A harrowing new Coronation Street storyline will explore the devastating, life-altering reality of a non-fatal strangulation on Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin).
The plot kicked off in today’s (15 July) episode, when Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) found his cousin unconscious in their living room.
Betsy was rushed to hospital, where doctors confirmed that she’d suffered a stroke as a result of a blood clot that had formed following artery damage in her neck and a temporary loss of circulation. Soon after, she suffered another stroke, and questions began to be asked about how the incident happened.
Embarrassed and vulnerable, Betsy admitted that boyfriend Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne) strangled her during consensual sex – both believing that the pressure applied was minimal.
The long-running story will continue over the coming months, and viewers will see Betsy struggle with her recovery when she returns home to the cobbles. There’ll be significant life changes in store as she adjusts to her new reality.
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Coronation Street is working closely with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association and Safeline to ensure that they sensitively an accurately portray the profound physical and emotional impact of a stroke. Experts from the charities have reviewed scripts and also met with the production team and actors.
The soap hopes to raise critical awareness of the risks associated with strangulation, following a recent study from IFAS that revealed that of over 4,100 young adults (aged 16-34), over 55% have either been strangled or strangled someone else during sex.
Speaking of the story arc, Kate Brooks, producer said: “Coronation Street has always pushed boundaries when it comes to telling challenging, thought-provoking stories, and this story is no exception.
Sydney Martin plays Betsy Swain. ITV
“Shining a light on the dangers of this all too common trend, we wanted to chart Betsy and Dylan’s story as they navigate the catastrophic implications of a moment of naivety, and the impact not only on them, but also on their families and the wider community.
“By consulting extensively with IFAS, the Stroke Association and Safeline, we aimed to handle Betsy’s journey with the care and sensitivity it deserves while sparking a difficult and somewhat contentious conversation that helps raise awareness of the risks involved in partaking in such acts.”
Professor Cath White, medical director at IFAS added: “We are grateful to Coronation Street for approaching this storyline with such care and a commitment to medical accuracy. Non-fatal strangulation can result in life-changing injuries, including stroke, even where there are no visible external signs.
“There is no safe way to strangle. We hope this storyline helps increase understanding of the risks, challenges common misconceptions and encourages anyone affected to seek advice and support.”
Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO at the Stroke Association said that the Corrie production team has shown a “real commitment” to understanding not just the medical emergency of Betsy’s stroke, but also the change in impact on her “identity, independence, relationships and future”.
“As one of the most iconic and longest-running soap operas in the world, we commend Coronation Street for taking on this stroke storyline,” she said.
Coronation Street has been consulting with charities Stroke Association, IFAS and Safeline on the storyline. ITV
“While the cause of Betsy’s stroke is rare, her experience powerfully shows that a stroke can happen at any age, and its impact can be devastating.
“We have worked closely with Sydney Martin and the Coronation Street production team to offer our guidance and direction on Betsy’s stroke and recovery journey. Stroke clinicians, stroke survivors and teams from across the Stroke Association have helped to support a realistic and authentic depiction of Betsy’s stroke and recovery on screen.
“Every year, around 85,000 people survive a stroke in the UK, but recovery can be long, complex and life-changing. We hope that Betsy’s story will help raise awareness of stroke among viewers, including younger audiences, and encourage people to recognise the signs.”
To find out more about stroke and the support available, visit The Stroke Association, IFAS and Safeline.
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Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.
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