Brave end till the

Sinead Tinker passes away this week – after a final act of forgiveness, says Corrie actress Katie Mcglynn

Cancer-stricken Sinead Tinker loses her fight for life in Coronation Street this week after the heartbreak of discovering her husband Daniel has kissed besotted Bethany Platt.

Sinead is devastated by Daniel’s betrayal but decides it’s for the best to forgive him before she dies. ‘Sinead’s furious. She is deteriorating, and this hurries her death along,’ says Katie Mcglynn, who plays Sinead.

‘She understands why Daniel did it, given the pressure he’s been under, and she forgives him because he’s got to look after their son Bertie.’

Later, Sinead passes away peacefully on her bed watched by Bertie and her shellshocked husband.

The tragic scenes took their toll on Katie, who decided to leave Corrie after six years in the role. ‘It was tiring and emotional, there was lots of crying,’ she says. ‘I can’t come back, of course, but that was my choice. When I was told there was a cervical cancer storyline, I suggested Sinead should pass away to shake things up. It’s depressing, but real life’s not a fairytale, is it?

‘I can’t fault the impact of the storyline. I’ve had women in a similar position say that it’s helped them. A nurse sent me a message saying the number of cervical cancer screenings has gone up in the past few weeks because of the plotline. That’s amazing.’

Sinead’s final week begins with her loved ones throwing a surprise Christmas party for her – with fake snow (pictured, inset) and Christmas dinner. When Daniel becomes distressed and breaks down in the ginnel, Bethany consoles him with a kiss and a cuddle. Later, Sinead reads Bethany’s notebook and realises

she’s in love with Daniel, who confesses to his wife.

Another family’s in turmoil over the scenes – Katie’s own. ‘They don’t want to watch their daughter die, and Mum is so invested she recently said, “I don’t know if I can watch, it’s making me sad.” But they’re also excited for me.’

Now Katie, 26, is looking forward to what lies ahead. ‘I decided I had to leave, or I never would,’ says the Greater Manchester-born actor. ‘I’ve had auditions, so we’ll see. I’d love

to get my teeth into a completely different part, be it theatre, TV or film.

‘I’m ambitious. That’s why I took the chance to see what’s out there – I may regret asking to be killed off in a year if I haven’t got a job!’

There are certain things she won’t mind leaving behind. ‘I won’t miss getting up dead early for filming,’ she says. ‘And I won’t miss not being able to change my image. I probably won’t change a lot, but at least I’ve got the option now!’ ■