Coronation Street fans said they felt 'broken' as they watched Betsy Swain be let down by her friend, before Carla Connor-Swain stepped in to protect her.
Betsy's health crisis
In the ITV soap, filmed in Salford, the teen was rushed to hospital last month after being found collapsed on the floor at her home, No.6 Coronation Street, by Ryan Connor. Doctors confirmed to Ryan and her mums, Carla and Lisa Connor-Swain, that Betsy had suffered a stroke at the age of 18, before having a second while being treated in hospital.
Doctors later confirmed the strokes were caused by a blood clot, resulting from neck artery damage due to a temporary loss of circulation. Betsy then had to explain to her mum that her boyfriend, Dylan, had strangled her during consensual sex, despite both believing the pressure applied was minimal.
Return home and tension
In recent episodes, Betsy returned home to continue her recovery. Earlier this week, she talked to Ryan about wanting to speak to Dylan, knowing her mum wouldn't approve. Ryan summoned Dylan to No.6, where Betsy tried to reassure him she didn't blame him. However, Lisa returned unexpectedly and demanded Dylan leave. Ryan admitted he had arranged the visit, leading to a heated argument, with Ryan suggesting Lisa listen to what Betsy wants.
During Wednesday's (August 5) edition, Lauren came to spend time with her best friend while Carla headed to work. Betsy quizzed Lauren about Dylan, who initially shrugged it off. Later, Lauren confessed to being the one who hurt Dylan, prompting Betsy to point out that Lauren was treating Dylan like Joel Deering, the abusive solicitor who left her pregnant. Lauren stormed out, leaving Betsy alone.
Emotional fallout
When Lauren returned, Betsy told her to leave. When Carla came home, Betsy revealed Lauren had left her for ages and that she'd had an accident needing the toilet. Carla railed at Lauren, ordered her out, and hugged Betsy to reassure her everything was fine and that she'd help her.
The scenes left fans emotional, with many praising Carla's protective relationship with Betsy. @justmenick_z said: "Betsy broke my heart, but seeing Carla react so protective and comforting toward her is so beautiful, 'cause she's her girl, her child." @MorlesSosa wrote: "Poor Betsy …. Way Carla holds her, that’s her daughter! #Swarla #Corrie." @MargheritAxen shared: "Mama Carla is my favorite thing. The way she protects Betsy and the way she comforts her. This storyline is so heartbreaking..." @SwarlaDaily commented: "I love this scene. The way Carla goes from 0 to 100 when it comes to Betsy says everything. She really is her mum. Sydney’s acting was incredible..." @cedecupcake posted: "Carla is Betsy's mum in every way that matters #swarla." @_Penny93 added: "Carla and Betsy’s relationship is so special, they heal parts of each other... My heart broke for Betsy tonight. Sydney Martin, the actress you are!!"
