Paddy Bever was spotted on the set of Coronation Street on Wednesday filming scenes for a harrowing storyline for the soap.
The 19-year-old actor was spotted in a tent at a makeshift campsite amid rubbish while filming after his character Max Turner was attacked by a gang of extremists who ultimately endangered his own life and that of his friends and family would.
Screen star Paddy was wrapped up in a quilted khaki jacket and jeans as he sat around a fire with the right-wing group, who wanted to groom him for their cause.
Acting: Paddy Bever was spotted on the set of Coronation Street on Wednesday filming scenes for a harrowing storyline for the soap
The group of elderly men sat on camp chairs after making a fire in a metal barrel to keep warm.
Wooden structures and other rubbish surrounded them as they sat and talked at the site.
They were seen handing Max a bag of food, with silver metal pots and pans standing nearby.
Playing the role: The 19-year-old actor was spotted in a tent at a makeshift campsite surrounded by rubbish during filming
Last Friday, viewers saw Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) confront environmental activist Griff (Michael Condron) and his buddies when he found out the band they invited him to was playing racist songs.
Toyah (Georgia Taylor) attacks Spider (Martin Hancock) about the company, which he didn’t know was an undercover cop who had infiltrated the gang to expose their activities.
On Monday, Griff turned his attention to a concerned Max, who had been the victim of persistent school bullies since losing his place at Weatherfield High.
Gang: His character Max Turner has been attacked by a gang of extremists who will ultimately endanger his own life and that of his friends and family
Warming up: Screen star Paddy was wrapped up in a quilted khaki jacket and jeans as he sat around a fire with the right-wing group, who wanted to groom him for their cause
Griff intervened and threatened to teach the bullies a lesson, earning Max’s trust.
He invited Max to a Halloween party at his house and told the rest of the gang that he could be useful to their cause.
Over the coming months, as Max grows more estranged from his family, the teenager falls under the spell of Griff, who uses Max’s video and computer skills to spread their racist propaganda.
Ablaze: The group of elderly men sat on camp chairs after starting a fire in a metal barrel to keep warm
life in chaos? Wooden structures and other rubbish surrounded them as they sat and talked at the site
Coronation Street producer Iain MacLeod said: “Overall, Max’s story is about caring for a vulnerable teenager at a point when he feels most alienated and disenfranchised.
“The story will embrace the ‘traditional’ recruitment techniques used by extremist groups, and we’ll see Max personally befriending older, mentor-like figures who instill in him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
“Then, later in the story, we’ll examine a 21st-century problem: teenagers radicalizing themselves by watching extreme content online.
Synopsis: As Max becomes increasingly estranged from his family, the teenager will fall under the spell of Griff, who will use Max’s video and computer skills to spread the gang’s racist propaganda
Speaking of which, Corrie producer Iain MacLeod said, “Max’s story is about caring for a vulnerable teenager at a point when he feels most alienated and disenfranchised.”
“In the end, we wanted this to be a story about family communication – what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who have extreme views?
“As the story concludes, David’s misjudged attempts to deal with Max will bring the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax.”
Counter Terrorism Policing Senior National Coordinator Tim Jacques said: “Coronation Street has a long history of raising awareness of challenging issues that lie at the heart of communities in the UK. Unfortunately, the terrorist threat remains one of those very real concerns.
Danger: “The story will involve the ‘traditional’ recruitment techniques used by extremist groups, and we’ll see Max personally befriending an older mentor,” he added
“Our casework shows that children and young people are vulnerable to radicalization and are increasingly drawn into toxic ideologies through online spaces and platforms.
“We hope Max’s story will help highlight why it is so important to seek support or advice when you are concerned that someone you love is taking a dangerous path. It really doesn’t have to be.”
If you’re worried someone you know might be becoming radicalized, you’re not alone. Advice and support is available via www.actearly.uk.
Ablaze: The group of elderly men sat on camp chairs after starting a fire in a metal barrel to keep warm