The Rovers Return on ITV's Coronation Street

Coronation Street’s Epilepsy Storyline

A milestone for young people

At Young Epilepsy, we are committed to ensuring that children and young people with epilepsy feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s why we welcome Coronation Street’s decision to introduce epilepsy through Brody Michaelis, a young character navigating life with the condition. 

Epilepsy affects more than 100,000 children and young people in the UK, and representation in mainstream media plays an important role in breaking down stigma and increasing understanding. This storyline highlights some of the real-life challenges young people can face—especially at 16, when independence, education, and social life become even more complex. 

Brody’s Storyline: A realistic portrayal of epilepsy 

Brody’s epilepsy was first revealed when he experienced a seizure outside the Rovers Return, catching those around him off guard. His hesitation to talk about his condition reflects the stigma and uncertainty that many young people with epilepsy experience. 

Later, Brody finds himself in a difficult situation when he is arrested and placed in a police cell without his medication. His epilepsy medication is mistakenly confiscated, leaving him without the treatment he relies on. Despite his efforts to explain, his condition is misunderstood, leading to a seizure while in custody. This moment highlights the importance of awareness and understanding in everyday situations. 

Brody’s journey also explores the emotional impact of epilepsy. His reluctance to disclose his condition, even to those close to him, reflects the struggles with identity, independence, and self-confidence that we know many young people can experience. His interactions with Kit Green, who finds him having a seizure in an alleyway, show the importance of support and understanding. 

We spoke to TikToker, and epilepsy awareness advocate, Hattie from @PurpleDayss for her feedback as young person living with epilepsy: 

I think the way they did this storyline was really good. I actually wasn’t expecting it to be this good. But they included triggers and symptoms like losing bowel movements.

There was also no flashing lights which shows that’s not always the case. And they also showed the scary side to it for Brody and the family members/ friends which I thought was really good.
Hattie

Support available for young people 

We are here to help with a range of different services. Whether it’s finding support in community, trusted information, finding others who ‘get it’ or more personalised support. 
💜 Youth Voice Network – A community of young people with epilepsy who share their experiences and help shape Young Epilepsy’s priorities and campaigning. 
💜 One-to-One Youth Support – Providing guidance on education, mental health, and independence. 
💜 Virtual Youth Clubs – Safe spaces for young people to connect, share experiences, and build friendships. 

We also acknowledge the important role of Epilepsy Action, who worked closely with Coronation Street’s team to ensure epilepsy was portrayed accurately and authentically. Their expertise helped shape Brody’s journey, ensuring that viewers gain a realistic understanding of what it means to live with epilepsy. 

Representation matters. Brody’s storyline is important for sparking conversations across social media and in the press and another step forward for epilepsy awareness in mainstream television. 

Youth Voice Network

The Youth Voice Network is a community of young people with epilepsy, for young people with epilepsy.

Epileptic seizures

Understand epileptic seizures, their types, causes, and management. Find resources and support for living with epilepsy.

Youth Support

Our Youth Support team works with young people and their families to help them through their diagnosis and beyond, to better understand their rights, as well as helping them get access to the right services and support.