Coronation Street star Liam McCheyne stressed the importance of showing men’s mental health on

screen.

Liam’s character Dylan Wilson was involved in a plot earlier this year where he was pressured by

bullying Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) to bully Liam Connor (Charlie Wrenshall) who was so upset by the bullying that he researched how to take his own life.

Speaking about the storyline at this year’s Radio Times Soap Awards, Liam told us that the last 12 months have been very special.

‘A privileged year, more than anything,’ he said.

‘We were just saying before that this storyline itself, focusing on young people’s mental health has been something that all three of the lads, myself, Charlie and Luca, have all wanted to do, so it’s been fantastic.’

When asked about his choice of any storyline of his choice, he added: ‘Ooh, that’s hard! I think to really enhance on the relationship between Dylan and Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton).

‘I was saying before that it’s something so unique, where you’ve got a gay dad and a straight mum that are never going to be in a romantic relationship but are bringing up a child in the modern day.’

He continued: ‘So, something like that I’d love to highlight. Anthony and Jenny, we get on so well, so something like that would be really cool!’

Mason and his cronies had been subjecting Liam to all sorts of cruel torment, from throwing rubbish at him to name calling, to even stealing his possessions.

Speaking about this storyline, Samia Longchambon who plays Liam’s mum Maria Windass reflected on the impact it has had on the audience, as well as her own experiences of bullying.

‘There’s that saying: “Sticks and stones might break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, but they do. Bruises can fade, but words are so much more painful. They have massive lasting effects on people.’, she told the Mirror.

‘I was bullied throughout my childhood. I was bullied a bit in primary school, and then at high school as well.’