Phillips suggests Corrie depression plot

Fiona Phillips has claimed that Coronation Street should tackle the issue of depression in a future storyline.

The former GMTV host spoke out after the soap's long-serving cast member Beverley Callard admitted that she is on the road to recovery following a serious breakdown.

Writing in her column for The Mirror, Phillips commented: "Corrie's Beverley Callard is proof that depression can hit anyone, no matter how happy or successful they appear to be."

Callard, who plays Weatherfield's Liz McDonald, said last week that she is now teaming up with the charity Mind in an attempt to lift the stigma which can often cause difficulties "for the one in four people who experience mental health problems".

Phillips added: "In the current economic climate - with people losing jobs, homes and sometimes loved ones due to the strain of coping with the recession - Beverley's words ring true.

"Maybe she could persuade Corrie bosses to highlight the illness in a storyline?"

Phillips stood down from GMTV in December 2008 and has since concentrated on new TV projects.