Coronation Street star Lisa George has openly shared her challenging journey after stepping away from the ITV soap.
The actress has been facing NAION – non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy – a serious condition that can result in sudden vision loss due to restricted blood flow to the optic nerve. With partial blindness in one eye and only peripheral vision in the other, Lisa has spoken about her anxieties around her condition.
Since her diagnosis, Lisa has felt inspired to explore new opportunities beyond her long-standing role on Corrie. Reflecting on her health journey on Morning Live, she recalled an experience at the theater while watching a Shakespeare production: “At the end of one scene, the stage went completely dark. The actors left, and I thought, my goodness, I wouldn’t be able to handle that. I wouldn’t be able to see or navigate my way offstage.”
“That night, I went home, and it had a profound effect on me. I realized I might not be able to do theater again, and it set off a wave of panic. I knew I needed to venture out. Although I’d talked to my producer about my fears, deep down, I felt the time had come for a change.”
Explaining her choice to leave the soap, Lisa shared her desire to take on diverse roles. “There were still things I wanted to accomplish, and that’s why I felt the need to move forward. I didn’t want to be defined by one character forever. It would have been easy to stay, but I felt the urge to reconnect with my roots and pursue something new.”
Lisa is resolute in not allowing her condition to control her life. Speaking openly, she admitted: “It really scared me. I was terrified because the future is so uncertain. But I just carry on, because, really, what other option is there? I just have to approach it with a different perspective.”
She shared that certain adjustments have been made to help her adapt, such as increasing the font size on her computer and relying on larger print. Lisa also described some of the daily challenges she faces, like accidentally dropping cups when trying to place them on tables or frequently bumping into furniture around her home.
Host Helen Skelton praised Lisa’s positive outlook, remarking, “Your ability to laugh at yourself will inspire others,” and commended her for her openness about her struggles. The BBC program then took a moment to demonstrate ways for viewers to increase text size on their mobile devices.
- Coronation Street Star Alan Halsall Shares Big Worry Ahead of His I’m A Celeb Appearance
- Coronation Street’s Peter Ash Scores Major New Role After His Character’s Exit From the Soap
- Toyah and Nick ‘Caught in the Act’ as They Fail to Get Fully Dressed on Coronation Street
- Coronation Street Teases Trouble for Lisa Swain After Fans Uncover ‘Sinister Plot’
- Corrie Shock! Wendi Peters Criticizes Les Battersby’s Off-Screen Exit and Shares Bold Vision for Cilla’s Demise
- Devoted Dad Alan Halsall from Corrie Shares Heartbreaking Reason He’d Leave I’m A Celebrity Again
