Soaps tackle today’s social problems so well

WE are often critical of TV soap operas and unrealistic storylines that just irritate.

However, we have to acknowledge that they regularly handle really important issues incredibly well.

Both Emmerdale and Coronation Street are currently looking at two very relevant storylines of modern living and are helping inform and change outlooks superbly.

Emmerdale’s continuing episodes featuring Ashley Thomas’s battle with dementia are both touching and revelatory. While many people might understand the terrible progress of the disease, probably because of family experiences, for many more of us the symptoms and effects are new.

How family members are affected in particular is especially well-portrayed. The producers even had one programme told through Ashley’s confused eyes which proved quite an amazing experience.

Coronation Street has a worrying storyline about the grooming of a young character by an older man which must have parents everywhere concerned. The normal-seeming cunning of the man here is really cleverly shown and the lessons clear.

As a medium for this information, soaps simply do it so well.