Coronation Street fans have been left heartbroken by the latest update in Betsy Swain's stroke recovery, as her health storyline is set to collide with another in the long-running ITV soap.
In scenes aired in July, the teenager was found collapsed on the kitchen floor of No.6 Coronation Street by Ryan Connor, before being rushed to hospital, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke. As her mums, Lisa and Carla Connor-Swain, rushed to the hospital, Betsy's condition appeared to stabilise before she had a second stroke, both caused by a blood clot resulting from neck artery damage due to a temporary loss of circulation.
Betsy's recovery and Dylan's involvement
Doctors spoke to Betsy about the cause, which is when the teen had to explain to her mum, Lisa Connor-Swain, that her boyfriend, Dylan Wilson, had strangled her during consensual sex, despite both believing the pressure applied was minimal. Since then, the soap has played out the complicated nature of Dylan's involvement in Betsy's ill health, as well as documenting her recovery as she returned home.
After a recent absence from screens, spoilers for next week's episodes offer an update on Betsy. Lauren Bolton visits Betsy, but, to her annoyance, Lauren spends the whole time texting Ollie Driscoll. Betsy later admits to her mum that she feels lonely. Later, with the help of her physiotherapist, Betsy stands up for the first time since her stroke. Lauren suggests to Ollie that they visit Betsy and bring her some of his cake. But when Lauren calls with Ollie, how will Betsy react?
Debbie's dementia symptoms worsen
Later, Lauren lays down the law to Betsy and tells her she's taking her out for lunch in the Bistro. Once out for their meal, Betsy knocks some cutlery off the table, and while Lauren quickly goes to her aid, when Debbie Webster jokes that she's drunk, Betsy is mortified. Meanwhile, Kevin and Abi Webster take Debbie for lunch to discuss her birthday. But having heard about her latest faux pas with Betsy, Debbie's husband, Ronnie Bailey, suggests they dial down her party plans as it appears her dementia symptoms are worsening.
Corrie fans have already shared their upset at what's to come, as fan-favourite Debbie also faces her own changing health struggles. @TheConnorSwains said: "Not Debbie commenting that Betsy must be drunk. #Corrie really out here breaking my heart on every possible level. #Swarla."
@Sjl170 replied: "That scene will be a hard watch from both their point of views. Even tho Debbie won't mean at all what she's saying, it will hurt Betsy to the core.." Referring to a previous scene between the pair, which was praised by viewers, @MargheritAxen commented: "After the amazing speech outside the n6 I think this is ridiculous. Corrie really cannot do something better? Debbie?"
@OhCanadiana shared: "In Debbie's defence that's a classic sort of thing for someone with dementia to say. They tend to vocalise stuff the rest of us just think about…or lose track of the facts of things… Nevertheless crushing for dear Bets…" @Izzy1728047 added: "Gonna be heartbreaking watching these scenes. All Betsy wants to get back to how she was. I can't imagine how it feels for her to have her independence taken away #Corrie #Swarla."
