Deleted 1960s Corrie suicide scenes finally to be shown

There's a story in the Mirror today  that says a suicide story in Coronation Street that was axed for being too controversial in 1963 is finally to be shown.

The Corrie Years, which looks back at the most explosive plots in the soap’s 50-year history, will include factory worker Sheila Birtles attempting suicide after she is dumped by her lover. Soap bosses filmed actress Eileen Mayers swallowing a bottle of pills before vomiting in a bin. Neighbours were to have rescued her in what would have been one of the most shocking scenes to be seen on TV in the 60s. But broadcasters got cold feet when the story line was leaked, leading to a mailbag of complaints from viewers – although Mayers was said to be disappointed.

A TV source said: “At the time it was deemed too controversial. But compared to what goes on in soaps these days, I don’t think the scene will be very shocking.”

The Corrie Years will be broadcast later this year.