Coronation Street’s Luca Toolan has been reflecting on the change to his character Mason Radcliffe, and the challenges coming up for his soap alter-ego.
When Mason first arrived in Weatherfield, he was involved in a storyline that saw him relentlessly bully Liam Connor (Charlie Wrenshall).
After time behind bars, Mason headed back to the cobbles. With help from other residents of the street, he has tried his best to stick on the path to redemption, but often finds himself challenged due to his troublesome family.
Specifically, his siblings Matty and Logan.
In upcoming episodes of the ITV soap, Mason and friend Betsy (Sydney Martin) realise Matty and Logan are planning on putting Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) in danger.
Reflecting on the dynamic between the siblings, actor Luca Toolan told us recently: ‘It’s been mint having two brothers on the street. Working with them has been great, they are two crazy boys who are a lot of fun and they’re both really loving off screen – it’s similar to my friendship with Charlie (Liam Connor) and Liam (Dylan Wilson) off screen, there’s a bond there that allows a certain level of trust where we can really push ourselves and test the limits of the scene.’
‘He [Mason] should be running for the hills! Those two are nutters – they are as mental as they can get.’
Pondering over Mason’s connection with Betsy, Luca hinted that his character will go a long way to protect his friend.
‘I think that could potentially be a turning point for Mason. It’s a step too far, Mason can take all the stick from Matty and Logan, but as soon as they go after someone who is vulnerable, and someone he deeply cares about, then that will push Mason too far and I expect that he will want to fight back.’
‘I definitely think Mason has changed’, Luca added.
‘I think you’ve got to remember how much rubbish this troubled lad has been through. Mason has gone to jail, then gone to jail again for something he didn’t actually do, his brothers torment him and now he’s so clearly trying to change his life around. The easier option for Mason would be to give in and join his brothers, but I think it speaks volumes about where his head is at because he’s fighting against it and wants better for himself, which is a really brave thing for him to do.’
Revealing what it’s like working with Tim and Sally Metcalfe stars Joe Duttine and Sally Dynevor, Luca said:
‘It’s absolutely mint. Joe and Sally are a force to be reckoned with. Joe is as dry as it comes, Yorkshire lad through and through and just absolutely hilarious to be on set with. Sally is just the loveliest woman in the world who brings so much good energy, so it’s been an absolute pleasure working with them.
‘As for Mason, it’s also been so nice for him. He’s a kid who has had a horrific upbringing and to have people who will actually act like a cohesive parent couple isn’t something that Mason has experienced before.
‘With Stu and Yasmeen, it was great but Yasmeen was always a little bit hasty so it wasn’t that unified love that could feel like parents.’
