Coronation Street Spoilers Betsy Swain Stroke Horror Leaves Fans In Tears
Spoilers follow for the latest episode to air on ITV1 and stream on ITVX and YouTube. This article also contains discussion of subject matter that some readers might find distressing.
Coronation Street fans have been left shaken after the ITV soap aired harrowing scenes that launched Betsy Swain major new storyline.
Tonight episode opened with an ambulance racing to the hospital. For the first few minutes it was unclear who was inside and what had happened until Carla Connor Swain sprinted into A and E.
Inside she ran into Ryan who admitted he did not know exactly what happened only that he found her collapsed on the kitchen floor with the tap still running. Carla insisted she was fine this morning with dialogue deliberately keeping it ambiguous whether the victim was Betsy or Lisa.
As the episode hit the first ad break the truth was revealed. Betsy was the one on the trolley. Lisa sat beside her unconscious body holding her hand.
Stroke Diagnosis Shocks Lisa And Carla
As Lisa told Carla and Ryan that doctors were planning an MRI scan to work out what happened Betsy suddenly woke up. Panic flooded Lisa face the moment Betsy tried to speak because her words were heavily slurred. Shortly after a doctor confirmed she had suffered a stroke.
Lisa was in total disbelief. She had not had a stroke she has not had a stroke she repeated as she collapsed into Carla arms in tears.
The drama escalated as Betsy condition went from responding well to suffering a second stroke. Doctors managed to remove the clot on her brain but were still baffled as to the cause other than clear damage to an artery in her neck caused by a temporary loss of circulation.
When doctors asked Betsy if she could remember anything that might have triggered it she revealed that while she and boyfriend Dylan Wilson were being intimate she had asked him to strangle her as part of a kink.
She insisted it was normal and that everyone does it but Lisa was adamant that it is not. When Liam arrived with gifts of dry shampoo hand sanitiser and other small comforts Lisa exploded.
You did this. You put her in here. You had sex with her and you choked her why would you do that. You are an animal. How about I choke you and see how you like it.
Fans Praise Powerful Performances And Brave Storytelling
Viewers were full of praise for the hour long episode pointing to the outstanding work from Sydney Martin and Vicky Myers and the brave decision to tackle such a difficult subject with sensitivity.
One viewer tweeted Acting masterclass. Actually breaking barriers and doing taboo subjects never covered before. It was handled with care. I am so glad soaps do not shy away from these stories.
Another wrote I really think they picked the best family and actors to play out this storyline. Betsy story will be one of those in years to come I will say I remember that.
A third fan said This episode is a prime example of why the soaps are amazing. Incredible performances that feel so real. I was so emotional watching I cannot cope. Vicky is a powerhouse I truly think she gives such raw and unique performances she is like no other.
Corrie really went there I did not think they would but I do think it is important to tell this wrote another fan while someone else added Was not expecting THAT subject for Betsy stroke storyline in Corrie. Hats off to all involved I am seated. Fabulous episode tonight.
One viewer enthused Sydney Martin acting of a stroke victim in today Corrie has been fantastic. So well performed. I guess the issue being highlighted here is how choking is becoming normalised because of internet pornography and how dangerous that is.
Another posted Some tv entertains and some tv makes you stop and reflect long after the credits roll. Today Corrie did exactly that. A courageous poignant and moving episode that handled a difficult but vitally important subject with such care and authenticity. Outstanding acting.
One fan even called it the best episode of Corrie that has happened in a long long time.
Sydney Martin has since spoken about her own shock at learning how dangerous strangulation during sex can be and how the soap plans to portray Betsy post stroke recovery going forward.
