INSIDE SCOOP
THE MUM FEARS HER SON IS ABOUT TO TAKE DRASTIC ACTION…
CORONATION STREET | ITV1 FRIDAY
Maria’s left terrified for Liam’s safety this week, when she hears that he has been researching ways to end his life.
Having suspected for weeks that her boy is the victim of a spiteful bullying campaign, Maria goes to drastic lengths to confirm her suspicions, and is sickened by what she finds. However, the situation takes a grave turn when head teacher Mrs Crawshaw tells Maria they’ve discovered something deeply disturbing in the internet search history on Liam’s school laptop…
“When Maria finds out that Liam’s been searching ways to end his life, it’s utterly heartbreaking for her,” reveals Samia Longchambon, who plays the terrified mum. “It’s extremely close to home – a family member [Aidan Connor] has ended their life before.”
As the week begins, Liam is refusing to go to school, so Gary agrees he can spend the day at the furniture shop instead. However, it’s not a long-term solution to the issue, and the following day Liam is forced to return to class.
The bullying continues, with Mason smashing Liam’s school project to smithereens, while Dylan films poor Liam’s tearful reaction. Feeling as if he has nowhere left to turn, distraught Liam announces to his mum and Gary that he’s not going to school any more.
“Both Maria and Gary have suspected for a while that Liam’s being bullied,” Samia reminds us. “But I don’t think even she imagines how bad it has actually been for him.” Determined to get to the bottom of what’s been going on, Maria and Gary go into school to see Mrs Crawshaw. While the head sympathises, she tells the worried parents that there’s nothing she can do unless they have proof. So, Maria sets up a fake online account and sends her son a follow request!
“Maria is absolutely horrified by what she finds online,” sighs Samia. “It’s just really heartbreaking for her to witness what Liam’s been going through, and that he’s not felt as though he can talk to her or Gary about it. That’s what hurts her.”
