Coronation Street’s Emrhys Cooper has hinted at an intriguing twist ahead for his soap alter-ego Rowan Cunliffe.

The character arrived at the start of this year and introduced himself to Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) as the leader of a self-help group called The Institute.

Leanne was charmed by Rowan’s ways and lured into the organisation. As she grew to believe everything Rowan had to say, Leanne remained oblivious to the truth – that Rowan was a

corrupt businessman and actually the leader of a cult.

The storyline took a turn a few weeks ago when Leanne came across some important files on Rowan’s laptop. The pictures he had saved on the device not only confirmed Nick (Ben Price) and Toyah (Georgia Taylor) were having an affair, but that he had also been blackmailing them over it as well.

Reflecting on everything Rowan put Leanne through, Emrhys Cooper told us here that he was nervous to approach such a complex storyline.

‘I was nervous at first because it’s Coronation Street, but the cast were so warm and welcoming. Everyone behind the scenes made me feel so welcomed and it was like a family’, he said in our chat with him at this year’s Inside Soap Awards.

‘I have some personal experiences with the subject matter and it actually brought me closer to my dad because I got to speak about his experiences with cults and in very eye-opening and quite healing in a way. I didn’t know much about that and I was a bit judgemental and held a lot of resentment. I think doing this role has helped me grow as a person and also hopefully spread some awareness and cause some entertainment! It’s been fun!’.

‘I felt very grateful’, he added, pondering over what it’s been like to work with so many Corrie legends.

‘They were pure joy to work with everyday. There might’ve been a lot of drama on-screen but off-screen it was just lots of laughs and fun. They have amazing work ethics and lots of talent.

‘There commitment to the storyline. I feel very lucky that I got to work with those actors in particular. But everyone I encountered at work was great, I was surprised because normally there’s a few divas but I’m yet to meet one at Corrie! Only great energy.’

‘Yes – there’s a little bit more left’, he confirmed.

‘I shot my final episode which is going to air later this year. There’s a little bit more drama ahead, a little twist. It’s been fun and I’d be open to it, if there was the right storyline, for a redemption.’