Coronation Street star’s future confirmed after appearing in just TWO episodes this year
CORONATION Street fan-favourite character future revealed – despite the star only popping up in two episodes so far this year.
The ITV soap is welcoming back actress Christine Mackie to the cobbles as Dr Susan Gaddass in Coronation Street.
The popular character has been involved in various storylines, from Sinead Tinker’s death to diagnosing Max Turner with ADHD.
More recently, she appeared in the Manchester-based soap back in January and February this year, as part of Abi Webster’s PTSD storyline.
Abi spoke to the doctor about her “visions” of Mason Radcliffe who died in her arms after he was stabbed with a zombie knife.
She also spoke of her hallucinations of her late son Seb Franklin, who was brutally kicked to death back in 2021.
But with Abi’s mental health currently under control, what brings Dr Susan Gaddass back to Weatherfield?
Devout Corrie fans might remember her first role in 1989 when she played a nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Blackpool.
In 1992, Christine returned to play the role of Chris Jones, a tutor at the School of Nursing.
Eighteen years later in 2010, Christine reappeared in a totally different role as Bella, a dancing instructor.
In 2014, Christine joined the Rosamund Street Medical Centre as Dr Susan Gaddas, a general practitioner.
Her first patient was Max who was brought into the clinic by his parents David and Kylie Platt after Max’s behaviour spun out of control.
Dr Gaddas eventually diagnosed Max with ADHD and referred him to a child psychologist.
She went on to treat many Coronation Street residents including Beth Tinker who had hives from an allergic reaction and an upset Steve McDonald who she diagnosed with depression.
She has also helped patients with eating disorders, drug addictions and heart palpitations but most poignant of all was her heart warming treatment of Sinead Tinker.
Sinead was dying of cancer and did not want to die in a hospital so was allowed to stay in her flat with her beloved son Bertie and partner Daniel.
Soap's most harrowing teen storylines
We take a look at other harrowing teen soap storylines from soaps Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale – Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey in Emmerdale took a dark turn when, after accidentally killing her best friend Gemma at just 16, her mental health began to spiral.
The storyline, which saw Belle struggling with her grief and guilt, showcased her battle with hearing Gemma’s voice inside her head, leading to a dramatic decline in her well-being.
Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks – Viewers were horrified as they watched Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, spiral into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she thought was the ideal body.
As Hannah’s condition worsened, the storyline became more intense, culminating in her being hospitalised for two months as she fought for her life.
Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street – Vulnerable schoolgirl, played by Lucy Fallon, was at the centre of one of Corrie’s darkest storylines to date when she fell under the spell of her older boyfriend and sexual predator.
The controversial scenes saw Nathan groom and manipulate the 16-year-old before coercing her into sleeping with his friends, with one of them raping her.
Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders – Since the age of 12, she had been in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator had groomed young Whit (Shona McGarty), making her believe she was in love and planning to run away with him.
On her 16th birthday, the traumatised teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca. Tony was swiftly sent to prison sentenced for 13 years.
Her mother, Beth Tinker asked Dr Gaddas around to check up on her and the Doctor made sure that Sinead was comfortable.
Before she left she told Sinead that she was deeply loved by everyone on the street and brought her baby son into see her.
It remains to be seen what new storylines Dr Gaddas will be involved in or why she is returning to the cobbles.
When Christine not on the long-running soap, you can find her acting on stage.
She has previously starred in King Lear at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester, playing the lead role of Lear.
Speaking about performing in the show, she said: “I was astonished to be asked to play Lear but I’m so excited about it.”
Fans say she looked unrecognisable as Lear with the all-female cast.
The Guardian praised her for bringing “clarity and passion to the title role.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 or watch from 7am on ITVX.