Coronation Street has faced a divided response as it gears up to air a groundbreaking storyline that has sparked intense debate among viewers.
The plot will show teenager Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin) suffering two strokes following consensual choking during sex with her boyfriend Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne).
The ITV soap is set to broadcast the harrowing scenes tonight, with Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) discovering an unconscious Betsy before she is rushed to hospital.
Medical staff confirm the young character experienced a stroke triggered by a blood clot formed from damage to her neck arteries during a temporary loss of circulation.
Despite both Betsy and Dylan believing the pressure applied during their intimate encounter was minimal, the consequences prove devastating.
The storyline marks the first time a UK soap has tackled the subject of consensual asphyxiation during sex.
Reaction on social media has been sharply divided, with some viewers branding the plot “creepy” and questioning whether it was appropriate for characters of such a young age.
One viewer wrote: “I think this storyline with Betsy is a step too far. Having 18 year olds doing kinky sex that’s leads to a stoke is crazy.”
The harrowing Coronation Street plot explores the realities of non-fatal strangulation
Another commented: “What a b****y awful creepy storyline,” whilst others lamented the loss of lighter entertainment, with one posting: “I miss the days when Corrie was fun, full of banter, drama, gossip and just purely entertaining.”
However, supporters praised Sydney Martin’s portrayal as “fantastic” and “so well performed.”
One defender argued: “People being so uncomfortable and refusing to believe young people can be doing that is exactly why this storyline is so important and needs to be told!”
Following a second stroke, an embarrassed Betsy eventually discloses to medical staff that Dylan had strangled her during their consensual sexual encounter.
ITV Coronation Street fans have been left divided by the storyline
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ITV
The coming months will see viewers follow Betsy’s difficult path to recovery as she moves from hospital back to her home, facing substantial changes to her daily life.
The storyline explores the significant physical and emotional toll that suffering a stroke at such a young age can have on a person as Betsy struggles to adapt to her altered circumstances.
Dylan now faces potential criminal proceedings despite the act being consensual.
Meanwhile, Betsy’s mother Lisa, played by Vicky Myers, finds herself struggling to process what has happened and becomes determined to pursue justice against Dylan.
To ensure the storyline was portrayed responsibly and with medical accuracy, producers collaborated closely with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association, and Safeline.
Research conducted by IFAS surveying more than 4,100 young people aged 16 to 34 found that over 55 per cent had either strangled someone or been strangled themselves during sexual activity, with particularly high rates among those aged 16 to 20.
Professor Cath White, medical director at IFAS, stated: “Non-fatal strangulation can result in life-changing injuries, including stroke, even where there are no visible external signs. There is no safe way to strangle.”
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said the soap wanted to shine a light on “the dangers of this all too common trend” and chart “the catastrophic implications of a moment of naivety.”