Corrie star labels ex 'the one who got away'
The Platt family has been in crisis mode since Bethany underwent a secret liposuction procedure in Turkey. The operation didn’t go to plan and Coronation Street favourite Bethany nearly died after contracting sepsis, leaving her with a permanent stoma. To add to their grief, the Platts have to come up with thousands of pounds as Bethany’s insurance is null and void – and the hospital bills are piling up.
“Sarah went into autopilot when it first happened and snapped right into mum mode,” explains Tina O’Brien, who plays concerned mum Sarah. “When she finds out about the insurance, Sarah’s first thought is, ‘What the hell are we going to do?’ She thinks they are going to get arrested and never leave the country. It’s awful for the whole family and Sarah feels like she’s in a nightmare."
“Every day, Sarah sees the money going up and up in the hospital by thousands of pounds," Tina continues. "She knows it’s difficult to even ask people for help because there’s a cost-of-living crisis and people are strapped for cash. Sarah’s also aware of the judgement that will come with this, because people will see it as Bethany bringing it on herself.”
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Fans will remember that Sarah had Bethany (played by Lucy Fallon) when she was just 13 years old, and as a result the pair are very close, apart from an argument or two. So how does Sarah feel about the fact that Bethany’s hospitalisation is the result of cosmetic surgery?
“Sarah had no idea it was 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. Sarah’s hurt that Bethany didn’t think to tell her and she’s confused because she just thinks, ‘Why, Bethany?’ She’s her daughter, and she’s absolutely perfect in every single way with the most beautiful figure,” stresses Tina.
“It hurts Sarah that Bethany didn’t feel as if she was good enough, and if anything, Sarah feels a bit responsible. She thinks, ‘Oh my God, have I not made her feel good enough about herself?’”
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Initially, Sarah placed the blame on Bethany’s boyfriend, Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), for the fact that Bethany wanted to change her appearance. With the initial shock of Bethany’s situation wearing off, Sarah has since accepted it’s not his fault, but Tina reveals there is still some underlying tension between Sarah and Bethany’s boyfriend.
“Sarah doesn’t like Bethany and Daniel together,” admits Tina. “I think Sarah holds her tongue a lot, even from day dot, because Daniel got with Bethany around the time his partner Sinead died, and he was clearly not over her and left Bethany in a bad way. I think she’s always held her reservations about him.
“She’s also angry with Daniel because she believes there’s potentially something going on between him and Daisy [Midgeley, played by Charlotte Jordan]. She’s overheard a few things but can’t get to the bottom of it.”
Sarah is desperately trying to support her daughter and figure out a way to pay off the money Bethany owes. Gail Platt (Helen Worth) even suggests they sell their house on Coronation Street.
“Sarah’s carrying the burden for Bethany because she knows how devastated Bethany will feel when she finds out what people have been trying to do to look after her,” explains Tina. “Sarah feels a mix of emotions – she’s gutted and guilty that it’s come to this, but she also feels relieved and understood by her family, especially Gail.”
In among all the trouble, Sarah’s former flame, Damon Hay (Ciarán Griffiths), leaves Sarah a voicemail message. With Damon serving a six-year prison sentence, does Sarah still hold a torch for her ex?
“She’ll always have a little bit of something for Damon – there’s just something there,” admits Tina. “I think he got her, he really understood her, and he didn’t judge her. I think she understands that whatever happens, he’s got her back, and I think she really trusts him.
“But Sarah is actually happy being single for once. I think she’s had enough of idiots! She hasn’t got much time to spend on relationships – she’s content being single and focusing on her family.”