Tonight, one of the most iconic and longest-running soap operas in the world, ITV’s Coronation Street, is launching a powerful new storyline about a young stroke survivor.
AND THERE’S MORE
Spoiler alert!
The storyline will follow 19-year-old Betsy Swain, played by Sydney Martin, as she survives a stroke and begins her recovery. It will continue over several months, following Betsy, her boyfriend Dylan, played by Liam McCheyne, and her family as they navigate the physical, cognitive and emotional impact of stroke. This will include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
The first episode airs tonight on ITV at 9pm, in an hour-long double episode.
We turned on the TV and watched as Coronation Street started up.
Strangely I couldn’t stay watching the stroke scene and had to move on.
Somehow watching actors play it out felt hollow and empty.
For me, the real thing is too raw, too horrific, too destructive, to be viewed as entertainment.
I wasn’t able to be a useful armchair critic.
One needs to be uninvolved to look at it in a matter of fact way.
It isn’t something one can escape that easily but it does need to be put before the public.
I’m pleased that the issue of stroke is being addressed in whatever way..
Getting the message out, telling who we are, the challenges we face and describing how we live can hopefully help us to gain a way back into some sort of fulfilled existence.
The Stroke Association were consulted in the making of this and no doubt ensured that relevant issues, accurate facts with tasteful presentation were properly carried out.
Unfortunately I was watching the big game on the other side.
But I don’t watch Coronation street and haven’t done so for years. And I don’t want reminding of what happened on my unfortunate day.
Yes it’s good maybe for people’s who haven’t suffered a stroke to see how things happen and go. But I’m sorry it’s in my eyes it’s not appropriate. And can never be acted in a true fashion.
Would like to see what our survivors think and our lovely carers.
One thing I’ve learned is how ignorant most people are of strokes, their causes and consequences. I was until I had my own experience. Now I share as much knowledge as I can with anyone who’s interested, but I think most would rather live in ignorance - for some it’s just too painful to contemplate. I very much hope that Coronation Street can raise awareness, but I understand why some of us wouldn’t be able to watch (for me it’s more to do with a dislike of soap operas).
