Coronation Street star Ellie Leach discusses aftermath of Faye's trauma with Ray
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Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct that some readers may find upsetting.
Coronation Street aired its 60th anniversary episodes this week, and Faye Windass (Ellie Leach) experienced an upsetting situation in yesterday's episode (Friday, December 11).
After a power cut on the whole street, Faye was left alone in the Bistro with her boss Ray Crosby (Mark Frost).
Things escalated quickly when Ray made inappropriate comments, unwanted advances and then sexually assaulted Faye – Gary Windass (Mikey North) arrived at the restaurant and managed to stop Ray from causing further distress to Faye.
Related: Coronation Street confirms official suspects after Adam Barlow attack mystery
Ellie, who plays Faye on the cobbles, recently spoke about the storyline, and said that Faye wanted to confide in someone about what happened but is concerned, "because she thinks that no-one will believe her".
As time goes on, Faye finds the courage to confront Ray about what he's done.
"Faye accuses Ray of trying to rape her and although she is really scared of him, she doesn't want to show him that she is scared so she tries to play this big, confident person when she is really feeling the complete opposite inside," Ellie said.
"But she wants him to know how she felt in that moment in his office. She is trying to say to him, 'I know what you were trying to do and it's not right'. He acts like he doesn't know what she is talking about, but she is certain that she knows what happened wasn't right."
Related: Coronation Street's Elaine and Tim story continues in 35 new spoiler pictures
Ellie also explained that Faye doesn't want to report the incident to the police because she has already slept with Ray. She added that while it was consensual, Faye was pressured into doing so and Ray took advantage of her.
Ellie also mentioned that as Faye realises how bad the situation is, she wants justice – and for Ray to face the consequences for what he's done.
When talking about tackling this challenging storyline, Ellie said: "It's been a difficult storyline to play, because it is scary to think that there are people out there who are superior or in positions of power and they manipulate people as young as Faye."
She also said that due to Faye being given a promotion by Ray, Faye is unsettled and manipulated and feels "like she owes him her life".
Related: Coronation Street's Ray Crosby blackmails David Platt in Christmas week
"It’s so easy to be sucked in to that manipulation and people don't speak up about it because, like Faye, they feel like no-one will believe them," Ellie continued.
"But sometimes when one person speaks up, it starts a chain reaction and others speak up too and that's how these people get caught, because people aren't afraid to talk about what has happened to them when they see that it has happened to other people."
And Ellie added that she would urge Faye "to speak up and that people will believe her.
"Faye knows what happened and she shouldn't feel like that is her fault ever because it's not, Ray took advantage of Faye and that is his wrong, not hers."
Coronation Street continues on Monday night (December 14) at 7.30pm on ITV.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct. If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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