Dad of Coronation Street’s Mason Radcliffe star speaks out as fans rip into harrowing bully scenes
THE DAD of a young Coronation Street actor has spoken out about the bullying scenes his son is involved in, saying if he acted like that in real life he would "box his ears".
Mason Radcliffe has been at the heart of a new storyline in Coronation Street which has seen him terrorising young Liam since he came to town.
The bad boy, played by Luca Toolan, coerced Dylan Wilson into giving him a pair of expensive trainers he got as a present.
When Dylan's father alerted the school, Mason went on to set Liam Connor up for the fall by having them planted in his locker so it looked like he'd stolen them.
Things went from bad to worse when Liam tried to stand up for himself and Mason cornered his victim with a gang of boys after school.
The young thugs threw rubbish at him, calling him a rat.
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Soap fans were horrified to see Mason threaten Liam with a knife in brutal scenes, worrying that the teen would end up taking his own life after being so badly bullied.
Several people even called for the young troublemaker to be axed from the show, saying the bullying sequences were 'too difficult to watch'.
Now the famous dad of the actor behind the bully has spoken out about the difficult portrayal, sharing that his son is good friends with the soap star playing Liam in real life.
DJ Mike Toolan posted photos of Luca and Charlie Wrenshall hugging and horsing around on set, praising their "great acting".
He wrote: "They’re great friends really! Amazing storyline on Coronation Street. Powerful & heartbreaking scenes.
"And an important topic - Bullies never win. If I didn’t know, he was an amazing lad in real life I would box @LucaToolan ears. Great acting all round @LiamMccheyne & Charlie Wrenshall."
Fans flocked to the comments in support of the dad and the child actor.
One person wrote: "When the acting is so good, it is hard to remember that they are just acting. Great photo and well done for a brilliant storyline."
Another agreed: "The performances were outstanding! You must be proud of your son. I know they are good friends off screen. You tell because they work so well together. They are mega talented and the future of Coronation Street."
A third congratulated Mike on his parenting, saying: "Nice one for raising such an amazing young man, you must be so proud. Fantastic storyline."
Others agreed that the plot was very important to raise awareness of bullying, saying: "It wonderful that they are in this important storyline."
Someone seconded: "This storyline made me cry last night, well done boys for your excellent acting. I’m sure the very real knife scene will be in the 2024 tv awards. My heart goes out to all the children that are actually experiencing being bullied in real life."