Huison pays tribute to soldiers' families

Coronation Street star Steve Huison has said that his thoughts are with real-life parents who have children serving in Afghanistan.

Last night, the actor's character Eddie Windass and partner Anna (Debbie Rush) discovered that their son Gary had been injured by a roadside bomb during his tour of duty in the troubled country. The explosion also killed three of Gary's colleagues, including his close friend Quinny.

The development came as part of a long-running storyline which has seen Gary learn the value of the armed forces before signing up to become a soldier himself.

Speaking of the plot, Huison told the Manchester Evening News: "They're definitely the most emotional scenes we've ever done as a family in the Street. We all feel a huge responsibility with this story.

"My heart goes out to parents with sons and daughters in Afghanistan. You wouldn't be able to rest or switch it off, watching the news bulletins all the time. It must be harrowing.

"And something like this would be devastating. Let's just hope that they're getting the support they need."

Scenes to air in forthcoming episodes will explore how Gary's (Mikey North) experience in Afghanistan has affected him as it becomes clear that he is no longer the man he was.