Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street has revealed that extremist gang leader Griff Reynolds has a secret ally.
Griff is currently manipulating teenager Max Turner by recruiting him to help spread racist propaganda among the Weatherfield community.
Spider Nugent, who’s working undercover to bring down Griff, recently reported back to his police colleagues about how the villain might have a secret financial backer.
This theory proved to be true in Monday’s episode (December 19), as we found out exactly who’s funding Griff’s activities.
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In an illicit meeting, Griff spoke to Maria Connor’s political nemesis Councillor Cameron, demanding more money.
Councillor Cameron was reluctant to provide any further funds, but Griff insisted that he needed the cash to make further far-right videos.
When Councillor Cameron questioned what was in it for him, Griff replied: “Everything we’re doing will drag the political landscape to the right – just how you like it.”
The corrupt politician finally agreed to Griff’s demands, hoping their alliance would stay secret.
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The latest scenes came as Max planned to head off on a “team camping trip” with Griff and the others.
David Platt tried to ban Max from attending, but felt powerless when the teenager vowed to go anyway.
Corrie has previously revealed that Max’s story will come to a head in the New Year, when he realizes that Griff may be plotting something dangerous at the Weatherfield Peace Market.
Show producer Iain MacLeod recently spoke about the future of the plot, explaining: “The story will encompass the ‘traditional’ recruitment techniques of extremist groups, and we’ll see Max befriended in person by older, mentor-like figures that will give him a sense of loyalty and brotherhood.
Joseph ScanlonITV
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Then, later in the story, we will explore a very 21st century problem: teenagers self-radicalising through watching extreme content online.
In the end, we wanted this to be a story about communication within families – what are the right and wrong ways to talk to younger family members who are gravitating towards extreme views?
For the conclusion of the story, David’s misjudgment attempts to deal with Max will drive the narrative to a shocking and thought-provoking climax.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you’re concerned about someone who’s expressing extremist or hateful views then ACT Early has further information. If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, then report via www.gov.uk/ACT or call 0800 789 321.
If you’ve been affected by racism and racist hate crime, then organizations including the Equality and Advisory Support Service (EASS)the Monitoring Group, Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) and Stop Hate UK are among those who can offer help and support.