ITV Coronation Street star Julia Goulding’s ‘sad’ admission about Shona Platt’s future

Coronation Street actress Julia Goulding has been part of the cast for several years and has shared her thoughts on the future of her character Shona Platt

Coronation Street’s Julia Goulding has become a fan favourite since her arrival on the Cobbles in 2016 as Shona Ramsey. The character was introduced under dramatic circumstances, with her estranged son, Clayton Hibbs, being responsible for Kylie Platt’s death.

Shona had fallen into difficult times after failing to keep her troubled son away from his abusive father, Dane Hibbs, which resulted in her becoming homeless. Her initial storyline revolved around her efforts to rebuild her life when she unexpectedly met Kylie’s widower, David Platt.

Unaware of each other’s pasts, they fell in love. Despite the revelation of their dark history, they managed to overcome the hurdles and tied the knot in 2019.

The couple remains together on the show, but this week faced a new challenge when Weatherfield Prison informed Shona that Clayton had attempted to take his own life. However, David, portrayed by Jack P Shepherd, saw the emails first and chose to delete them to protect Shona.

In Friday’s episode (November 8), he feared Shona might have discovered the texts, but instead, she was taken aback by the news of a headlice outbreak at Lily’s school, reports the Liverpool Echo.

David Platt may have just escaped trouble on Coronation Street, but it appears the drama is far from over as his story takes another twist. Upcoming episodes show David going to see Clayton Hibbs in jail to try and settle things once and for all.

Yet, things go awry when Shona, played by Julia Goulding, finds out from the cops that her son Clayton is in the hospital. Callum Harrison, who portrays Clayton, is back stirring up the plot, much to Julia’s pleasure.

At a press event for the soap, Julia expressed excitement about the ongoing tension, saying: “Clayton is her son and is always going to be part of her life. If it causes drama then all the better, I love it. And it’s also really nice to see Callum when he comes in. Let’s keep the drama going for David and Shona, otherwise it’d be very dull wouldn’t it?”

She went on to comment on the strain faced by Shona’s marriage with David, adding: “The sad thing is they’ve been so solid for so long that Shona is David’s final crutch. But he’s destroyed it himself in my opinion. I really am Team Shona in this.”

Away from the tumult of the Corrie set, Goulding enjoys a calm personal life. She has been married to Ben Silver since 2018, with whom she shares two children.

Their family recently grew with the arrival of their daughter, Emmeline, announced in November with an endearing social media post. The star wrote at the time: “We’re absolutely elated and Franklin is besotted with his little sister, Emmeline Beanie Silver. She’s perfect.”

Julia revealed the powerful inspiration behind her daughter’s name earlier in the year when she shared a photo on social media featuring the face of women’s rights icon Emmeline Pankhurst. The cap tion to the post read: “We named our daughter after the incredible #EmmelinePankhurst and here she is on a t shirt designed by the fabulous @justin_eagleton in support of the 50th anniversary of #manchesterwomensaid.”

Support poured in following the announcement, with Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick commenting: “Love this! We have a photograph of her in our kitchen.” Fellow Emmerdale star Sally Ann Matthews responded with a string of heart emojis.

Yvonne, a fan, complimented: “What a beautiful name.” Recently, Julia graced the red carpet at the TRIC awards, dazzling her fans who were quick to offer praise. Tina O’Brien enthused: “Absolutely gorgeous,” matched by Sair Khan’s “Gorgeous.”

Sally Carman expressed admiration with “Well fit” while former Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley echoed with “Absolutely gorgeous.” Julia warmly responded with “Thanks my love.”

The actress shares a close relationship with her Coronation Street colleagues, evident from the outpouring of affection she received on her 39th birthday. Cait Fitton led the heartfelt tributes during her absence from the set, saying: “Happy birthday to this beautiful lady. I miss and love you dearly.”

Sally Ann Matthews, better known as Jenny Bradley in the show, shared her warm wishes, saying: “Happiest of birthdays to this absolute Queen. Love you.” Georgia Taylor, portraying Toyah Habeeb, contributed: “Happy birthday to our honorary Battersby.”