Coronation Street is set to tackle the difficult issue of hate crimes in an upcoming storyline inspired by the tragic death of Sophie Lancaster, who was murdered in Bacup, Lancashire in 2007 for being a goth.
Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin are subjected to an unprovoked violent attack by Corey and his gang in scenes set to air next week, mirroring the way Sophie and her boyfriend were set upon 14 years ago.
The soap worked closely on the storyline with The Sophie Lancaster Foundation which was set up by Sophie’s mum Sylvia in the wake of her daughter’s death to raise awareness and understanding of subcultures.
Sylvia said, "I know first-hand the abuse, harassment and violence that alternative people suffer.
“Hate crime is usually directed at already stigmatised and minority groups and Sophie was assaulted three times before that final, sustained and brutal attack that took her life - but she never reported the earlier assaults.
“Coronation Street covering this issue means such a huge amount to me. We want alternative people to know that they shouldn't be putting up with this prejudice and intolerance, and they should report it."
CHECK OUT Coronation Street spoilers: Nina Lucas and Seb Franklin subjected to violent attack
Coronation Street Monday 3 - Friday 7 May SLIDER
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Following their fall out with Tyrone over bringing Alina to the wedding, nothing is going to plan for Abi and Kevin and as the date of their wedding draws nearer, Abi is struggling to stay positive about their big day.
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Meanwhile, Nina is helping Seb choose the perfect necklace as a wedding gift for his mum. As they browse jewellers online, Seb makes a joke about buying Nina an engagement ring and a concerned Roy can't help but overhear their conversation.
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Elsewhere, following Simon's secret visit to the hospital to see his dad, a scheming Sharon watches Peter share details of Leanne and Nick's whereabout with Carla. Later on, Sharon pays a visit under the pretence of dropping of flowers for Peter, but manages to swipe the address from Carla's phone.
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The night of the stag and hen do's have arrived and when Seb presents Abi with the necklace he picked out with Nina's help, he's touched when she asks him to walk her down the aisle.
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Over at the salon flat, Corey dismisses Asha's suggestion of a movie and takeaway and announces he's heading out to see his mates. At Speed Dahl, Corey flirts openly with Kelly and, watching on, Nina decides to tell Asha what she saw.
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After hearing from Nina that Corey and Kelly had been getting on a little too well, she's eager to stay in his favour and when his friend Eli turns up in a car and suggests getting drunk somewhere, Asha acts keen.
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But things quickly turn sinister when they pull into some wasteland and it transpires the car is actually stolen. Asha and Summer are horrified and when they tell Corey and Eli as much, Corey is full of derision. Soon Kelly joins in with their teasing and Asha and Summer make their excuses and leave.
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As Kelly, Eli and Corey continue drinking, they're stumbled upon by Nina and Seb who are out for a romantic walk along the canal. When they cross paths the boys are quick to start making nasty jabs and keen to impress them, Kelly slaps Nina around the face.
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Shocked, Nina and Seb quickly head back to the street but Eli and Corey aren't done with them and follow them home, where they're soon subjected to a vicious and unprovoked attack.
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Over at Speed Dahl and The Bistro, the stag and hen parties respectively are well underway. Everyone is having a good time until the police turn up and break the news that Seb and Nina have been attacked and are currently in hospital.
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Everyone rushes to the hospital and a nurse explains to Roy that Nina has had several blows to the head and has had to go into surgery. Meanwhile, Abi is informed that they're doing everything they can for Seb and are confident he'll make a full recovery, and a devastated Abi asks Kevin to cancel the wedding.
Corrie producer Iain MacLeod added, “This incredibly hard-hitting storyline, which centres on a senseless act of violence, will draw in characters from all corners of our narrative universe and will, we hope, leave the audience with a clear message.
"Everyone, regardless of how they look, how they dress or any aspect of how they live their life, should be treated with tolerance and respect."
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What happened to Sophie Lancaster?
Self-described "goth" Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were walking through Stubbylee Park in Bacup, Lancashire on 11 August 2007 when they were followed and set upon by a group of youths.
One of the gang began attacking Robert in an unprovoked assault before turning their attention to Sophie when she tried to protect her boyfriend.
After being kicked and stamped on by the gang, Sophie was taken to Rochdale Infirmary before being transferred to another two hospitals. After 13 days in a coma, the decision was made to turn off her life support on 24 August.
Her boyfriend Robert was also left in a coma but later made a gradual recovery, although he now suffers from memory loss.
Were Sophie Lancaster's killers sentenced?
Five teenagers were arrested in the days after the attack and were initially charged with grievous bodily harm until Sophie's death. All five were charged with murder at Burnley Youth Court on 6 September 2007.
At the trial at Preston Crown Court on 10 March, all five pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent. Murder charges against brothers Joseph and Danny Hulme, and a third man, Daniel Mallett were dropped. Of the other two, Ryan Herbert pleaded guilty to murder, while Brendan Harris pleaded not guilty.
Both were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison on 28 April 2008, with a minimum of 16 years three months for Herbert, later reduced on appeal to 15 years six months, and 18 years for Harris.
The three other attackers were jailed for between four years four months and five years ten months.
What is The Sophie Lancaster Foundation?
Sophie's mum Sylvia Lancaster OBE set up The Sophie Lancaster Foundation to create understanding and respect for subcultures and encourage victims of hate crime to come forward.
“Sophie and Rob had actually been attacked three times previously, but they didn’t report it. They didn’t tell me, they didn’t tell the police. I would like to think if they had there might have been a different outcome," she told The Sun.