The Hour

Actor Andrew Lancel popped into STV’s The Hour to talk about life on the famous cobbles of Weatherfield.

Since joining Coronation Street  in January 2011 as bad boy Frank Foster he has had his eye on a handful of women including Tracy Barlow and most recently Carla Connor.

It is however Lancel’s recent controversial storyline that has had the nation hooked and many in uproar.

The storyline features a dramatic rape scene featuring Andrew and actress Alison King who plays Carla Connor on the soap, which has proven challenging and emotional for the actor.

He said: “The physical stuff that we did, the rape they were extremely challenging and hard stuff to do, very emotional.”

Due to familiar roles on screen as DI Neil Manson on The Bill, Andrew surprisely hasn’t faced any backlash from the public over his portrayal as a rapist on Corrie.  

He said: “I think it’s because I’ve been on telly along time, people know that I am playing a part and I did The Bill for a long, long time and many shows before that.”

“I think that’s helped a lot, also we’ve talked about it a great deal, I think people have just latched on to it.”

“They asked me to do it; I knew the storyline and a lot of people have asked me if it was a shock that Frank was going to rape Carla, not at all. We sat down and talked about it from day one and talked about it with my family and my agent.”

“I can’t say he’s a character that I like but I like playing him but as a job as a gig it’s been as happy as I’ve ever had.”

“The reactions to it (the rape scene) have been incredible; I’ve done a lot of stuff like this because I want to talk about the issues  

Andrew’s acting has made such an impact on the show that he has been nominated for an award at this year’s National Television Award.

BAD BOY
• Andrew Lancel says fans like Coronation Street's Frank Foster
• Andrew Lancel: Coronation Street rape storyline was always planned
• Coronation Street: Andrew Lancel admits Frank is manipulative

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