Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne) panicked in the latest episode of Coronation Street after accepting that he caused Betsy Swain's (Sydney Martin) stroke. Betsy suffered a stroke at home and another in hospital due to non-fatal strangulation during sex with Dylan.
Dylan's denial crumbles
Initially, Dylan claimed he wasn't responsible. But after visiting Betsy in hospital and hearing her say he caused the strokes, he slowly started to accept the truth. In the corridor, Dylan and Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) discussed how erotic asphyxiation is sometimes considered a kink, and Dylan reiterated that he didn't squeeze Betsy's neck very hard. Later in the pub, Dylan told his father Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) that he did put Betsy in hospital. He fears he could go to prison.
Raising awareness of strangulation risks
Sean and Dylan had previously tried to accuse Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) of sleeping with Betsy, not knowing that a stroke may not occur immediately after neck compression. Medical evidence shows it can happen days, weeks, or even months later. The storyline aims to raise awareness about the little-known risks of consensual strangulation during sex, which can occur regardless of pressure used.
A recent study by IFAS of over 4,100 young adults (aged 16-34) found that over 55% have either been strangled or strangled someone else during sex. Non-fatal strangulation is a significant risk for young adults, especially those aged 16-20. Around 85,000 people survive a stroke in the UK each year, but recovery can be long and life-changing, with brain damage leaving survivors unable to move, see, speak or swallow.
Consultation with experts
Coronation Street worked with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), the Stroke Association and Safeline to ensure accuracy. Producer Kate Brooks said: '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.'
Sydney Martin told Metro: 'When I first got told about it, I learnt that it takes more pressure to open a can of Coke than it does to cause brain damage. There was a study where they did a blood test on 30 women, 15 who had partaken and 15 who hadn't, and the 15 who had all showed signs of brain damage.'
