Coronation Street viewers have praised the soap for sensitively handling a young character’s HIV diagnosis.
Friday night’s episode of the ITV show saw Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni) receive the devastating results in hospital after he was tested for the disease, while his girlfriend Faye Windass (Ellie Leach) was given the all-clear.
If you've been affected by Seb's story, please visit: https://t.co/W35MEI9xnr #Corrie pic.twitter.com/uQM7DNydGT
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) November 3, 2017
She told her partner that “we are all in this together”.
The programme also featured a link to support information for anybody suffering a similar story both on screens and via its Twitter account.
Viewers commended show writers for portraying the sad story between the two teenagers, with one writing: “Helpful story line on HIV tonight up to date knowledge and no scare mongering – job well done Corrie!”
Helpful story line on HIV tonight up to date knowledge and no scare mongering – job well done Corrie!
— CHIVA (@chivaprojects) November 3, 2017
“Good acting from @Harry_Visinoni and @ellielouleach tonight,” added another.
Good acting from @Harry_Visinoni and @ellielouleach tonight
— Alicia (@xxAlicia89) November 3, 2017
One person posted: “Really glad Coronation Street have a positive HIV storyline. I’ve been making films for @THTorguk with some amazing ppl to fight the stigma.”
Really glad Coronation Street have a positive HIV storyline. I've been making films for @THTorguk with some amazing ppl to fight the stigma
— Amy Coop (@theamycoop) November 3, 2017
Sexual health charity the Terrence Higgins Trust followed in fan footsteps, commenting: “We commend @itvcorrie for the ‘sensitive and informed portrayal’ of its first ever HIV storyline. #Corrie.”
We commend @itvcorrie for the 'sensitive and informed portrayal' of its first ever HIV storyline. #Corrie https://t.co/8w3820Rx8R
— TerrenceHigginsTrust (@THTorguk) November 3, 2017
But things turned sour after Faye’s mother Anna (Debbie Rush) was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. It came after Seb mysteriously fell from a ladder, landing him in hospital.
Coronation Street continues at 7.30pm on ITV on Monday.