Coronation Street spoilers: Mikey North explains why it’s important Pat Phelan’s downfall is drawn out
Coronation Street star Mikey North has responded to criticism from viewers about the soap’s storyline involving villain Pat Phelan.
Phelan is still sitting pretty on the cobbles having had Anna Windass banged up for a crime she didn’t commit, as well as murdering three people (and leaving a fourth to die).
He’s been terrorising the street for a while now, and the soap has attracted criticism over the length of time spent on the harrowing plot.
But Mikey, who plays Anna’s son Gary, has praised Corrie for slow burn approach as it helps create buzz and boost ratings.
Speaking on This Morning, Mikey said: ‘I think all I can say is that the viewing figures are higher than they have been for a lot of years.
‘If people are switching off people, are switching on as well. People are talking about it and that’s what Coronation Street want.’
He also teased that Phelan’s long, long awaited downfall is still a little while off. But with Gary taking a job working alongside Phelan to spy on him, it’s ‘the beginning of the end’ for the soap villain.
Mikey added: ‘Gary and Nicola have concocted a plan to infiltrate his life. Gary is going to try and find out what he is hiding, and that’s going to run for the next couple of months.’
The actor spoke briefly about Debbie Rush’s exit as Anna after 10 years on the show.
‘She’s like a second mum to me, and I think I’m the last Windass standing now,’ Mikey said, ‘I’d love her to come back one day.
‘I’m not sure it’s set in stone how Phelan’s downfall is going to happen, but this is the beginning of the end. But we’ve got a few more months to run on it.’
MORE: 10 Coronation Street spoilers: Rana affair twist, Phelan new victim and Carla operation drama
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