Coronation Street's Betsy Swain star Sydney Martin responded to a sweet tribute from her best friend and ITV co-star, Cait Fitton.
Harrowing Stroke Storyline
After spoilers confirmed a "never been done before" storyline on the ITV soap, last week Betsy Swain was found collapsed on the kitchen floor of No.6 Coronation Street, before being rushed to the hospital, fighting for her life.
Doctors later confirmed that the teenager had suffered a stroke, something Lisa struggled to get her head around due to her daughter's age. And things took a horror turn as, once her condition appeared to have stabilised, Betsy suffered a second stroke.
It was after this that doctors confirmed it had been caused by a blood clot, which was the result of neck artery damage from a temporary loss of circulation. It left Betsy having to tell her mum that Dylan had strangled her during consensual sex, despite both believing the pressure applied was minimal.
Recovery and Legal Drama
Since then, Betsy has been told it is possible that she will make a "good recovery", and she's been trying to plead with her mum DS Lisa Swain to not press charges on Dylan.
It comes after Betsy's close friend Lauren Bolton told Dylan to stay away from the hospital, and later told Betsy that Dylan had accused her of cheating on him as he struggled to take accountability.
Off-Screen Friendship
Away from the ITV soap, Lauren actress Cait Fitton and Betsy actress Sydney Martin are best friends off and on the cobbles. On Saturday (July 18) some of the Corrie stars headed out in Manchester on Friday night for the annual Corrie summer party. Both the younger and older stars got dressed up for the occasion.
The likes of Tina O'Brien and Lucy Fallon stunned in their best summer dresses. While Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, rocked a textured button up shirt and shorts.
Taking to her Instagram, Cait shared some snaps of herself and Sydney as she gushed: "Your my sign that the universe is always looking out for me".
Vicky Myers labelled the tribute as "beautiful", while Sydney herself responded: "me & you always!". Sydney previously took to her own Instagram stories and branded Cait her ‘whole world’, adding that they’re ‘soul sisters’.
Medical Accuracy and Awareness
To ensure the narrative's medical accuracy and raise critical awareness of the risks associated with strangulation, 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.
Kate Brooks, Coronation Street's producer, said: "Coronation Street has always pushed boundaries when it comes to telling challenging, thought-provoking stories, and this story is no exception. 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."
