Radio and television presenter Zoe Ball has praised ITV soap Coronation Street for the way it approached the issue of male suicide in character Aidan Connor’s exit storyline.
In an hour-long episode screened on May 9, Aidan, played by former X Factor winner Shayne Ward, was found at his flat by his father Johnny (Richard Hawley) after taking his own life.
The special edition of the programme showed the impact Aidan’s death had on the show’s characters, including his sister Carla (Alison King) and Corrie stalwart Gail (Helen Worth).
Ball’s partner, cameraman Billy Yates, was found dead at his home in south London last year.
In March, the BBC Radio 2 presenter spoke about the grief and personal struggles she has gone through since his suicide last May.
Ball wrote in a tweet on Monday: “Finally braved the Aidan storyline on @itvcorrie. Lots of tears.
“Gail’s speech, Johnny’s grief, Carla’s slow melt. Brilliant writing, acting and directing. (broken heart emoji) #MentalHealthAwarnessWeek”
Finally braved the Aidan storyline on @itvcorrie Lots of tears. Gail’s speech, Johnny’s grief, Carla’s slow melt. Brilliant writing, acting & directing. 💔#MentalHealthAwarnessWeek
— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) May 14, 2018
Ball has posted a series of tweets using the hashtag for the Mental Health Awareness Week campaign, which is running until Sunday.
Actor Ward has been nominated in the best soap actor category for this year’s TV Choice Awards.
Coronation Street producer Kate Oates has said of the Aidan suicide storyline: “With 84 men taking their lives each week, we simply can’t afford to not talk about it.”
Coronation Street continues on ITV.