Lorna Laidlaw, best known for her role as the charismatic and strong-willed mother, Mrs. Bailey, on the hit British soap *Coronation Street*, 

has recently opened up about her experience working on the show and how she played a pivotal role in changing the course of the Bailey family’s storyline. 

The Baileys, introduced as one of the first Black families on the soap, quickly became a beloved and significant part of the *Coronation Street* universe. 

However, Laidlaw’s journey with the Baileys took an unexpected turn when she realized that the direction her character 

and the family were being pushed toward didn’t align with her vision of authenticity and representation. 

In an exclusive interview, Laidlaw revealed how her determination and commitment to doing justice to her role led to an important shift in the narrative.

The Baileys were first introduced in *Coronation Street* in 2020, when the show made a conscious decision to diversify its characters and storylines. As the show prides itself on reflecting the complexities and nuances of everyday life, the Baileys quickly became an important representation of modern British families. Lorna Laidlaw’s portrayal of the matriarch, Aggie Bailey, was widely praised for its depth and warmth. Aggie was strong, intelligent, and caring, a mother who worked tirelessly to support her family. As a result, the Baileys brought much-needed diversity to the show, enriching the landscape of *Coronation Street*.

However, as with any long-running soap opera, the characters and storylines are often subject to evolving scripts and decisions made by the producers. For Laidlaw, it became clear that the direction in which the Bailey family’s story was heading wasn’t one she could accept. In particular, she found herself in a difficult position regarding the portrayal of her character and the way her family’s narrative was being developed. Specifically, there was a moment when Laidlaw realized that the storyline being written for the Baileys wasn’t true to the essence of their family dynamic, especially when it came to how they were being portrayed in relation to their roles in the community.

Laidlaw was clear in her interview that she could not sit idly by when she realized that the storyline being presented didn’t reflect the truth of the Bailey family’s experiences. She knew it wasn’t authentic, and as an actor with a deep commitment to ensuring that the portrayal of her character and the family was as true to life as possible, she knew she had to take action. According to Laidlaw, she felt an immense responsibility to portray her character with honesty and integrity, and that meant standing up for what she believed was right. “I knew it wasn’t true, so I absolutely had to change it,” Laidlaw shared in her candid interview.

The moment she recognized the need for change came when she was confronted with a storyline that she felt would not resonate with the audience in the way that *Coronation Street* aimed for its content to. As Laidlaw recalled, there was a sense of unease about how the Bailey family was being written in relation to certain events that were unfolding. For Laidlaw, it wasn’t just about acting out the words on the page but about ensuring the essence of her family’s storyline remained true to their character and values. She felt that if the story went in the direction it was originally heading, it would not have been authentic to the experiences of Black families, and certainly not to the core dynamics of the Bailey family.

Taking it upon herself, Laidlaw approached the producers with her concerns. She expressed her discomfort with certain aspects of the storyline and suggested alternatives that would allow the Bailey family to be portrayed more accurately and in a way that resonated with both the cast and the audience. She was keen to have the Baileys’ experiences reflected more authentically, which she felt was important not only for the integrity of the show but also for the broader representation of Black families on television. Laidlaw’s concerns were rooted in a desire to tell stories that reflect the diverse range of experiences within British society, but she was also mindful of the significant impact her role had on viewers.

Laidlaw’s dedication to the authenticity of her character and family’s storyline ultimately led to significant changes. The show’s producers, recognizing her passion and commitment to her role, took her feedback on board and worked with her to adjust the direction of the storyline. This was an example of Laidlaw using her platform to ensure that the narrative remained true to the values and experiences of her character and her family. The changes not only helped her feel more aligned with the role she was playing but also ensured that the show remained a powerful reflection of real-life experiences, particularly for those in marginalized communities.

The decision to make changes to the Bailey family’s storyline was a turning point for *Coronation Street*, highlighting the importance of open communication between the actors and the production team. It was a testament to Laidlaw’s unwavering commitment to her role and her belief in the importance of accurate, respectful representation. Through her actions, Laidlaw demonstrated that being a successful actor involves more than just delivering lines on a set—it requires a deep understanding of the material, a passion for your character, and a responsibility to ensure that the portrayal of a family or a community is as true to life as possible.

Laidlaw’s openness about her role in changing the Bailey family’s storyline is an important reminder of the power of storytelling in television and the impact it can have on viewers. As an actor, she knew that the work she was doing on *Coronation Street* would affect how audiences, particularly those from Black and diverse backgrounds, would see themselves represented on screen. By standing up and pushing for authenticity, Laidlaw made a crucial contribution to the show, ensuring that the Baileys’ narrative remains meaningful, grounded, and reflective of the reality that viewers can connect to.

Through her actions, Lorna Laidlaw has not only demonstrated her talent as an actor but also her dedication to bringing authenticity to her work. Her decision to change the course of the Bailey family’s storyline is a powerful example of how actors can use their voices to shape the narratives they are part of, ensuring that television remains a platform for inclusive, accurate, and powerful representation.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.