Coronation Street begins Toyah Battersby's emotional storyline
The following article references the loss of a child and sexual assault.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street has kicked off Toyah Battersby's dark new storyline.
It was recently revealed that the soap will be referencing events from Toyah's teenage years as part of a new storyline, as she confides in Nick that she gave birth to a stillborn child at the age of 19 after being raped by Phil Simmonds.
With a very complex storyline to follow, the soap started setting the groundwork for this revelation in Monday's episode (April 22).
Toyah was already agitated by Sam accidentally losing Roy Cropper's pet dog Freddie, forcing her to search a park where she had some traumatising memories.
Related: Coronation Street airs police trouble for Daniel as Nicky returns
Toyah stumbled on some amateur sleuths, who suspected the missing Lauren Bolton may be buried in the park.
As they started digging, Toyah got very angry and smashed up one of their cars with their shovel. The sleuths filmed the entire outburst, leading police officer Craig Tinker to question Toyah later about alleged criminal damage.
Nick and Leanne were horrified by Toyah's behaviour, though she insisted she hadn't done anything wrong. Leanne was particularly outraged, since Rowan at the Institute had previously encouraged her to distance herself from her 'unsupportive' sister.
Nick could sense something was genuinely upsetting Toyah, so he suggested they "keep an eye on her" until they figured out what was going on.
Later, viewers saw Toyah calling in at the flower shop to buy a yellow rose – supposedly for Leanne. However, Toyah then took the rose back to the park and laid it on the dirt.
"I'm so sorry," she said.
Related: Coronation Street's George Shuttleworth upsets Glenda as new story begins
It will eventually be revealed that this is the place where Toyah buried her stillborn baby to prevent anyone from finding out.
How long will she be able to keep her secret?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Organisations including Sands and Tommy's are able to offer help and support to anyone affected by baby loss.
You Might Also Like
