Fans of ITV's Coronation Street are set for more turmoil as one of the soap's most reviled characters is confirmed to be staying on the cobbles. Actress Beth Nixon, who plays the controversial athletics coach Megan, has revealed her initial contract has been extended, meaning her character's disturbing storyline will continue.
From Coach to Predator: Megan's Shocking Storyline
Beth Nixon made her debut on the long-running soap earlier this year as Megan, the coach of teenager Will Driscoll, played by Lucas Hodgson-Wale. The storyline took a dark turn when it was revealed that Megan had been grooming the 16-year-old for months before his move to Weatherfield.
Their secret relationship has remained hidden from Will's family, including his father Ben (Aaron McCusker), grandmother Maggie (Pauline McLynn), and his dad's girlfriend, Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley). In a brazen move, Megan recently relocated to the street herself, securing a job at Weatherfield High School and beginning a romance with fellow teacher Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), fuelling Will's anger and jealousy.
Actress Confirms Extended Stay on the Cobbles
Speaking to York College in December, Beth Nixon, who is from York, discussed landing her first major TV role since graduating. She described the challenge of playing such an irredeemable character. "My agent sent me a casting brief and explained it was for a paedophile, which is a bit crazy to play because they're obviously not a redeemable character, so they can push it pretty far," she said.
Despite the intense viewer backlash, Nixon confirmed her future on the show is secure. Her initial six-month contract has been renewed, guaranteeing Megan's presence in Weatherfield for the foreseeable future. The actress, who worked as a waitress for years prior to this role, acknowledged the storyline's difficult nature but highlighted its importance in raising awareness.
Raising Awareness Amidst Viewer Disgust
The grooming plot has provoked strong reactions from the Coronation Street audience, with Megan quickly becoming one of the programme's most hated figures. Beth Nixon addressed the societal double standards the narrative explores. "It creates a lot of debate, because a lot of people say, 'It's a 15-year-old boy's dream' but, if you flip it the other way round, it's always seen as disgusting," she stated.
She emphasised the potential positive impact of the hard-hitting plot, adding: "If it's a storyline that makes one person recognise that this is happening to them and it's wrong, then it has done its job." The confirmation of her contract extension suggests ITV is committed to exploring this sensitive topic further, despite knowing it will likely leave many loyal viewers livid.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
