As Coronation Street continues its emotional storyline, the production team has been praised for its commitment to accuracy and compassion. ITV confirmed that its research team collaborated closely with the Spinal Injuries Association to ensure the depiction of Tyrone’s recovery reflects real-life challenges faced by those living with paralysis. A network spokesperson said: “In the coming months viewers will see Tyrone’s struggle to deal with the mental and physical effects of the injury which will put real strain on his and Fiz’s marriage.”
Alan Halsall, who has portrayed Tyrone for more than two decades, expressed deep gratitude after meeting Martin and Gabby Hibbert. “We might be telling this story on screen but at the end of the day we go home to our family and friends and leave behind what the characters are going through,” he said. “Even just trying to negotiate getting round the set in the wheelchair has been a real eye-opener for me, so to hear Martin’s own stories about how his life has changed has been really helpful and also humbling.”
Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz, echoed those sentiments, explaining how vital it was to understand both sides of living with injury — for the person affected and their loved ones. “For Fiz trying to juggle family life and caring for Tyrone is really difficult,” she said. “It was invaluable for us to meet them both and hear Gabby’s side of their story. For them, their lives changed in an instant in so many ways and that is what Fiz is having to deal with whilst looking after Tyrone.”
Mr Hibbert, now a passionate advocate for the spinal injury community, continues to use his platform to promote awareness and support research into rehabilitation. His meeting with the Coronation Street team highlights how storytelling in popular culture can help audiences better understand real-world experiences of resilience, recovery, and the power of shared compassion.