Coronation Street star Sydney Martin has praised the work of the make-up artists behind the prosthetics for Betsy Swain’s storyline. The star’s character is currently hospitalised after suffering a stroke, which happened after she and Dylan Wilson experimented with strangulation in bed.
Make-up artist Alexandra Hargreaves helped create the realistic prosthetics to portray Betsy’s condition, and she has taken to Instagram to open up a bit about the process.
“I created three pieces; an eyelid bondo, that restricted the eye from opening fully, a piece that sat under the eye, creating subtle sagging and a drooping corner of the lip to provide further restrictions, resulting in the left side overcompensating,” she explained.
“Myself, @gillywalshy , @lozenger92 conducted a life cast of Sydney’s face to-ensure the pieces could be sculpted to Sydney’s face, this worked perfectly.”
Alexandra praised the “truly outstanding” and “talented” Sydney who “absolutely brought to life” her work, before concluding: “Thank you to our designer for this opportunity @gillywalshy.”
Writing in the comments, Sydney responded: “Forever obsessed with you and everything you do! you just ooze talent and have the biggest heart- I love you!!!”
The artist then replied: “So do you, you’re truly amazing! Outstanding performance! so proud of us all we love you !”
Sydney also shared Alexandra’s post on her own Instagram Stories, writing: “Take a look at the absolutely incredible work by @alexh_artistry_.” She also commended the “talent” of the other artists and wrote “I [heart] women!!!!! What a team”.
Corrie scenes this evening (Wednesday 22 July) will see Dylan visit Betsy in hospital, where he apologises for his responsibility in her stroke. Betsy is moved, while the police arrive to take a statement.
However, Betsy tells Lisa she won’t give a statement, explaining that Dylan is genuinely sorry and she doesn’t want him facing police action.
Meanwhile, Betsy will be discharged next week – though she’s nervous about heading home amid her recovery. She later makes a big decision about her future in London, leaving Lisa and Carla shocked.
