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Tuesday 9 September 2014

Steve McDonald to battle depression in Coronation Street

In this week's fab Inside Soap magazine, Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn reveals a big storyline coming up for Steve McDonald.

Stuart says: "There's a huge storyline coming up that will show Steve battling depressing. That's going to be very interesting and unexpected because Steve is generally perceived as the joker of the show.  But I wanted to get to the heart of Steve and find out what's behind the character. 

"Depression in men is a subject that isn't often talked about and there's still the attitude that it can be tackled with a quick 'Cheer up, mate, have a pint'.

"But this is much more than an issue based story, I wanted a love story for Steve and Michelle and to push those characters to the forefront of the show."

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15 comments:

Zagg said...

Ugh...while I love Steve, I do not even like Michelle. Stay tuned for more arm folding and eye rolling with the speed of a one armed bandit. Steve needs a more empathetic woman who actually likes him.

Humpty Dumpty said...

Steve will be losing a good mate in Lloyd which will leave him feeling lonely and this can lead to depression. I'm not one of the anti-Michelle brigade. I'm sure her recent shrewish behaviour was down to the writers dithering about whom to match Andrea with. Sounds like Steve and Michelle pull together on this one. An interesting and helpful storyline.

Tvor said...

I think this could be very good and a good character to do it with. WE've already seen the start of it with his so-called midlife crisis, turning 40 and feeling guilty over keeping Peter's affair secret. It could get on top of him very easily.

Anonymous said...

A big yes to this storyline for sure. He's the perfect character to carry out this subject. Cheers Stuart, you got one right!

Joseph said...

I'm concerned. I suffer with depression myself on and off and while this is the right character to do it with, I just don't trust the writers to handle this well. So I'm really dreading this storyline.

Tracy said...

Joseph, hopefully the writers do their homework and they get it right and realistic. (Well, as realistic as a soap can get!)
And maybe we will see a softer side to Michelle. Must admit, she has been much nicer as of lately... Usual folded arms and accusing voice is nowhere to be found. Oops, hope I haven't spoken too soon!

Frosty the Snowman said...

Sorry but Simon Gregson is more suited to the comedic role on the Street and I dont think he is strong enough to take on this serious subject which would not suit his face pulling style of acting.

Millie said...

comic role, depression..robin williams (speaking of face pulling) and many others that hide behind their humour. Gregson is an excellent actor deserving of more range.

Anonymous said...

Oh, great...issues. Just the sort of thing to entertain me after a day at work - not.

Barrie.T said...

Another personality transplant for storyline sake. 25 years and steve has never shown one ounce of feeling down. Surely putting up with mad cows Karen and Becky would have pushed him over the edge long ago. Wouldn't it be better having Michelle battling depression. It would certainly explain why she's been so miserable and nasty to steve since she moved into the rovers. Talking of personality transplants. Has anyone noticed that maddy has become nice all of a sudden. Its almost like its a different character.

Anonymous said...

Frosty I can name dozens of comedians and comic actors who have suffered and battled depression.

Tvor said...

Why is it a personality transplant? Depression has nothing to do with your personality. Anyone can get it, it's not a personality issue, it's a medical one. And Steve has recently shown symptoms over his inability to shake the guilt he felt over knowing about Peter's affair, ultimately leading to Tina's death. He felt upset over his 40th birthday and what he saw as a futile life as well.

Anonymous said...

maybe he read the next 12 month's scriрts? ;) John H

Anonymous said...

I think its good they're tackling a mainly male related issue although I hope they don't use the "Corrie has always been about weak men and strong women" quote they used for the storyline involving Tyrones domestic abuse. If they do then that would imply domestic violence victims and depression sufferers are weak when in fact they are often strong for going through it and having the guts to speak up about it.

Anonymous said...

Although it might be a good idea to tackle such an issue, if they want to help anyone with it (if thats what the story line is about) tackling this issue of depression should be done in a much more real way other than Steve pulling his face and rubbing his hand over his bald patch. Depression,anxiety etc have hard hitting consequences it would be good to see a soap do this well and not take the softly softly approach, Hayley's assisted suicide people can understand. Real depression and mental health are difficult to understand. As is unexplained suicide it needs to be as shocking as it actually is.

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!

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