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Next week, a shocking Coronation Street plot will see troubled teenager Mason Radcliffe fighting for his life after being the victim of a horrific stabbing.
The violent attack, which will air on ITV on Monday, will leave Mason (Luca Toolan) in a critical condition after his brothers Matty (Harry Lowbridge) and Logan (Seamus McGoff) brutally attacked him with a zombie knife.
Mason has been trying to put his life back together after his time in prison and offers to help DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) frame the villainous pair while delving into his involvement in the death of his late wife Becky.
But he pays a high price when Logan and Matty turn on him after he raids their apartment and discovers a World War II helmet that can place them at the scene of Becky’s death.
The heartbreaking plot comes as data reveals England and Wales have seen an 80% rise in knife crime over the last decade.
Statistics compiled for the 12 months to June 2024 showed there were 50,973 police-recorded crimes involving a knife or sharp instrument.
A shocking Coronation Street storyline will see troubled teenager Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) fighting for his life next week after being the victim of a horrific stabbing.
The violent attack, which will air on ITV on Monday, will leave Mason in a critical condition after his brothers Matty (Harry Lowbridge on the right) and Logan (Seamus McGoff on the left) brutally attacked him with a zombie knife.
The study also showed that there were 225 knife or sharp instrument murders in England and Wales during the same period, with 78 of the victims under the age of 25 and 10 under the age of 16.
Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks said: “It is vitally important to shine a light on this issue and really show the impact that knife crime has not only on the victim and their loved ones, but also on the wider community.” .
“With the alarming statistics, we want to do everything we can as a spectacle to combat this violent endemic.”
“After watching this heartbreaking but important story unfold, if one person thinks twice before bringing a knife to a fight, then we will have achieved our goal of raising awareness.”
To ensure the accuracy and sensitivity of the story, Coronation Street bosses have also been working closely with The Ben Kinsella Trust.
The knife crime prevention charity was formed in 2008, following the murder of 16-year-old Ben Kinsella.
Patrick Green, chief executive of The Ben Kinsella Trust, said: “This shocking Coronation Street story vividly highlights the devastating consequences of knife crime.”
“We applaud the program for its commitment to working closely with us to accurately represent this reality.”
Mason has been trying to get his life back together after his time in prison and offers to help DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) frame the villainous couple for the death of his late wife Becky.
But he pays a high price when Logan and Matty turn on him after he raids their apartment and discovers a World War II helmet that may place them at the scene of Becky’s (Liam McCheyne and Luca) death.
“This story aims to raise public awareness of the dangers of knife crime.”
“Furthermore, we hope it encourages viewers to seek help and support before the situation escalates, ultimately contributing to the prevention of knife violence.”
Luca, who has been starring on the cobbles since September 2023, also said he felt “honoured” to be part of history.
He said: “I feel really honored to be a part of this story.” I’ve always enjoyed Coronation Street as a viewer, but I completely underestimated the power it has over its audience until I became involved in the bullying story.’
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this story is received the way we hope, and ultimately, if one person drops a knife and someone is saved, that would definitely make it all worth it.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.