Catherine Tyldesley has spoken candidly about what she finds most frightening as a parent, revealing how real-life concerns intersect with her work on Coronation Street. The 42-year-old actress, who returned to the soap last month as Eva Price, admitted that a storyline involving her on-screen step-son being groomed has struck a particularly personal chord. On-Screen Storyline Hits Close to Home Eva’s step-son Will, 16, is being secretly groomed by a female sports coach, a plotline that has made Catherine reflect on her own parenting. She told Fabulous magazine: “It has cut deep for all of us, especially with having children. It’s terrifying… it happens a lot. That’s why I will be letting Alfie watch it, because we’ve got to help protect kids.” Parenting in the Digital Age Catherine, who shares 10-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Iris with husband Tom Pitfield, spoke about the challenges of modern parenting. Concerned about online dangers and the influence of technology, she referenced shows like Adolescence and Channel 4’s Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones to illustrate the risks of misogyny, online radicalization, and excessive screen time. She explained how she limits Alfie’s phone use: “Alfie has a mobile phone, but it has a tracking device on it and all he can do is make calls. He’s not allowed on social media and doesn’t have the phone when he is on his own.” Using Soap Storylines as Teaching Tools Tyldesley sees the grooming storyline as more than just drama—it’s a way to educate young viewers and their parents. “I do think Will’s grooming will massively highlight what’s going on, and a lot of young people watch the show,” she said, emphasizing the importance of confronting difficult issues through mainstream media. Speaking Out on Body Image Beyond online safety, Catherine also addressed another key soap issue: weight-loss treatments. Reflecting on Bethany Platt’s storyline, she admitted that in her younger years she felt immense pressure to look a certain way and would crash-diet. Now, as a mother, she focuses on setting a healthy example for her children: “I’ve got to let Iris see that food helps. I really try to educate her and Alfie on food, and that in any walk of life, you’re not going to be able to function properly without it.” The Return of Eva Price Catherine’s return to Coronation Street marks a homecoming after seven years away. Eva’s character has a storied history on the cobbles, including a complicated relationship with Aidan Connor, a faked pregnancy, and raising baby Susie. Since leaving the show in 2018, Catherine has appeared in other projects, such as the sitcom Scarborough and Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical, as well as starring alongside Shayne Ward in The Good Ship Murder. Catherine Reflects on Returning to Corrie Although she had left the soap behind, Catherine has never closed the door on a full return. “Coronation Street feels like forever ago, but I always look back with such great fondness,” she said. “If they approached me with an amazing storyline and the time was right, of course, I’d go back. So it’s always a case of never say never.” Balancing Career and Family Through candid interviews, Catherine has shown that parenting, career, and personal growth are deeply intertwined. From tackling tough issues on-screen to guiding her children in the real world, she continues to use her platform to address critical conversations around safety, self-image, and family responsibility. Using Storytelling for Awareness Whether it’s highlighting the dangers of online grooming or the pressures of body image, Catherine Tyldesley demonstrates how storytelling can educate, provoke discussion, and resonate with audiences, all while navigating her own life as a mother of two. Looking Ahead With Eva back on the cobbles and Catherine juggling multiple projects and parenting responsibilities, it’s clear that the actress is embracing both challenges and opportunities. Fans of Coronation Street can expect Eva to be at the heart of compelling storylines, while Catherine continues to speak openly about the realities of modern parenthood.