SPOILER ALERT: First look at Frank Foster's brutal attack on Carla Connor as domestic violence hits Coronation Street

It was announced earlier this year that Coronation Street would be writing a storyline based around a physical and sexual attack by Frank Foster on his fiancée Carla Connor.

And now the first images of the savage scenes, which will air on Monday's episode of the ITV soap, have been released.

One picture shows a lecherous Frank, played by Andrew Lancel, pinning a terrified looking Carla, played by Alison King, against the wall as she makes a bid to escape from his violent clutches.

Violent clutches: Frank Foster attacks Carla Connor on Coronation Street

Another shows her looking shaken and tear-stained as she is comforted after the attack by Maria Connor, who narrowly escaped Frank's clutches when he attempted to force himself upon her in the ITV soap earlier this year.

The harrowing attack is prompted when jealous Frank accuses Carla of cheating on him with Peter Barlow.

It has been reported that the rape will not be seen on the episode, however viewers will see cameras cut to Carla cowering on the floor following the attack, as violent Frank stands over her.

A Corrie spokesperson told The Sun: 'Whilst we don't see the actual attack on Carla the viewer is left in no doubt about what Frank has done to her.

'These are powerful scenes which tackle a very difficult subject in a sensitive and moving way.'
After the incident, Frank flees and Carla must report the attack to the police, having to relive her terrifying ordeal.

Consoling: Maria Connor consoles Carla following the brutal attack

It was rumoured earlier this year that the violence will leave Carla so distraught that she attempts to take her life by chasing a bottle of sleeping pills with a bottle of vodka.

The Coronation Street team are working together to ensure that the important issues featured will be dealt with and addressed appropriately.

A source told The Sun: 'Both the scriptwriters and the actors involved are working closely with the relevant charities and support groups to make sure this is handled as sensitively and as realistically as possible.'

And the actors said that filming for the scenes was nothing if not difficult.

Alison King said of carrying out the storyline: 'As an actress it's different to anything I've done before. I've had to go to a few dark places with this plot which has been a real challenge.'

Andrew Lancel added: 'Frank is an absolute monster but a great character to play. That said, the scenes following the attack were very difficult - it was very heavy stuff.

'I found it very hard. I didn't want to talk to anyone and I was really snappy. We owed it to victims of this sort of attack to get it right and we made sure we researched it thoroughly.'

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