Coronation Street’s kidnapping plot has touched viewers who said it reminded them of their own experiences when coming out as gay.
Dramatic scenes in Wednesday night’s double bill of the ITV soap saw Rana’s parents attempt to kidnap her and send her to Pakistan, after they struggled to accept her lesbian romance with Kate (Faye Brookes).
Fans breathed a sigh of relief as their plan was foiled – but said it was “sickening” that such things really happen.
One person said on Twitter: “The heartbreaking thing about the #Kana storyline is that this actually happens in real life.
“One day love will win for everyone #Corrie #KeepTheFaith.”
The heartbreaking thing about the #Kana storyline is that this actually happens in real life. One day love will win for everyone #Corrie #KeepTheFaith
— Karen M Renton (@karen_renton) April 18, 2018
“Rana was saved thank god but to know this actually happens to people in real life and also much worse is heartbreaking,” said another.
Rana was saved thank god but to know this actually happens to people in real life and also much worse is heartbreaking #Corrie #Rana #Kana
— Sakina L (@sakina_53) April 18, 2018
One person tweeted: “To think that stuff actually happens is sickening poor Rana #Corrie.”
To think that stuff actually happens is sickening 😞 poor Rana #Corrie
— Chrissy H 🏳️🌈 (@Chris_1987) April 18, 2018
Others said it made them think of their own experiences.
One person tweeted: “Gosh I’m so grateful that my mum didn’t send me to Pakistan when I came out to her, this is absolutely awful watching #Rana having her own parents doing this to her.”
Gosh I'm so grateful that my mum didn't send me to Pakistan when I came out to her, this is absolutely awful watching #Rana having her own parents doing this to her #Corrie @BhavnaLimbachia
— Zen (@ZenLaila) April 18, 2018
Another said: “I’m so lucky to be able to say that my coming out was more like Kate’s, but I remember worrying that it would end up like Rana’s at the time!
“I cannot imagine what it is like to actually go through that my heart breaks for Rana.”
I’m so lucky to be able to say that my coming out was more like Kate’s, but I remember worrying that it would end up like Rana’s at the time! I cannot imagine what it is like to actually go through that my heart breaks for Rana ✨💛✨ @BhavnaLimbachia @Faye_Brookes #Corrie pic.twitter.com/2iNVKjl7s7
— Sophie 💧 (@Sophie_Jauregui) April 18, 2018
Another said: “I’m so lucky that my parents are supportive like Johnny! But there are so many people who aren’t this lucky and accepted, this is why Rana’s storyline is so important!!”
I’m so lucky that my parents are supportive like Johnny! But there are so many people who aren’t this lucky and accepted, this is why Rana’s storyline is so important!!🏳️🌈💗
Thank you @BhavnaLimbachia and @Faye_Brookes 💗 #kana #corrie @itvcorrie pic.twitter.com/fEGue9WhB0
— AmyJane💋 (@kana_my_loves) April 18, 2018
Fans said they were “blown away” by actress Bhavna Limbachia’s sensitive portrayal of Rana.
One impressed viewer said it was an acting “powerhouse”, while another said her performance was “truly amazing”.
Emotional and heart wrenching episode of @itvcorrie tonight. Running out of superlatives for @BhavnaLimbachia truly amazing performances #corrie #rana
— Chantal 💃 (@chantalkjl) April 18, 2018
The actress said she was “overwhelmed” by all the praise, writing on Twitter: “Let’s take a moment to remember those who couldn’t find peace & for those who still need support.
Overwhelmed by all your heart warming comments re @itvcorrie tonight 🙏🏽 Let’s take a moment to remember those who couldn’t find peace & for those who still need support. Contact @nazandmatt -hello@nazandmattfoundation.org | Karma Nirvana – @KNFMHBV -0800 5999 247 #corrie #kana pic.twitter.com/7qud5xJih7
— Bhavna Limbachia (@BhavnaLimbachia) April 18, 2018
“Contact @nazandmatt -hello@nazandmattfoundation.org | Karma Nirvana – @KNFMHBV -0800 5999 247.”