Coronation Street star Julia Goulding has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced while filming one of the soap’s most heart-wrenching storylines, admitting that being a mother herself made the “crushing” baby plot incredibly difficult to perform. The actress, who has portrayed Shona Platt on the long-running ITV series since 2016, revealed that embodying the pain of losing a child on screen brought her closer to emotions she hadn’t expected to confront. Julia, a mum of two in real life, explained that certain scenes left her “completely drained” because they mirrored fears every parent secretly carries. She said that while acting is her passion and she always strives to give her best, this storyline blurred the lines between fiction and reality in a way that shook her deeply. The plot, which revolved around the loss and emotional fallout of a baby within the Platt family, was written to show the raw devastation of such a tragedy, and Julia felt the weight of that authenticity throughout the filming process. She described moments where she had to pause between takes to compose herself, often finding it hard to separate her role from her real-life instincts as a mother. Julia admitted that she sought comfort from fellow cast members, especially those who were parents, as they understood the magnitude of portraying such an intense emotional experience. She said that the support on set was extraordinary, with the crew creating a safe and understanding environment for scenes that were both physically and mentally exhausting. Speaking about the preparation for the storyline, Julia shared that she had conversations with writers and directors to ensure that the depiction was handled sensitively and respectfully, not just for the audience but for families who might have lived through similar pain. She emphasized that while it’s important for soap operas to tackle real-life issues, it’s equally vital to do so with compassion and care. Julia reflected that this experience made her even more appreciative of her family, saying that after long shooting days, she would go home, hug her children, and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She also confessed that the storyline changed the way she looked at her job, reminding her that acting isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about connection and truth. Fans of Coronation Street were quick to praise her performance, calling it one of her most powerful portrayals to date. Many viewers took to social media to express how deeply moved they were by her authenticity, with some admitting the scenes left them in tears. Julia said she was touched by the response and hoped the storyline would spark conversations about grief, loss, and emotional recovery. She added that being part of a show that isn’t afraid to explore such heavy subjects makes her proud, even though it can be emotionally draining. The actress also revealed that after filming wrapped, she took time to decompress and reconnect with lighter aspects of life, enjoying time with her children, going for walks, and practicing mindfulness to regain emotional balance. She said that while acting often demands vulnerability, it also offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about human experiences that are often silenced. Julia’s openness about the difficulty of the storyline has resonated with many of her colleagues in the industry, who have praised her courage in speaking honestly about the emotional toll of such performances. She believes that more actors should feel comfortable acknowledging when certain roles affect them deeply, as it humanizes the profession and encourages better mental health practices on set. Julia’s journey through this storyline also highlighted the evolving culture in television production, where empathy and mental well-being are becoming key priorities. She expressed her gratitude for working on Coronation Street, a show that has maintained its emotional realism and social relevance for over six decades. Reflecting on her career, Julia said she has grown immensely both as an actress and as a person, and that roles like this remind her why she loves storytelling—it brings light to the darkest corners of human emotion. The experience, while painful at times, also reaffirmed her belief in the power of art to heal and connect people. She hopes that viewers who have experienced similar heartbreak will find comfort in knowing that their pain has been represented truthfully and respectfully on screen. Julia also revealed that motherhood continues to shape her approach to acting, giving her a deeper emotional palette to draw from, though it also makes certain storylines harder to face. She said that while she’s proud of her work, she’s also learned the importance of self-care and emotional boundaries. Her reflections have sparked an important conversation about the unseen struggles actors face when art mirrors life too closely. As Coronation Street continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, Julia Goulding stands as a testament to the emotional courage it takes to bring those stories to life. Her honesty, vulnerability, and strength not only honor the craft of acting but also remind viewers that behind every performance lies a real person, feeling every heartbeat of the story they tell.