Dramatic Coronation Street pictures show Alya Nazir and Maria Connor being watched by members of a far-right extremist gang. Restaurant owner Alya, played by Sair Khan, and Weatherfield councillor Maria, played by Samia Longchambon, are among the community fighting back against racist thugs in the ITV soap.
Sinister new spoiler photos show the ladies monitored and intimidated from a car. Suddenly it appears the pair are caught in the crossfire as armed police swoop on the gang.
The people of Weatherfield are standing up to the thugs, who recently launched a violent attack on newcomer Daryan, who is from Iraq. Troubled teen Max Turner, played by Paddy Bever, had befriended Daryan but has been turned against him by the gang led by eco-warrior Griff.
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Griff came into Max's life after standing up to the school bullies making his life a misery and David Platt's adopted son has been groomed into his gang. Max has gradually had racist bile poured into his ear by Griff and was lured in further after being introduced to new love interest Lauren by Griff.
Lauren claimed that Daryan had made her feel uncomfortable while waiting for Max to finish work at Speed Daal restaurant with his former friend. She then seduced Max after the pair confronted an upset Daryan, who had only made polite conversation with Lauren.
When boss Alya backed him, saying said he did nothing wrong, Lauren seethed: "Your lot always stick together." In Monday night's episode Daryan was pounced on by a masked gang as he left Speed Daal.
He was chased and physically attacked by the masked group as he left the restaurant after working late. "You don't belong here," they told him.
Viewers took to Twitter to vent their upset. @fussyMcWhiskers exclaimed: "I've had enough of this racist storyline #corrie! Absolutely VILE!" And @guyfoxy said: "Just outrageous this. I know you put warnings out but just not #corrie this trash."
@pam_debeauvoir complained: "I am completely sickened."@JurgensTeeth said: "This is horrible to watch. I can't stand bullies, especially racist ones." And @thomthetank tweeted: "This is horrid."
Corrie producer Iain MacLeod said of the new storyline: "Overall, Max's story is one about the grooming of a vulnerable teenager at a point where he's feeling most alienated and disenfranchised. The story will encompass the "traditional" recruitment techniques of extremists groups, and we'll see Max befriended in person by older, mentor-like figures that will give him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
“Then, later in the story, we will explore a very 21st Century problem: teenagers self-radicalising through watching extreme content online. In the end, we wanted this to be a story about communication within families - what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who are gravitating towards extreme views? For the conclusion of the story, David's misjudged attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax."
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