Coronation Street star Sydney Martin has opened up about her major new storyline, which saw her character Betsy Swain suffer two strokes. The actress revealed how she found out about the plot and her feelings about taking it on.
Plot Details
Betsy was found collapsed on the kitchen floor by Ryan Connor and rushed to hospital, where she fought for her life. Her mothers, Lisa and Carla Connor-Swain, were shocked when doctors confirmed the 18-year-old had suffered a stroke. After stabilizing, Betsy suffered a second stroke caused by a blood clot from neck artery damage due to strangulation during consensual sex with boyfriend Dylan Wilson.
Preparation and Research
In a Q&A on TikTok, Sydney said: "I found out in November of last year, and we started filming it in the second week of May this year. So it gave me a lot of time to sit down and think about it. It's daunting. It's a heavy storyline. It's a lot of responsibility."
The soap worked with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association, and Safeline. Sydney added: "We spoke to some amazing people... it felt like a real privilege to see and hear these stories."
Fan Reaction
Fans praised Sydney, with comments like "You definitely are doing the storyline justice" and "You are absolutely doing this storyline justice. You are an incredible actress."
