Coronation Street star confirms creepy new storyline for Leanne
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Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Ben Price has confirmed that the show will be exploring cults in Nick Tilsley and Leanne Battersby's new storyline.
Leanne has her head turned by a mysterious newcomer next week as she meets Rowan Cunliffe during a visit to the Chariot Square Hotel.
The upcoming scenes see Leanne take her son Simon Barlow to the hotel because a group called The Institute is holding a self-help event there.
Leanne is taken aback when group mentor Rowan approaches her and offers some unsolicited advice. Before long, Leanne is won over as Rowan encourages her to share her innermost thoughts and feelings.
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Speaking to Digital Spy and other press in a new chat, Ben – who plays Leanne's fiancé Nick – shared his character's perspective on the storyline.
Asked whether Nick will be jealous of Rowan, Ben replied: "I don't think everyone suspects. I don't think Rowan appears like that instantly.
"I don't think Nick's there to stop Leanne from leading her life. Leanne's stronger than Nick and she'll tell Nick exactly what she thinks. Most of the women in Nick's life are very strong – they have very strong views about the way they want to do things.
"Usually Leanne is very good at stepping back and going: 'I see what's going on. I see I'm being played, I see what the situation is'. But she's not with this. She's convincing herself into this and she becomes fully invested.
"I think that's the issue for Nick. He says: 'You're more cynical than me, Leanne. You're not being very cynical about this man'.
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"Nick doesn't get to see Rowan – I haven't done any scenes with him, although that will come up. I don't get to see him, until he becomes this man who is taking Leanne away to do a course and he's taking her to Zooms in another room."
Discussing Corrie's decision to tackle the issue, Ben added: "It happens, so I think it's very topical. Look how many things are on Netflix about this. I think what's good about the story is that actually, it doesn't take much for you to start believing something."
Leanne's new story comes after the recent troubles with Simon's drinking and issues in her relationship with Nick as they prepare to get married again.
Emrhys Cooper has landed the role of Rowan and will make his first appearance in the show on Friday, March 15.
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Writing on Instagram this week, Emrhys commented: "The cat is out of the bag. Today is a good day, I am bursting with pride, and so excited to announce that I have joined the cast of the iconic British TV series Coronation Street, playing the character of Rowan Cunliffe.
"Lots of really great storylines in the pipe line. Corrie is the longest running soap opera in the world! For well over half a century, Coronation Street has held a mirror to the British public through good times, and bad, so many incredible actors have walked the legendary cobblestones streets and now I'm pinching myself that I will be one of them.
"I'm also so happy that my mother will be able to watch the show from her nursing home. Thanks again to all the amazing people involved in the production. They have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts. Let's do this!"
Jane Danson, who plays Leanne, replied to the post by saying: "So excited for everyone to see your character – it's going to be VERY interesting – welcome to the cobbles love."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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