The portrayal of Carla Connor’s kidney transplant storyline in Coronation Street has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Kidney Care UK, due to its perceived inaccuracies and missed opportunities to raise awareness. Carla’s journey began with her needing a new kidney after sepsis, caused by complications from alcoholism, ravaged her health. The controversial plot thickened when her estranged brother, Rob Donovan, currently imprisoned, offered to donate his kidney after being persuaded by his son, Bobby Crawford.
Despite her skepticism about Rob’s motives, Carla considered his offer, but the logistics created a major roadblock. Accepting Rob’s kidney would force her to go private, resulting in a staggering cost of £100,000 due to the expenses tied to hospitalizing a prisoner. Devastated by the financial burden, Carla was given a lifeline by Betsy, the daughter of her partner Lisa Swain, who offered to cover the costs with half of her inheritance. This generous act brought Carla home and into dialysis, but Kidney Care UK criticized the rushed timeline and dramatization, labeling it “frustrating” and “unrealistic.”
The charity highlighted that soaps like Coronation Street hold immense potential to educate the public about kidney disease and organ transplantation, especially since eight out of ten individuals on the UK’s transplant list are awaiting kidneys. Fiona Loud, Kidney Care UK’s policy director, expressed disappointment in the mishandling of the storyline, noting that while creative liberties are common in soap operas, this instance overlooked an opportunity to shed light on the severity of kidney disease. Loud added that the charity had previously collaborated with the show in 2018, providing insights on organ transplants. Despite assurances to address these concerns in future storylines, the same inaccuracies resurfaced.
Further complicating Carla’s health crisis is her relationship with Lisa Swain. After months of growing closer, fans were thrilled when Carla and Lisa finally acknowledged their feelings for each other. However, Lisa’s investigation into her partner Becky’s murder and Carla’s deteriorating health have strained their budding romance. Lisa’s sudden disappearance from the show has left fans speculating whether she has moved in with Carla permanently or quietly exited.
As Carla grapples with her health struggles, her nephew Bobby remains determined to help, even if it means turning to his unreliable father. During a tense visit to the prison, Rob claimed to have found religion and sought redemption. Carla, ever cautious, doubted his sincerity, but Bobby’s heartfelt plea about the family’s dependence on her forced her to reconsider. While Rob’s motivations remain suspect, Carla reluctantly agreed to the compatibility test.
Meanwhile, Coronation Street continues to undergo major changes, with several cast members departing. Debbie Webster’s exit, part of a poignant dementia storyline, marks Sue Devaney’s farewell after years of dedication. Craig Tinker, played by Colson Smith, and Daisy Midgley, portrayed by Charlotte Jordan, are also leaving the cobbles to pursue new opportunities. Shelly King’s Yasmeen Nazir will bid farewell after a decade, and Max Turner, played by Paddy Bever, will depart this spring.
Despite the criticism, Carla’s storyline highlights the high stakes of organ transplantation, though fans and experts hope future soap plots will better reflect the reality of living with kidney disease. As Coronation Street faces scrutiny for its handling of Carla’s ordeal, viewers remain invested in whether she will overcome her health challenges—and what role Rob and Lisa will play in her journey forward.
