Charity helps Corrie with storyline on heart attack
CORONATION Street has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation for a storyline that could help save the lives of viewers.
Fans will see Weatherfield resident Tim Metcalfe suffer a heart attack, which prompts wife Sally to overhaul his lifestyle.
Loveable Tim, played by Joe Duttine, 48, will start to feel unwell but he brushes it off as does not want to make a fuss.
As the day goes by he becomes increasingly sweaty, experiences pains in his chest and down his arm. Worried Sally, played by Sally Dynevor, 55, forces him to go to see his doctor.
The GP immediately recognises the signs, calls for an ambulance and Tim is rushed to hospital where he receives the devastating news that he’s suffered a heart attack.
He is then warned that if he doesn’t change his lifestyle he could suffer another one. Sally, decides to put him on a strict diet and exercise regime.
Coronation Street bosses are working closely with the British Heart Foundation to make sure they get the storyline, which will be aired in the spring, right.
Last night the hit ITV soap was praised by the charity for raising awareness about the devastating condition. Philippa Hobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Every three minutes in the UK, someone is rushed to hospital having had a heart attack.
“It’s great to see Coronation street raising awareness of this devastating condition, which affects so many people across the country. It’s still essential for us all to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack in ourselves and those around us.”
A show source said: “Sally is beside herself when Tim has a heart attack.
“They’ve been through so much over the last few months and are finally looking forward to their future together when she realises she could’ve lost him.
“It’s a real wake up call for her, and Sally being Sally, takes charge by putting him on a strict diet and devises a fitness plan.
“It’s not going to be easy as Tim loves his beer and is partial to a bacon butty. She’s going to have her work cut out.”
The source added: “Tim’s a bit of a couch potato and likes nothing better than sitting in front of the TV watching the footie with a few cans.
“That’s all going to stop once he’s released from hospital. There’s also the small matter of their sex life.
“They’ve always been one of the randiest couples on the street and while Sally wants him to exercise, more things are going to be very different when it comes to what they get up to in the bedroom.”
Tim and Sally are one of soap’s most popular couples. A Coronation Street spokesman said: “Our research team and writers have been working with the British Heart Foundation looking at Tim’s lifestyle choices and the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise.”
For more details about the British Heart Foundation go to bhf.org.uk