Alan Halsall and Jennie McAlpine Meet Manchester Bomb Survivor Martin Hibbert | Coronation Street Special Feature

Welcome to Number Nine Coronation Street, where the familiar cobbles and cozy terraces are often the backdrop for stories that touch hearts and reflect real-life struggles.

This week, the iconic soap takes a deeply moving turn, as stars Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) and Jennie McAlpine (Maria Connor) meet Martin Hibbert,

a survivor of the tragic 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, whose incredible journey of resilience and advocacy has inspired countless people across the UK.

For longtime fans, Coronation Street is more than just a show—it’s a community, a mirror reflecting life’s highs and lows. And for Alan and Jennie, stepping onto the set alongside someone like Martin, whose life has been irrevocably changed by tragedy, was an experience both humbling and eye-opening.

“Everything seemed a little bit smaller, including the actors,” Alan admitted as he reflected on meeting Martin. Jennie nodded in agreement, adding, “It’s surreal because you’ve watched this show for decades, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with someone who’s faced unimaginable circumstances.”

Martin’s story is heartbreaking yet inspiring. Hailing from Bolton, Martin attended the Ariana Grande concert with his 14-year-old daughter Eve. Tragically, the concert was the scene of the Manchester Arena bombing. Both Martin and Eve were the closest survivors to the blast. Martin sustained 22 shrapnel injuries, including a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Eve suffered a life-altering brain injury, leaving her severely disabled, yet approaching her 23rd birthday.

Despite the trauma, Martin’s spirit is indomitable. “We were only six meters away from the bomber,” he recalled. “Everyone else around us died instantly. But somehow, Eve and I survived. That’s why even now, I smile, I live life to the full.”

His achievements post-incident are nothing short of extraordinary. In 2022, Martin became the second person with a spinal cord injury to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. He has raised over a million pounds for the Spinal Injuries Association, where he serves as vice president, and has become a passionate disability advocate, fighting for accessibility and inclusion in everyday life.

Yet, as Martin emphasized, the challenges go beyond the physical. “It’s not just about not walking,” he explained. “It’s about everyday activities you take for granted—getting into your house, climbing stairs, driving, playing football, walking the dog. Life as you knew it changes instantly.” Jennie, listening intently, added, “It’s the ripple effect that hits families too. It’s not just the person injured; it’s everyone around them, adjusting to a new reality.”

Alan and Jennie were particularly struck by Martin’s recounting of his rehabilitation and the logistical challenges he faced. Initially, they stayed near him at the hospital to avoid grueling commutes, but eventually, daily trips became part of the routine. “It was a three-hour journey each way,” Martin said. “I had to leave early and return late, managing everything from medications to therapy schedules. The physical challenges were immense, but the emotional toll on the family was equally significant.”

This real-life experience directly informs the storyline Coronation Street is exploring, providing viewers with a nuanced portrayal of life after a spinal cord injury. The show isn’t shying away from the reality—depicting not only the physical limitations but the broader effects on relationships, careers, and daily life. “People will see more than just the injury,” Martin explained. “They’ll see the stress, the adjustments, and the resilience it requires from the family.”

Accessibility is a recurring challenge Martin faces even years later. “It’s the small things—getting onto a train, into a restaurant, or on a plane. Life isn’t built for us sometimes. You can’t just turn up and go anywhere,” he said. His advocacy aims to highlight these barriers and encourage society to make practical changes to support people with disabilities.

The conversation also touched on deeply personal aspects of Martin’s life. He described the intense trauma of that night, the uncertainty about Eve’s survival, and his acceptance of his own mortality. “I was awake the whole night, watching Eve in critical condition, thinking I might not survive. When I woke up in intensive care, I realized that despite losing so much, we were alive. That perspective changed everything.”

This mindset, a combination of gratitude, resilience, and humor, is what allows Martin to live a full life despite limitations. “People always ask me, ‘How are you so happy?’” he shared. “It’s about celebrating what you have. You can’t take life for granted.”

Jennie and Alan were deeply moved by Martin’s openness. They explored the day-to-day realities of caregiving and the steep learning curve involved in supporting someone with a spinal injury. From managing medications and preventing bedsores to navigating accessibility challenges at home, every day presented new hurdles. Yet the couple adapted, often relying on the support of the Spinal Injuries Association and local community networks.

The storyline in Coronation Street will shine a light on these very experiences, bringing awareness to viewers about the broader impact of spinal cord injuries. “Coronation Street has always been a pillar of the community,” Martin noted. “It’s iconic because it reflects the lives of ordinary people. Showing a story like this will help people understand that spinal injuries can happen to anyone, and the ripple effect touches everyone around them.”

Both Alan and Jennie expressed pride in bringing such an important narrative to life. The show’s dedication to accuracy, supported by consultation with Martin and specialists like Carol, a spinal injury nurse, ensures that the portrayal is authentic. “It’s about raising awareness and giving people insight into our world,” Martin said. “My book, my advocacy work—it’s all about making people understand the full picture, not just the physical injury.”

For viewers, this storyline promises to be powerful, educational, and emotionally gripping. It’s not just about surviving tragedy—it’s about resilience, adaptation, and the human spirit’s capacity to triumph against overwhelming odds. Coronation Street, in its inimitable style, is set to take audiences on an emotional journey that blends drama with reality, shining a light on the extraordinary within the ordinary.

As the episode airs, fans will witness not only the challenges faced by those living with spinal cord injuries but also the incredible courage of people like Martin Hibbert. Alan Halsall and Jennie McAlpine’s on-screen portrayals, informed by real-life experience and consultation, promise authenticity and depth, reminding viewers why Coronation Street remains one of Britain’s most beloved soaps.

In the end, this is more than a storyline. It’s a tribute—to survival, to courage, and to the indomitable human spirit. And for Martin, it’s a chance to continue sharing his journey, one episode at a time, inspiring audiences across the nation. Coronation Street has always reflected real life, but now, with stories like this, it is elevating its role as a platform for awareness, empathy, and hope.