Coronation Street fans have said they are 'blown away' as they continued to heap praise on who they called a 'rising star' in the ongoing stroke storyline for Betsy Swain.
The major new health storyline got underway in the ITV soap last week after Betsy was found collapsed on the kitchen floor of No.6 Coronation Street by Ryan Connor, before being rushed to the hospital, where she was left fighting for her life.
Her mums, Lisa and Carla Connor-Swain, rushed to be with her, and were shocked when doctors later confirmed that the teenager had suffered a stroke at just 18 years old.
Second stroke and cause revealed
There was concern later as, once her condition appeared to stabilise, Betsy suffered a second stroke. After this, doctors confirmed it had been caused by a blood clot, which was the result of neck artery damage from a temporary loss of circulation.
Doctors spoke to Betsy about the cause, which is when the teen had to explain to her mum that her boyfriend, Dylan Wilson, had strangled her during consensual sex, despite both believing the pressure applied was minimal.
The soap has worked closely with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association and Safeline. Their experts reviewed scripts and met directly with the production team and actors to help ensure this important storyline was portrayed responsibly.
Recovery journey and fan praise
Betsy has been told it is possible that she will make a 'good recovery', and in the coming months, viewers will witness Betsy's challenging recovery journey as she transitions from hospital to home, navigating significant life changes as the storyline aims to highlight the profound physical and emotional impact of a stroke at such a young age.
In Wednesday's (July 22) episode of the long-running show, Lauren Bolton appeared pleased that Betsy was going to press charges, something Lisa also appeared happy to hear. However, Dylan later visited Betsy and finally accepted that his actions had led to her suffering a stroke, and that he'd do anything he could to make it right.
But as the teens sat in tears, a police officer arrived and asked to speak to Betsy. Later, when Lisa visited, Betsy confirmed she hadn't given a statement against Dylan, leaving her mum distressed but having to accept her decision.
During Thursday's (July 23) follow-up episode, Lauren headed back to see Betsy and was quick to help her when she needed help going to the toilet, something Betsy struggled to accept. However, Lauren vowed to be there for her friend until she ended up wanting her to leave as she pushed her about pressing charges against Dylan.
Following the latest instalment of Corrie, fans once again rushed to social media to heap praise on actress Sydney Martin for her continued portrayal of a stroke survivor.
@pjc7221 said: 'Sydney Martin is hitting it out of the park as Betsy. Both before this story and now within it. I've seen seasoned actors play stroke victims and fall flat, fake. Sydney has me believing it all to be true!'
@Audz32129841 commented: 'Sydney Martin has been phenomenal in Betsy's stroke storyline and I can't wait to see her and David scenes next week when Roy helps Betsy with her speech #Corrie.'
@cuppakt wrote: 'Sydney Martins playing a blinder in this stroke storyline, deserves every bit of praise she's getting #corrie'
@Raq91x posted: 'I've said it once and I'll say it again, the progression in Sydney Martin's acting ability since she joined the show is unbelievable! #Corrie.'
@MitchellWebb85 shared: 'Sydney Martin is such a great young actress she deserves every award that will be coming her way #Corrie.'
@TalinTerzian typed: 'A new rising star what a performance from Sydney!!! #corrie.'
@sadlatimer added: 'While i completely understand why lauren is being how she is due to her own experiences, it was good to see betsy proper speak up for herself and push what she wants instead of what others do… and once again sydney is blowing me away with her performance.'
