Coronation Street star Sydney Martin has praised the behind-the-scenes team for their work on her character Betsy Swain's stroke storyline. The actress shared her admiration for the makeup artists who created prosthetics to emulate the physical effects of a stroke.
Storyline Details
Viewers saw Betsy rushed to hospital after collapsing on the kitchen floor of her family home. Doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke, and later a second stroke caused by a blood clot from neck artery damage due to strangulation during consensual sex.
Medical Accuracy
The soap worked with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association, and Safeline to ensure accuracy. A recent IFAS study found over 55% of young adults aged 16-34 have been strangled or strangled someone else during sex.
Prosthetic Work
Prosthetic artist Alexandra Hargreaves created three pieces: an eyelid bondo to restrict eye opening, a piece under the eye for sagging, and a drooping lip corner. A life cast of Sydney's face was made to sculpt the pieces. Sydney responded: "Forever obsessed with you and everything you do!" She added: "I love women!!!!! What a team."
