CORONATION Street is bringing back its sickest ever villain in the summer — groomer rapist Nathan Curtis.
The sinister character, played by Christopher Harper, 46, will return in a new storyline for his former victim, Bethany Platt.
He targeted Bethany, played by Lucy Fallon, 28 — plying her with booze and drugs before abusing her in harrowing, award-winning scenes in 2017.
She tried to escape after being raped by Nathan and his gang, at which point he attempted to sell her into sex work abroad.
Her attackers were jailed but Bethany will be terrified to discover next month that Nathan has been released.
A source said: “Nathan’s easily the worst villain Corrie’s ever produced.
“The grooming storyline was one of the soap’s most important. The hope is that revisiting it will boost the show.
“It’s a risk but it’s one that producers hope will pay off.”
It comes after we revealed Corrie bosses are planning a controversial storyline for Toyah Battersby.
Toyah, played by Georgia Taylor, 44, will discover that land where her stillborn baby from a rape in 2001 is buried is due to be dug up.
She fears her secret will be discovered.
But fans have hit out at the idea.
Vicky Entwistle, who played Toyah’s mum Janice Battersby, said: “Who knew digging up dead babies would become the highlight of ITV’s tea time slot!!!”
ITV drama boss John Whiston said: “The show is proud to explore important contemporary issues . . . in an engaging but responsible way.”