Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley has spoken out about the shocking scenes taking place on the soap all this week, as Aidan Connor take his own life.
The actress, who plays Eva Price on the show, has revealed that she feels it is hugely important for Coronation Street to tackle subjects such as male suicide and that she is behind the storyline one hundred percent.
By now viewers will know the tragedy waiting to hit the cobbles on Wednesday May 9, as Aidan’s family will wonder why he hasn’t arrived to open the factory as usual.
Read more: Kate Oates reveals five HUGE storylines for Corrie
But in tonight’s second episode, Aidan goes to see Eva and the former lovers share the most heartbreaking scenes – and the tears flowed for real for Cath.
She told the Sunday Mirror: “The scenes asked for Eva to cry, but I didn’t have to try.
“I replayed all the scenes we had ever played together in my head, all the wedding scenes, the lovely moments between Eva and Aidan, and the tears just flowed.
“I enjoyed working with Shayne so much and I had all those memories to draw on.
“The way the journey has been structured is compelling and I didn’t have to try and dig for those emotions, because they were already there.
“The scripts are beautifully written and it wasn’t difficult to feel the emotion that Eva was feeling.”
By the time Aidan leaves Eva’s cottage, she is convinced he wants her back…
But of course Eva’s dreams of reuniting with Aidan are never going to come true as tragedy strikes.
Cath adds: “Eva has no idea what his real plan is and by the time she returns to the Street the next day, she is too late and is devastated by what he has done.”
As everyone struggles to come to terms with the fact Aidan has taken his own life, Catherine has revealed that Eva believes she is responsible for what has happened, even though she isn’t to blame, and the guilt is overwhelming.
“The reaction of Eva and the Connors is so important in this story. We’ve been grieving and crying in pretty much every scene, and your body thinks that it is real. Eva’s life is full of secrets and she is feeling terribly guilty. It is eating away at her because she has given away Aidan’s baby and now she doesn’t have either of them. She keeps thinking back to what they had together.”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
As Coronation Street residents battle to get their head around what has happened, Catherine’s own departure from the soap is looming. But Catherine’s happy with the storyline that is leading up to her exit…
“I am so proud to be involved in the storyline and honoured that Kate Oates put her trust in Shayne and I and the rest of the Connor family to tell this story.
“It’s definitely the most important story we could be telling. This narrative began a year ago and to be working on such an important story before I leave Coronation Street is a privilege and an honour.”
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, or are concerned about a loved one, please contact Samaritans free on 116 123 for support and advice.