Coronation Street legend Audrey Roberts is having a troubling time of late.
The character recently spent the night on a cold barbers' floor after suffering a fall due to alcohol consumption. She was rescued when her biological son, Stephen, returned from Italy after being away from Weatherfield for a number of years.
Stephen will now move in with Audrey and take control of her finances - amid ongoing conflict among the Platts as to how best care for Audrey.
READ MORE: Coronation Street fans taken aback by Gail Platt star's real age
But a theory from care experts warns the soap icon could meet her end without a proper care plan. As she is drinking more alcohol, her risk of a fall is greater.
Louise Yasities, from home safety company TakingCare, explains: "Audrey has already shown that she’s struggling to accept the signs of ageing and has expressed frustrations around her family’s intervention in previous episodes. But her continued refusal to accept help could result in her having more drastic health consequences as the plot unfolds.
“After older adults have experienced their first fall, they're more likely to have another fall, and 50% of older adults limit their activities through fear of having another fall. This has a significant impact on their mental health, which could mean that Audrey may go on to face more challenges with her mental wellbeing.
"It's crucial that the family can put their differences aside to agree on the right measures to properly support Audrey to avoid potential further accidents. Stephen's decision to move in with his mother indicates that he may have an ulterior motive, and Gail and her family should have a plan B for ensuring that Audrey is kept safe."
Louise adds that Audrey could be made safer by the use of discreet devices such as a personal fall alarm.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub
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