Another Coronation Street character has acknowledged trying sexual strangulation, as the soap continues to explore the dangers of the practice following Betsy Swain's stroke. In a recent episode, Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) told Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) that she has engaged in consensual strangulation but will not do so again, reinforcing the show's awareness campaign.
Salon conversation highlights lack of knowledge
The discussion took place in the salon after Maria admitted she had no idea that strangulation could lead to a stroke. 'It's crazy, like the slightest bit of pressure in the wrong place…' Maria said. Summer agreed: 'Who knows where the right place is, unless you're a doctor or a nurse?' When Maria incorrectly assumed Summer had never tried it, the teen corrected her: 'Why does everyone think I'm like the Virgin Mary?! I've done it…I won't be doing it again!'
Summer then asked if Maria had spoken to her son Liam and step-son Jake about the risks. Flustered, Maria replied: 'We want to, but…' Summer advised: 'I know it's cringe, but it's better to come from you.' Maria worried it would sound like gossiping about a young girl's sex life, but Summer pointed out that it could have been Liam lying in the hospital.
Betsy's stroke and its aftermath
Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin) suffered a stroke after boyfriend Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne) applied pressure to her neck during consensual strangulation, damaging an artery. Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott) found her unconscious and rushed her to hospital. Betsy's mum Lisa Connor-Swain (Vicky Myers) blamed Dylan and reported him to the police, while Dylan accused Betsy of cheating, disbelieving his actions could cause such harm. Betsy now suffers from aphasia and dysarthria, and both characters' lives have collapsed.
Collaboration with experts for accuracy
Coronation Street worked with the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IFAS), the Stroke Association, and Safeline to ensure accuracy. Producer Kate Brooks said: '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.'
Shocking statistics revealed
Sydney Martin, who plays Betsy, shared alarming facts: 'When I first got told about it, I learnt that it takes more pressure to open a can of Coke than it does to cause brain damage. There was a study where they did a blood test on 30 women, 15 who had partaken and 15 who hadn't, and the 15 who had all showed signs of brain damage.' She also noted that 55% of 16-34-year-olds have tried consensual strangulation, according to statistics she shared on Instagram. 'You've got a teenage girl who has slept with her partner, a very common teenage activity, and as we've seen from the statistics, there's that pressure to not be vanilla or 'frigid',' she added.
