*MY OPINION* WHY BETSY SWAIN'S ARRIVAL THIS YEAR HAS BEEN INTERESTING

Ever since Betsy Swain's arrival to the cobbles of Coronation Street earlier this year, viewers to the Weatherfield based soap have seen Betsy become more vulnerable when it comes to Joel Deering's actions as well as in scenes that have seen her open up about her own ordeal alongside her relationship becoming stronger with her mum.

When Betsy first arrived we didn't really know much, but as the year as gone on we have learnt a lot which I think explains so much.

At the beginning of August for me saw Betsy really come into her own as Joel Deering finally realised who Betsy Swain's mother was aka DS Swain which I think threw him, but Betsy showing her fun and mysterious side with Mason Radcliffe which weirdly helped both of them out, however as the weeks continued you could see the attention seeking side. However, it wasn't long before Betsy started to blackmail Joel as she became feisty/ sassy as the week went on, but by the following week her vulnerability was shining through.

During Friday 16th August's episode, Betsy opened up to her mum about Joel's action which saw her speak with him at the police station where he continued to lie, however, it was the moment that DS Swain searched Joel's name on the police system and saw his connection with Lauren Bolton - this was when you could see that DS Swain was finally onto him.

Photo Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street

During September's episodes viewers have seen a vulnerable Betsy come to life as she really struggled with her self-belief which you could see in her relationship with her mother, DS Swain but thanks to Carla Connor having a word with Betsy this changed for a brief moment, however soon Betsy saw her mother and Carla Connor sharing a brief moment and stormed out. I personally really hope that Betsy opened up to her mother about everything she has gone through with Joel, but at the same time how much is down to the death of her other mum who died? It does make you wonder.

Later in the month, Betsy broke down again to Carla who confessed to her mother about her involvement in Lauren's son Frankie's premature birth in a scene that I've to admit I wasn't expecting, never thought she was involved but it's great to see Betsy wanting to help Lauren Bolton bring Joel to justice for his cruel actions. One thing I got from these scenes is that she needed her mum, and that was developed in following episodes especially during the week her mother and Carla agreed to give their relationship a go thanks to Roy Cropper's wise words to Lisa.

October saw her friendship with Mason return as texts were found on Joel's laptop. Carla and Lisa's support to Betsy over the past few weeks has been great. With Betsy becoming more appreciative of her mum and their relationship which is getting a little stronger, however during 1st November's episode seeing her break down once again and you could see how scared she was for her mother in her line of work, but it led to some heartfelt scenes especially after what happened to Becky which I hope is revealed more to us viewers in 2025.

I am really enjoying the Swarla/ Betsy dynamic and I am excited to see this develop into 2025.

The more Betsy's friendship with Mason developed you really are seeing what brilliant actors Sydney Martin and Luca Toolan are especially in tonight's episode (20th December) with Mason really looking after her as well as wanting to not rush into a relationship showing a mature side to the character something I hope they continue into the New Year.

What's been your favourite Betsy moment?

Betsy Swain really is a complex character and one that Sydney Martin plays brilliantly showing everyone what a great young actress she is! Vicky Myers and Alison King thank you for being brilliant as well in the scenes mentioned - you three really are a forced to be reckoned with.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday's at 8pm on ITV and ITVX.