Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien has spoken out about Gail Rodwell’s potentially huge sacrifice ahead of her exit from the soap, as she tries
to help her granddaughter Bethany Platt.
After Bethany made the unexpected decision to undergo liposuction while writing an article about cosmetic surgery in Turkey, her family
received the horrifying news that Bethany had contracted sepsis and was in a serious condition in hospital.
After Bethany’s mum Sarah Barlow rushed to Turkey to be with her daughter, she discovered that Bethany’s travel insurance wouldn’t cover her medical treatment, and so the family are faced with thousands of pounds of debt to pay.
With many avenues seeming to be closing, Gail suggests that she could sell the family home to raise the funds that Bethany needs – an idea which horrifies her son David Platt, who points out that they could all be left homeless.
O’Brien, who plays Sarah, has revealed that her character “feels a lot of emotions” about Gail’s major offer, especially as she knows that it will have a big impact on Bethany.
“(Sarah) knows how devastated (Bethany) will feel when she finds out what people have been trying to do to look after her,” she said. “Sarah definitely feels a mix of emotions, she’s gutted and guilty that it’s come to this but she also feels really relieved and understood from her family, especially Gail.”
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The actor added that the situation is “just awful” and “a nightmare” for Bethany’s loved ones, particularly as they are aware that their friends and neighbours may judge Bethany for her decision.
for money because there’s a cost of living crisis so people are already strapped for money,” she said. “She’s also aware of the judgement that will come with this, because people will see it as Bethany bringing this on herself.”
O’Brien also explained Sarah’s reaction to the shock news, saying that “she had no idea it was even something that Bethany was considering”.
“They’d never even discussed anything like that, and Bethany and Sarah are so close, so it was completely out of the blue,” she said. “Sarah isn’t embarrassed by what Bethany has done but she’s really hurt, I think she’s scared of the judgement she will face after doing this.”
The star added: “It hurts her that Bethany didn’t feel as if she was good enough and if anything, Sarah feels a bit responsible as she just thinks ‘Oh my God, have I not made her feel good enough about herself?’ because she’s just so beautiful.
