Coronation Street star Tanisha Gorey has revealed details about her character Asha Alahan's upcoming harrowing storyline exploring mental health struggles. The 23-year-old actress, who has portrayed Asha since 2009, will take centre stage in a special hour-long episode focusing on the overwhelming pressures facing her character as she trains to become a paramedic.
The distinctive episode, scheduled to broadcast on Monday 25 August, will peel back the layers of Asha's composed facade to reveal the turmoil beneath. The second half unfolds entirely through Asha's eyes, rewinding to a traumatic day that drives her to her emotional limits.
Breaking point revealed
Viewers will witness Asha experience the full horror of a shift that includes a death, an injured elderly resident, and a harrowing racist attack. The episode culminates in her desperate struggle to breathe in the Rovers' backyard, overwhelmed by a crippling panic attack.
As her twin brother Aadi, played by Adam Hussain, prepares to embark on a new chapter in India, Asha battles her inner demons. She remains desperate to keep her true feelings hidden from her family.
Real-world collaboration
The ITV soap has collaborated with The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC) for this storyline to ensure authenticity and sensitivity. The charity's crisis phoneline has supported over 1,000 people in crisis, including student paramedics facing similar struggles.
During her appearance on Lorraine, Tanisha emphasised the significance of tackling such subject matter with proper research and respect. "It was quite a lot of filming but it was really nice to get my teeth into something," she said.
Authentic preparation
The actress revealed her personal connection to the storyline and extensive preparation methods. "For me I actually am very interested in it. It was something that I could have potentially have done if I wasn't in Coronation Street," she explained.
Tanisha visits ambulance stations and speaks with paramedics to ensure accuracy in her portrayal. "I do really care about it and I do want to do it justice. I want to get it right and I do go on days out to the ambulance stations and talk to them all because I want everything to be right and it's all medical. It has to be spot on," she said.
Broader impact
The actress acknowledged the pressure of representing healthcare workers accurately. "It was the pressure of just doing it right and it's brilliant. Something like this, it's really sad and it's really horrible to hear, ever single person will know somebody who is in the healthcare industry and can relate to it," she continued.
Discussing the storyline's importance, Tanisha revealed her sense of honour at being trusted with such material. "I feel honoured to be trusted with a storyline of this scale and significance. Stepping into the shoes of a trainee paramedic and exploring the highs, lows, and emotional challenges of their work has been both moving and eye-opening."
Meaningful storytelling
She hopes the storyline will reach people and spark important conversations. "It's a role that carries a huge responsibility, and I hope we've done justice to the reality so many face. If this story reaches even one person, sparks a conversation, or offers a moment of understanding, then it's served its purpose," she said.
The episode will be available to watch from 7am on ITVX before its evening broadcast. Coronation Street continues on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
Sources used: "Leicestershire Live", "Daily Star", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
