Coronation Street: Rowan pushes Leanne to face her demons Coronation Street star Emrhys Cooper, who plays cult leader Rowan Cunliffe, in the ITV soap says people have been "vocal" about their dislike for the character. The actor, who first appeared on screens earlier this year, admits he "didn't anticipate" the fan reaction to him but he is glad about it. Speaking exclusively to Express.
co.uk he said: " I'm just glad I am getting heckled out quite a lot. That's good.
It means that people have an emotional reaction. "It's something I'm passionate about sharing and bringing you know these stories to life [cults]. So it's been very cathartic.
I like Rowan, because I get to play the bad guy. I get to put myself in their shoes. "He is a very complicated character.
He's obviously struggled a lot with a lot of issues and I'm hopefully playing it with nuance and with layers. "It's exciting to play a role like this, because he does have good intentions. But, you know, the road to hell is paid for good intentions sometimes," he pondered.
READ MORE: Casualty's Dylan Keogh star teases future romance with Stevie Nash Rowan Cunliffe and his sinister Institute have disrupted thelives of many Coronation Street resident (Image: ITV) "But I didn't anticipate just how vocal the people, especially in Manchester, would be. I actually like it. I think it's funny.
I banter with them, so it's not I like I have been smacked around the head by with a handbag yet - but I'm waiting for that," he laughs..