Coronation Street star says cults destroy lives

Emrhys Cooper has been playing cult leader Rowan Cunliffe on Coronation Street since March

An actor has spoken about his family's experience in a cult after landing a role as a cult leader on Coronation Street.

Emrhys Cooper, who grew up near Totnes in Devon, has been playing sinister guru Rowan Cunliffe on the ITV soap since March.

The actor is using his platform to raise awareness on the subject which is close to his heart after his parents fell victim to a cult 22 years ago.

Cooper said it was healing to prepare for the role with his parents as he found out more about what happened to them.

Emrhys Cooper said his parents were proud of his role on Coronation Street

In recent months, Coronation Street viewers have been exposed to an unnerving storyline involving a wellbeing cult called The Institute.

Rowan Cunliffe, played by Cooper, leads the cult and tries to manipulate and extort money from other people.

Cooper said he was a "nuanced character" to play because he had a "fun duality".

"On one hand he wants to help and heal, but on the other hand he wants to take advantage," he said.

'Quite healing'

In preparing for the role, he said he had drawn from his childhood experiences after his parents fell victim to a cult.

"I grew up in Devon, close to Totnes, and my parents fell victim to a few guru type characters, but 22 years ago they wound up unknowingly in an organisation in London actually, a cult," he said.

"At first it was wellness and fitness and gradually, as they went up the stages, they realised there was something more sinister going on.

"I've consulted with my dad on this character as he has a lot of insight and it's been really good to talk about it, there was quite a lot of resentment, and I just never knew what happened, so it's been quite healing."

'Take it seriously'

Cooper said his research had led him to discover there were thousands of cults in the UK and he wanted to raise awareness of the issues surrounding them.

"They look very different to how we think they look," he said.

"There's all sorts of cults and brainwashing happening that we're completely unaware of."

He said it was a "really important time to look at the facts" and advised anyone worried about a family member to get help and information.

"Take it very seriously, it's not a joke, some people join cults and never come out," he said.

"They can destroy lives."

Cooper said his parents, who were able to get out of the situation they were in, were proud of him.

"They know how hard it's been, I've had lots of struggles in my career and to land a role like this has been life-changing."