The character opens up in upcoming scenes.
*This article includes references to suicidal ideation and suicide that some readers may find upsetting.*
Coronation Street’s Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) is set to open up about a recent attempt to take her own life.
The ITV soap will explore mental health and loneliness in older people as Audrey’s storyline takes a distressing turn, as she reveals the secret to her close friends.
Viewers have seen Audrey’s situation hinted at in recent weeks, as she hid another hospital stay from her family. A doctor and counsellor spoke to her about the quantity of sleeping tablets she had taken, knowing that it was likely she had been trying to end her life. But Audrey claimed she simply made an accidental error and miscounted her dose.
Now Coronation Street will revisit this development, as this week she repeats her lies to her GP, insisting all is well. However, in an episode airing next week, Audrey will be seen confiding in pals Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) and Ken Barlow (William Roache) that she tried to take her own life.
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Ken and Rita will be left stunned as they come to terms with the fact that they hadn’t seen the signs in their friend. They ask Audrey what caused her to make this decision, and she confesses her loneliness, missing late husband Alfie and turning to alcohol as her eyesight has worsened. She adds that she hasn’t told her daughter Gail (Helen Worth) or extended family.
“I just seemed to spiral downwards,” Audrey will be seen telling them. “I’d toss and turn all night, then finally drop off just when I should be up and at ’em. Seizing the day. Huh! Spend the afternoons on the sauvignon blanc, wondering exactly what I’m good for?”
Speaking about Audrey’s turmoil, actress Nicholls said: “Audrey is very sorry for what she has done and certainly her first reaction was to keep it from her family. Family do, and will always, mean so much to her despite the sniping now and again.
“She also enjoys and is grateful for being independent and living happily in her own home although the one big regret that has contributed to this latest situation is a wish that dear Alfie was still alive and there with her so that they could have grown old and equally doddery together.
“Her family, busy with their own lives, see her down and upset moments as her not being able to cope with the real world and she feels they have started treating her a bit like a child and she started to feel depressed. She is mostly very healthy and together but her depression seemed to take over totally.”
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Revealing the turning point in her character’s story, Nicholls added: “Once she was able to speak with her friends, and they then opened up about their struggles, she realised how much they had helped her immensely regarding her problems.
“Dr Gaddas prescribed her antidepressants but yet again her stubbornness kicks in and she doesn’t take them. Luckily, talking to her long-standing friends, they persuade her to take the doctor’s advice and she thanks them sincerely for making life seem lighter in every way.”
The star is keen to raise awareness ahead of these episodes airing. “Now that is the message that I want people to take away from this storyline, the importance of being able to talk to people you trust about how you feel. Sometimes the young generation might think that anyone over 70 isn’t capable of making decisions which in turn can make older people lose their sense of purpose and begin to feel quite useless.
“I am lucky enough to work with people of every age. I have no idea how old many of them are nor do I need to know. I enjoy speaking with them and taking on board what they say about issues we discuss irrespective of what age we all are. So I’d like to say ‘Listen Audrey, I’m still learning about life at 79 and I truly hope to continue’.
“I do hope this storyline helps older people reach out and start talking about how they feel and for younger people to be aware of how much the older generation still has to offer.”
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Coronation Street is broadcasting Audrey’s plight to coincide with ITV’s Britain Get Talking initiative. Britain Get Talking is a mental health scheme designed to encourage us to connect with others about our mental health, with a focus on anxiety in young people.
The initiative was first launched in 2019, and since then Britain Get Talking has led to over 100 million new and meaningful conversations among audiences.
Jacqui Morrissey, Assistant Director of Research and Influencing at Samaritans, said: “The reasons for suicide are complex and very rarely down to one issue, which Audrey’s story has really captured. Our listening volunteers hear lots of mentions of loneliness and isolation, which can affect anyone at any time.
“As the last few years have been incredibly challenging, many Coronation Street fans may have found themselves struggling at times, so it’s crucial that people remember support is available, and feel able to reach out if they are finding life difficult.
“Talking about the problems you’re facing can make a massive difference, whether that’s with a close friend, family member or support line. Samaritans can be contacted 24/7, free, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.”
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “This heart-breaking storyline carries an important message for all those Coronation Street viewers who are facing similar struggles to Audrey, and indeed for their families and friends too. Audrey may be a fictional character, but sadly we know that her situation is reflected in the real-life difficulties a fair few people go through as they get older.
“Age UK is here too with our free and confidential Advice Line, open 365 days a year, which provides friendly and expert guidance on the issues affecting older people including managing finances, health conditions and loneliness. We also have our Telephone Friendship Service, described as a lifeline by many, which provides older people who are feeling lonely with a regular chat over the phone with one of our trained volunteers.
“Anyone who needs support, is worried about an older relative or friend, or wants to find out more about Age UK’s services can get in touch by calling Age UK Advice free of charge on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm), or they can visit www.ageuk.org.uk. Any older person looking for a cheerful chat can call our subsidiary charity, The Silver Line free, day or night, on 0800 4 70 80 90.
“Since the pandemic Age UK has been inundated with requests for our Telephone Friendship Service and we need volunteers now more than ever before. Volunteering for the service is a safe and easy way to gain a new friend while at the same time making a huge a difference to an older person’s life. To register, visit: https://friendship.ageuk.org.uk/.”
The Samaritans are available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch.
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