Coronation Street star Vicky Myers faced a life-changing moment in 2010 when doctors diagnosed her with malignant melanoma on her calf. The cancer battle that followed didn't just test her physically - it fundamentally changed how she approaches life and her career as DS Lisa Swain.
The diagnosis forced Myers to undergo treatment and reconstructive surgery, becoming a pivotal moment that made her reassess everything. "I was in a poor state of mental health because I was trying to juggle an awful lot of things," Myers explains. "Then the diagnosis happened and I realised what I would have given to have that time back."
Life perspective transformed
The cancer experience grounded Myers in ways nothing else could. "I try to remember that now because the fear of potentially not experiencing certain times, like my daughter's wedding, or even another autumn re-centred my mind on what was actually important," she says.
This newfound appreciation for life's precious moments contrasts sharply with her character Lisa Swain, who struggles to let things go. Myers hints at stormy scenes ahead as Lisa's relationship with Carla Connor heats up on screen.
Proposal plans and family drama
Carla is preparing to propose to Lisa, even seeking permission from Lisa's daughter Betsy for the engagement. "Carla asks for her permission," Myers reveals. "It's the mother-daughter relationship Carla's yearned for, but the plans are fumbled by a neighbour."
That neighbour is David Platt, who has been clashing with the detective sergeant since she and Carla moved into No.6 with Betsy and Carla's nephew Ryan. "Lisa wants to move forward and be happy," Myers says. "She wants this family and she loves Ryan, she's happy he's in the fold."
Dark secrets resurface
The arrival of Tia Wardley this week forces Lisa back into investigating her late wife Becky's death in the line of duty. Prison inmate Logan Radcliffe reluctantly provided Lisa with this new lead after Carla's prison visit seeking answers about Becky's corruption case.
"Lisa doesn't give up," Myers explains. "We've already seen her take off Becky's wedding ring but she's extremely suspicious, she doesn't know what to think." Reopening this investigation could strain Lisa and Carla's relationship, as Lisa struggles between moving forward and finding closure.
Authentic representation matters
Myers, 49, takes pride in portraying authentic LGBTQ+ representation through the "Swarla" relationship - the fan-coined name for Lisa and Carla. "It shows how much Lisa was needed, her and her blended family," she says. "It's not shown enough, and I hadn't portrayed a character that's part of the LGBTQIA."
Growing up in the 1980s during the AIDS epidemic, Myers witnessed horrific homophobia firsthand. "I remember it was horrific. To be able to portray Lisa with Ali - we're making history. It's needed," she emphasises, rejecting any suggestion of "queer-baiting" in favour of authentic storytelling.
Strong bonds on and off screen
The fan response to Lisa and Carla's relationship has deeply moved Myers, who receives substantial fan mail that she wishes she had more time to answer personally. "The amount of fan mail and the effort people go to is really something," she says.
Myers has formed close relationships with her co-stars, calling Alison King her "work wife" and describing Sydney Martin as "like a second daughter." Away from filming, she finds balance in nature, often hugging trees barefoot - a practice she acknowledges some find eccentric but brings her calm.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Metro", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
