Coronation Street is seeking the support of charities to ensure the correct representation of a topic never yet covered in a UK soap.
Consensual asphyxiation during sex leads to Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin) suffering two strokes, her life being upended, potentially permanently.
Betsy is currently in a relationship with Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne) and it will transpire after Betsy collapses that they had experimented with choking during a sexual encounter.
While this was a consensual agreed act between the couple, and they believed it was light enough not to be dangerous, the decision leads to harrowing consequences – and one that could see Dylan facing criminal proceedings, and Betsy lifelong physical and mental ramifications.
This week, doctors confirm Betsy has suffered a stroke caused by a blood clot which was the result of neck artery damage from a temporary loss of circulation.
Once stabilised having suffered a second stroke, an embarrassed and vulnerable Betsy eventually manages to reveal that Dylan strangled her during consensual sex, with both believing the pressure applied was minimal.
In the coming months, viewers will witness Betsy’s challenging recovery journey as she transitions from hospital to home, navigating significant life changes. This storyline highlights the profound physical and emotional impact of a stroke at such a young age as Betsy battles to adjust to her new reality.
Meanwhile, her mum Lisa (Vicky Myers) will find herself struggling to cope and will determine to bring hard justice to Dylan.
To ensure the narrative’s medical accuracy and raise critical awareness of the risks associated with strangulation, Coronation Street worked closely with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), The Stroke Association and Safeline.
The storyline comes as a recent study conducted by IFAS revealed that of over 4,100 young adults (aged 16-34), over 55% have either been strangled or strangled someone else during sex.
The data highlights that non-fatal strangulation is a significant risk for young adults, with high prevalence reported among the 16-20 age group, demonstrating that the potential for hidden injury is widespread and frequently misunderstood.
Kate Brooks, producer of Coronation Street, 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.’
Over 85,000 people survive a stroke every year in the UK, but surviving a stroke is just the start of a long and gruelling recovery journey.
Brain damage, caused by a stroke, can leave survivors unable to move, see, speak or even swallow.
