Potential story lines

Potential storylines:

First Trans character (1998) - Shows the first trans character Hayley, showing her struggles by transitioning and being accepted. The added layer to the story is that she forms a relationship with popular character Roy, a straight man who falls in love with a trans women. When Hayley tells Roy she was born a man he originally wants nothing to do with her, as he is a straight man, he found it hard to accept her, but he eventually did. We also see how hard it was to be transgender at this time, with when he boss finds out he was going to sack her, as well as other characters telling it to her face that it isn't right. In 1999 Roy and Hayley planned to get 'married' as they couldn't legally get married but another character called the press and reporters ruined the wedding before Roy or Hayley even got to the church. 

Teenage pregnancy (2000) -  One of the oldest and most popular families, the Platts, on the street had a teenage pregnancy as the UK had the highest teen pregnancies since birth. It followed the story of Sarah-Lou who's mum (Gail) believed her daughter had an eating disorder, so took her to a doctor before learning she was 5 months pregnant. We then see the troubles that she faces including weather to keep the child. She decides to keep the baby but in the following years we see the struggle of going to school and doing exams while having to care for a child, as well as having a social life. Showing the real consequences of being a young mum. 

Rape (2001) - In 2001 the writes decided to tackle the issue of sexual assault. The storyline followed Toya Battersby who, after a night out, is raped and beaten until she is found and then taken to hospital  to undergo an examination and counselling at the local hospital. The storyline was criticized by some former Coronation Street cast members who believed the producers were using the subject of rape to gain higher ratings than rival soap opera EastEnders. Taylor defended the storyline and hoped that it would help other women who had been attacked to seek help.

Suicide (2018) - In May 2018, Aidan Conner (Shayne Ward) committed suicide after secret battling with depression. The storyline highlights male suicide in the UK and to “speak out” more about it and was highly praised throughout the media. We don't see the actual actual act, just Aidan crying before showing his body being discovered by his farther and seeing the reactions from his friends and family. We also see a monologue by Gail Platt (Hellen Worth) talking about how she didn't know him that well and how you'd never of guessed of what he was going through. Thinking your problems are worse than everyone else. 

Hate crime (2021) - One of the most recent storylines follows Seb and his girlfriend (Nina) who were attacked for dressing like 'goths'. Seb eventually dies in hospital from the injuries', leaving Nina to greave and face the trial of the murder. The storyline was based on the real story, Sophie Lancaster who was a 20-year-old student who was attacked by a group of teenagers in 2007 while walking through a park in Bacup, Lancashire. The actors and producers said they worked with the Sophie Lancaster trust very closely to raise awareness of the issue best as possible.