Sally Metcalfe is set to reach a breaking point in Coronation Street, as actress Sally Dynevor reveals her character is struggling to cope with the sinister behaviour of her latest foster child. The Weatherfield stalwart, who has survived domestic abuse, breast cancer, and a turbulent marriage, now faces her toughest challenge yet in the form of young Lucy Parkinson.
Sally's breaking point looms as Lucy's behaviour escalates
Speaking about her character's ordeal, Sally Dynevor explained: 'Sally thinks she is doing an okay job, but she is starting to struggle and will get to a breaking point where she just can't cope.' The actress's comments come as fans watch Sally and husband Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) take in Lucy, the daughter of Tim's cousin Richie (Nathan Sussex).
Lucy's mother Rachel was murdered by Richie, who claimed it was self-defence during a heated argument. Tim, who encouraged Richie to reconcile with Rachel, carries immense guilt over the tragedy, prompting him to offer a home to his traumatised cousin once removed.
Sally's doubts about fostering Lucy grow
Despite initial reservations, Sally agreed to take Lucy in, feeling she couldn't refuse given the family connection. Dynevor noted: 'I don't think she wanted to have Lucy at the beginning but she realised this is Tim's second cousin so she felt like she couldn't say no.'
However, Sally's expectations of caring for a girl with PTSD have been shattered by Lucy's increasingly disturbing actions. From pinching her own skin to frame Sally for abuse, to lashing out when her art project is looked at, Lucy's behaviour has taken a dark turn.
Marriage strain and dark secrets
The strain is already showing on Sally and Tim's relationship, with Dynevor confirming: 'When Lucy says things to Sally like 'you're just like my mum,' the way she treats Sally when Tim isn't there is really quite scary.' Sally finds herself justifying her actions to Tim, creating tension between the couple.
Dynevor added: 'She has bitten off more than she can chew with Lucy. She is a very traumatised child. She has been through so much. Sally doesn't have the skills for this. This is completely above her paygrade.'
Beyond Lucy's behaviour, Sally harbours doubts about the circumstances of Rachel's death. The actress revealed: 'Sally hasn't been told that much. It's just the odd things Lucy says. There are things that just don't ring true and the fact that Lucy isn't really bothered about her mum's funeral are all a little bit strange.'
As for whether Lucy will drive a wedge between Sally and Tim, Dynevor is certain: 'Definitely. Especially if Tim is determined to carry on with this and Sally just doesn't want to.' She added: 'Of course, we learn later down the line what the circumstances were, but at this point Tim is feeling very guilty that he sent Richie home and what he finds there. So yes, it will cause problems for them.'
