[Scarlett.]

CORONATION STREET is to screen a controversial rape storyline that will see David Platt returning to his wicked ways.

Driven wild with jealousy after his old flame Tina McIntyre fell for his mate Graeme Proctor - he will take a terrifying revenge.

The last time the Street included a rape scene was in 2001 when almost 14 million people tuned in to see Toyah Battersby brutally attacked by pal Phil Simmonds in an alley.

The violence was slammed by many fans as being too sickening for an early evening soap - but that hasn't put the soap's new producer Phil Collinson off.

Last night a Corrie insider revealed: "This storyline is bound to have its critics as many viewers prefer us to stick to the more mundane aspects.

"But Phil thinks the three actors involved in this plot work brilliantly together and he wants a vehicle to make the most of that in a gritty and realistic way."

Jack P. Shepherd (David) has picked up gongs for being best soap villain while Craig Gazey (Graeme) and Michelle Keegan (Tina) have been lauded as best newcomers.

Our source added: "The public clearly love these three. They are the future of the show and Phil wants to cement their relationship with viewers in a must-see storyline.

"But he also realises many people found the Toyah rape scene very harrowing and he'll temper the way Tina's attack is filmed."
Mayhem

In recent weeks fans have seen David transformed from the Street's Mr Nasty into a good guy as he fought to help his mum Gail beat her murder charge.

But now she's in the clear, demon David - who offered killer Tracy Barlow an alibi on condition she sleep with him - can get back to what he does best... causing mayhem.

First he'll do all he can to try to break Tina and Graeme up. But when his sick plans fail he'll sink lower than ever before.

Our insider said: "The jealousy and hatred grows in him until it comes out in a really frightening attack."

NOTW