Luca’s on easy Street

Teenage bully Mason Radcliffe has been terrorising the cobbles over the last few months on coronation Street.

Now, he’s finally about to get his comeuppance with his threats against Liam Connor coming to light and the police learning about his role in a hit-and-run. But for Luca Toolan, who plays the villain, life couldn’t be more different. The 19-year-old is thriving on the soap after making his TV debut in September. “My entire world has changed for the better. It’s been incredible,” he said. “I think the reception’s been good but overall, it’s just been a blast. I’ve had so much fun.” Since arriving on Corrie last year, Mason has caused chaos. He left Eliza Woodrow hospitalised in a hit-and-run after stealing Tyrone Dobbs’s car. And he’s driven Liam to suicidal thoughts through his constant bullying. Thankfully, Luca couldn’t be more different from his soap alter ego and admitted that he’s had a lot of fun exploring why Mason is “so demented”. “It’s interesting because it allows you to put yourself into someone else’s shoes,” he said. Luca took inspiration for Mason from some of the bullies he knew growing up in Manchester. “There are human beings who I use and I remember their mannerisms and how they speak.” Unlike Mason, Luca has an excellent relationship with his father – radio DJ Mike Toolan. Although, Luca admitted he didn’t originally tell his dad about his audition for the part. “I’m really superstitious with stuff like that, so I didn’t tell a single soul,” he said. “I would have been 10 times more nervous if my family knew.”