Coronation Street viewers moved to tears by Gail Rodwell's 'haunting' monologue after finding out about Aidan Connor's suicide

Gail's words were spoken as news spread
Natasha Sporn10 May 2018

Coronation Street viewers applauded Gail Rodwell’s emotional speech as news of Aidan Connor’s death spread through Weatherfield.

Aidan – played by Shayne Ward – took his own life in a heartbreaking storyline at the end of Monday night’s episode , with his father Johnny Connor – played by Richard Hawley – discovering his son at the beginning of Wednesday’s hour long episode .

Gail, played by Helen Worth, stared out of her window as she spoke to her mother Audrey Roberts in a compassionate monologue that pulled at the heartstrings of so many viewers.

She began: “Forty-odd years I've lived on this street. That same view every day. Practically know every cobble back to front. I like to think we look out for each other around here and without being nosey, know what's going on in each other's lives. But you don't, do you?

Moving: Gail Platt spoke to her off-screen mum about Aidan Connor and how she hoped she would have listened
ITV

“Not that I knew him that well. Just to say hello to really. But he was always polite with me, which is more than you can say for some folk. I hope I'd have listened if he ever wanted to speak to me, not that he would have done.”

While she spoke, scenes of characters including the factory staff, Michelle Connor and Summer Spellman being told of Aidan’s suicide played in beautifully produced scenes.

Gail continued: “I wonder when he did it? When I was reading the kids a bedtime story? When I was getting ready for bed? When I was having some toast this morning? Or was I sleeping, safe in here with the double glazing and the central heating thinking our problems are bigger than everybody else's?

“Well, happen we've all been sleeping Mam. I can't stop thinking about poor Johnny. His son's not coming home tonight. I just hope to god mine is.”

Viewers, already in tears after Johnny screamed upon finding his son, were emotional again as they praised the writer’s for such an emotional speech.

Final scene: Aidan Connor took his own life at the end of Monday night's episode
ITV

One wrote: “Whoever wrote Gail's speech deserves an award. That was something else. So haunting, so beautiful and so true #Corrie.”

While another said: “Gail’s voiceover and the montage of everyone finding out about Aidan’s suicide was beautifully done. But I’m an emotional wreck right now. #Corrie at its best tonight.”

“Wow! Just wow. There are no words powerful enough to describe how to feel after Gail's speech. @itvcorrie #Corrie,” added somebody else.

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123, visit a local branch or go to samaritans.org.

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