Coronation Street fans flocked to praise the soap for an important depression storyline as important scenes with Audrey Roberts had them in tears. As Audrey, played by Sue Nicholls, enjoyed a catch-up with pals Ken Barlow, Rita Tanner, Roy Cropper and Claudia Colby over afternoon tea she confessed that she had attempted to take her own life three weeks earlier and that a 'nosy neighbour' had found her collapsed after taking sleeping tablets.
As the shocked group tried to come to terms with the shock revelation in Monday night's episode they asked her what led to the suicide attempt and confessed their guilt at not spotting the signs that their friend was struggling. Audrey admitted that she had kept her feelings hidden as they discussed the problems that growing older can bring.
She explained that she misses her late husband Alfie and that she had been feeling useless, turning to drink after suffering with her eyesight deteriorating. Feeling better after opening up to her pals, she vowed to take the course of antidepressants prescribed to her by Dr Susan Gaddas last week.
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After afternoon tea the group rallied to make a plan to look after her as Audrey was seen heading back to her old salon. As she thought about her late husband she got a glass of water and took her medication.
Gazing in a salon mirror she privately thanked her neighbour for coming to her aid and possibly saving her life: "Here's to you nosy Nicky number 7," she said. And she added: "Life in the old girl yet Alfie love."
Corrie viewers were full of praise over the scenes, to highlight the issues of mental health and the impact of loneliness in older people. Dawn Marie tweeted: "Absolutely loving #corrie storyline tonight. #Audrey is kicking it out the park. Depression in the elderly not spoken about enough. Well done @itvcorrie."
@AndyGibsonTV said: "I love Ken, Rita & Roy all making a plan to look after Audrey." @Mstamarashe commented: "I love this episode highlighting mental health struggles and the importance of social support amongst the elderly. SO important." And @a___w89 said: "Tonight’s #corrie is so well written, the Audrey storyline shows how important it is to check in on each other."
@scripttoscene wrote: "My favourite thing the scenes with Audrey talking about her suicide attempt is that it feels so honest from the actors, the scriptwriting and even the directing. It isn’t artificially made to make me cry, but it’s done with truth that makes me want to listen." @1011cheryl said: "Didn't think it would have that effect, but Audrey's tale really got me tonight. Well told, properly thought provoking - had me welling up." And @GrocottJanice messaged: "A brilliant end, we're getting the old Audrey back."
But over the same episode viewers have issued a warning as they sense a disturbing twist ahead with her son Stephen. The businessman has been acting mysteriously since he recently returned to Weatherfield to find her lying in a collapsed state in grandson David's barber shop after hitting the bottle.
Stephen was seen eagerly trying to get her to sign trust fund paperwork. But she sweved him and instead appeared to tell eldest grandson Nick that she wanted her salon back after retiring as a stylist.
@itzzzo_ said: "Love that Audrey is getting back to her old self but you just know Stephen will ruin it." @judy20468475 tweeted: "Wow what an episode. We want Audrey back to herself. Stephen is out to fleece her, she will see through him!!" And @BGrove2345 pleaded: "Leave poor Audrey alone Stephen!!"
Jacqui Morrissey, assistant director of research and Influencing at the Samaritans, previously said about the storyline: “The reasons for suicide are complex and very rarely down to one issue, which Audrey’s story has really captured. Our listening volunteers hear lots of mentions of loneliness and isolation, which can affect anyone at any time.
“As the last few years have been incredibly challenging, many Coronation Street fans may have found themselves struggling at times, so it’s crucial that people remember support is available, and feel able to reach out if they are finding life difficult. Talking about the problems you’re facing can make a massive difference, whether that’s with a close friend, family member or support line. Samaritans can be contacted 24/7, free, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org ”
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