Coronation Street spoilers: Viewers praise Shayne Ward’s ‘powerful’ performance

After Aidan (played by Shayne Ward) went and put some of his life matters to rest, the Coronation Street episode ended on him breaking down in his flat.

The ITV soap will pick up on Wednesday with the aftermath of him taking his own life, as his father Johnny Connor (Richard Hawley) finds Aidan dead in his flat.

Viewers saw Aidan go through some heart-wrenching final scenes as he planned to take his own life.

In the first half of the double bill, Aidan was seen in a touching moment with dad Johnny as he admitted he was proud of all his children.

He also shared a special scene with his newborn daughter, despite the fact he didn’t know she was his at first, although he soon cottoned on.

At the end of the first instalment he was seen turning up at the house Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) has been holed up in after giving birth to Aidan’s child.

He apologised for how he treated her when he found out she was pregnant, although Eva noted that he’d already expressed remorse before.

Eva then received a call from Leanne (Jane Danson) and Toyah (Georgia Taylor), who didn’t know Aidan was there.

It was clear Aidan had put two and two together as he overheard their chat and realised he was baby Susie’s father.

He and his ex-fiancee then shared an emotional conversation, where it was implied Aidan knew the truth.

Aidan began: “Bet you’re excited to see the baby, I am I’ve seen her. I even got to hold her, she’s beautiful.”

Eva then began to break down as she sobbed: “I’m sorry.”

However, Aidan was quick to comfort her: “Don’t worry, I totally understand why you lied about being pregnant last year.

“Seeing Peter and Toyah today. I’m not ready to be a dad. That imaginary baby, nobody would want me to be their dad.”

Eva was clearly distressed at his assertion and replied: “Stop talking in riddles, answer my question, why are you really here?”

Aidan then revealed he wanted to dance with her, seeing as they never got to at their doomed wedding.

“If you never come back and if you never see me again, I thought it might be a way for us to say goodbye.”

The pair then embraced each other as they danced in the heart wrenching scene.

Eva confessed she still loved him, but Aidan replied: “No.”

He told her the “real reason” as to why he had come to see her: “It was just to say, whatever you decide to do with the baby its the right thing because you’re the best person I know and you’re better off without me.”

Aidan then made his way back to the Street, where he reassured Toyah: “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

In the Rover’s, he gave away an expensive watch to Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) to give to her son Liam before he sat with his family, evidently disconnected to those laughing and joking around him as he starred into space.

The closing moments of the episode saw Aidan break down in tears in his flat, hinting at the tragic act which would come next.

Those watching at home were clearly moved as the soap tackled the hard-hitting topic of male suicide and took to Twitter to comment.

“Aidan is absolutely breaking my heart #corrie,” one wrote.

While another added: “That was uncomfortable to watch but a brilliant performance from @shayneTward #Corrie.”

“That was genuinely the saddest thing I’ve ever watched on @itvcorrie I’m crying my eyes out. Please talk to someone if you’re feeling like Aidan #corrie,” a viewer stated.

“Ah mate that was powerful. amazing acting from @shayneTward #Corrie @itvcorrie,” a fourth added.

A fifth declared: “That montage was powerful. Massive props to Shayne Ward and Corrie that was moving stuff.”

Coronation Street continues Wednesday at 7.30pm on ITV.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.