Male rape charity received 1,700 percent more calls after latest Corrie storyline aired

A male sexual assault charity has received 1,700 percent more calls since the latest Coronation Street rape storyline aired.

The story, that began last week, saw David Platt drugged and raped by Josh Tucker. Since then UK male sexual assault charity, Male Survivor, has received 1,700 percent more calls from people offering support and survivors sating that they had had a similar experience. Corrie producers' move to tackle the issue of male sexual assault was applauded by some and criticised by others, apparently being too "gritty" and "dark" for the family soap. Producer Kate Oates was recently forced to defend the decision to include the story, saying that it was an issue that was often overlooked when speaking about assault. Similarly, Duncan Craig, who set up the charity that has been supporting Corrie in the story's development, told ITV News:

"When I found out the actual statistic and how many more men - in response to what happened on Coronation Street - had picked up the phone and asked for help... "I just think it’s mind-blowing and I’m so proud of Kate, of Ryan, of Jack, the writers and the Coronation Street team for presenting what is a really difficult story but an incredibly important story."

Coronation Street continues tonight at 7.30pm.