bomb exploded and left him in hospital, Max finally came through, with the help of one of Griff's pals' daughter Lauren, when they realised something bad was going to happen. After convincing Alya and her grandmother Yasmeen that he was telling the truth, Alya found a bomb and drove the van away from the cobbles.
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But that wasn't the end of the horror as later, teenager Blake appeared intent on causing damage as he live-streamed his visit to Maria's refugee drop-in being held at Speed Daal. Upon seeing the propaganda videos Max helped create for Griff's gang, Blake decided to pull his own horrifying stunt.
Max tried to stop him after seeing his live video but it was too late and Blake launched towards Maria before Alya saved her life. It was in February that viewers last saw Max in the detention centre, having moved after being beaten by his fellow inmates, as he was visited by a less then sympathic Alya.
David later visited with wife Shona and Max's sister Lily with Max appearing to want to right his wrongs. And after weeks off-screen, Max will make a return when David tells his mother Gail that the teen is being considered for early release. But when he visits Max in the STC he is sure to warn him not to get his hopes up.
But Max's return may come as a surprise as the actor who plays him has undergone a major change to his appearance having chopped off his blonde locks.
Last month, Paddy, who won a British Soap Award for his portrayal of Max last year, shared a look at his new appearance on Instagram, the soap star wrote: "@gillywalshy buzzed me," referring to Corrie's hair and make-up designer Gillian Walsh who appears responsible for his new do.
On-screen step-dad Jack P Shepherd was among the first to respond to the post, cheekily commenting: "Previously on prison break …" While fellow Corrie star Ellie Leach simply typed: "Hot." Former co-star Cait Fitton, who starred briefly as Lauren earlier this year, added: "Obsessed! Check youuuu."
And fans were also surprised by the change. @lynndavis1953 wrote: "You do look different but it suits you." @lidgavi asked: "How do you look even younger with a buzz cut?" @lazenbyjames93 posted: "Ohhh no whyyyyy." @psychictracey said: "Wow what a difference." @lesleywagner added: "Didn’t recognize you, looking very handsome though I must say."
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