Lancel: 'Maria plot was hard to film'

Coronation Street newcomer Andrew Lancel has admitted that it was uncomfortable to film the ITV1 soap's recent sexual assault scenes.

The actor plays Frank Foster, who attacked Maria Connor (Samia Smith) when she visited his house to discuss a business deal for Underworld.

Lancel also confessed that he is worried about the viewer reaction to the storyline.

"I'd want to knock him out, he's a predator and, as a man, I felt hugely uncomfortable filming it," he told The People. "We're on the sofa and Frank tries to force himself on her. It's not an easy scene for a man. I'd never behave like that and don't know anyone who would.

"Samia was wonderful about it but I am slightly worried about the reaction of viewers - Maria is a popular character. Maybe it will start a debate on whether she led him on but what he does was not nice. Even if there is a reason for it that's still no excuse."

He added that he used to work on the Street as an extra when he was younger, saying: "I'd chat to the cast and ask their advice - they were lovely. William Roache who plays Ken Barlow said to me, 'Well, you never know, stick with it and you might end up here'."