Shayne Ward’s fiancée Sophie Austin has shared her pride over his emotional exit scenes from Coronation Street.
On Tuesday night, viewers watched Shayne’s character Aidan Connor’s heartbreaking final scenes before he ended his own life.
Writing on Instagram today, Sophie praised her man for doing the important storyline justice and raising awareness for male mental health.
Alongside a picture of Shayne walking along the Corrie cobbles holding the hand of their daughter, Willow, she wrote: “So here we are at the end of this long journey, one that I’m so so proud of you for taking.
“At first it was such a hard decision and road to face knowing how important this story was for us as a family and for so many others. You were scared as you wanted to do it justice!”
She continued: “Well you did my darling, you listened to stories/experiences, learnt, revisited your own memories and tragic loss and worked hard to make this story the truest it could be and to hopefully help others and get people taking.
“I will forever be in awe of you and your amazing talent as an actor. Thank you my love xx @shaynetward @samaritanscharity @calmzone.”
Hundreds of fans commented on the post to agree with Sophie’s words and to praise Shayne for his moving performance.
“Just watched it on plus 1 – tears are flowing well done to Shayne on a fantastic portrayal,” one wrote.
“Such an important subject to tackle and it was done outstandingly. So sad and so painful, hopefully this raises awareness,” said another.
“Incredible. Through his faultless acting he WILL save lives,” said a third.
A fourth added: “Justice was definitely done. It was so subtle yet so powerful and prominent. The choice of music and writing was accurate and Shayne’s final scene was just heartbreaking.”
Read more: Corrie fans call for Shayne Ward to win ‘all the awards’
Shayne, 33, has previously spoken about how his own family have been affected by suicide.
He told The Sun: “I think a lot of people know someone, a friend or someone in their family or hearing of someone who has taken their own life.
“In my personal experience I’ve had people in my family attempt and also someone in my family unfortunately took their own life.
“So for me, I just drew upon an honest truth and how I would feel in that situation.”
After Aidan’s final scenes aired, Shayne shared the phone numbers of helplines via Twitter and made a video along with ITV urging people in Aidan’s position to speak about their feelings.
🙏🏻 Love to you All x@itvcorrie @theCALMzone @samaritans pic.twitter.com/2B0sbW24ld
— Shayne Ward (@shayneTward) May 7, 2018
In the short clip the actor tells viewers: “We don’t want you to be struggling with these difficult thoughts alone, and this is something we wanted to get across in Aidan’s story. Talking can bring relief and help us see a way through.”
If you have been affected by Aidan's story, please visit: https://t.co/W35MEI9xnr where help and support is available. #Corrie #CoronationStreet #ShayneWard #AidanConnor pic.twitter.com/jGxHfPVFFI
— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) May 7, 2018
As he now moves on from the soap, the former X Factor winner intends to spend more time with his family and take on serious drama roles.
He and Sophie are currently planning their wedding after he popped the question last Christmas.
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If you are struggling with depression or suicidal intention, or are concerned about a loved one, please contact Samaritans free on 116 123 for support and advice.