Coronation Street's Harry Visinoni talks Seb flashback scenes

Coronation Street star Harry Visinoni has opened up about returning to the show to film flashback scenes.

The actor's character Seb Franklin was murdered after he and Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) were attacked by Corey Brent (Maximus Evans) and his gang, with Corey and Kelly Neelan (Millie Gibson) giving conflicting versions of what happened amid a trial.

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On Monday night's (August 30) double bill, viewers will finally learn what happened with flashback scenes to that fateful night, with Harry recently coming back to the cobbles to shoot the key moments.

ITV

Speaking about his return, the star admitted: "I had to make sure I didn't look too different. I had wanted to have a really different haircut when I left but I had to keep Seb's long hair. I was back for over a week to film the scenes.

"I always knew that I would be coming back to film but I didn't know exactly what the flashback scenes were going to show, there was a lot more detail in the scenes and more filming than I expected but I'm really pleased with what we have done."

Harry revealed it was "brilliant" to see his colleagues again, comparing the "special" experience to a "self-contained drama or a film".

seb franklin and kelly neelan in coronation street

ITV

"The atmosphere was different and we worked as a close cohort to be able to show the attack and the build up to it," he continued.

"It made it a lot easier, the first time was shot very cleverly and it was left to the public's imagination, not seeing it didn't hamper the storytelling but for the flashback it was important to show what actually happened.

"It was necessary for us to be able to work closely. It will be interesting to see what is shown in the final edit as the viewer needs to see exactly what happened."

nina lucas and seb franklin in coronation street

ITV

Speaking about the importance of the scene, the star explained: "The viewer thinks they know what happened and who they believe but the audience needs to see exactly what happened to know if justice is done in the courtroom, that is what gives it the drama.

"Thanks to these scenes the audience has the advantage of knowing the complete truth and knowing exactly who needs to be brought to justice.

"It was easy to get back into that and helped by the fact that we could actually work more closely," Harry went on. "The whole relationship had been filmed in the past two metres apart and suddenly we were able to be really close to each other.

"There is a moment in the reconstruction where we actually got to kiss and that really helps tell the story of that night and remind people of the beauty of their relationship and ensure the viewers are invested in the outcome of the trial."

seb franklin, corey brent and kelly neelan in coronation street

ITV

Harry admitted that Seb's death upset his real-life girlfriend and mother, though it "didn't affect" him as he just remembered filming the scenes.

"But it must have been hard for my mum watching her son in that situation," he said. "I was more affected by watching the other scenes with Nina, Roy and Abi, they were all so brilliant and I was so proud to have been a part of that story with those fantastic actors."

The star also said the public reaction to the storyline had been "incredible", adding that he is rooting for justice for Seb and Nina in the trial.

Coronation Street airs these scenes on Monday, August 30 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

Anyone who has witnessed or experienced a hate crime is urged to call the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit the True Vision website. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Coronation Street has worked on the current storyline alongside The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which was set up to challenge prejudices and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures, and extend UK hate crime legislation, following the murder of Sophie Lancaster in 2007.