Former Coronation Street abuser Christopher Harper will guest star in next week’s episode of Holby City.
The 41-year-old actor, who played vile groomer Nathan Curtis for just over a year in Weatherfield, has been cast as the father of a teenage patient.
His character, called Michael Cartwright, is on hand as his daughter Holly is treated by Ange and Chloe Goddard.
However, while Michael is likely to far less of a monster than the criminal who exploited Bethany Platt, the Holby character’s storyline sounds like it may be a harrowing one.
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According to previews for Tuesday’s instalment of the BBC hospital drama, Holly’s condition weighs heavily on Ange – who has become emotionally invested in her patient.
Unfortunately, though, the outlook does not look good as Holly’s distraught parents have to put their differences aside to make a heartbreaking decision.
With Chloe of the opinion there is no hope for Holly, she feels the parents shouldn’t have theirs raised.
But Ange refuses to press them into a decision – and even though deep down she agrees with Chloe, she still feels they should step back.
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Actor Christopher became an ambassador for Barnado’s following the conclusion of the controversial sex ring storyline which saw his depraved character Nathan convicted of rape.
He said at the time: “Since joining the cast of Coronation Street, I’ve had the privilege of helping to shed light on the hidden crimes of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
“Working on Corrie’s grooming storyline has helped bring these issues into the public consciousness, something that organisations like Barnardo’s have been working tirelessly to do for decades.
“Sadly, Bethany’s story is not pure fiction; children and young people all over the country go through this kind of abuse and exploitation every day.
“That’s why I’m delighted to announce that I’ve joined Barnardo’s as a celebrity ambassador. Even after my character Nathan is locked up, I’ll be doing my bit to help Barnardo’s support vulnerable children who have been sexually abused.”
As well as appearing in TV’s Upstairs Downstairs and Life on Mars, Christopher has also performed on the London stage in a number of top theatres.
– Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV. Holby City airs on Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC One
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