Coronation Street fans were left feeling ‘sad’ during Monday’s episode (June 24) as Gemma Winter-Brown was forced to take extreme measures due to her escalating financial woes.

Gemma and her spouse Chesney frequently find it difficult to provide for their five children. Chesney has a son, Joseph, from a previous relationship, and the couple also have quadruplets together, resulting in a large family to feed, clothe, and entertain.

Despite both working diligently, the couple’s finances are stretched thin and during the latest visit to Weatherfield, their situation took a twist. Gemma was trying to remain upbeat but her day took a turn for the worse when one of her children needed new shoes.

Still reeling from a £70 parking fine she received in the mail, Gemma forced Carys’s feet into a pair of shoes two sizes too small and sent her to school.

After receiving a call from Carys’s teacher, Gemma had to purchase new shoes and went to the shoe shop to have Carys’s feet measured, reports the Mirror.

However, upon learning that the shoes cost £45, Gemma is devastated as she observes other parents buying shoes for their children without any financial concerns. While the shop assistant is distracted, Gemma takes Carys’s hand and they leave the shop without paying.

Bernie Winter later visited her daughter Gemma and noticed the new shoes on her granddaughter’s feet. Gemma felt like an utter failure as she admitted to leaving the shop without paying because she only had £20 left for the week and couldn’t afford the shoes.

Coronation Street spectators took to social media to express empathy for Gemma, with one viewer posting on X: “Watching tonight’s coronation street. I feel so sorry for Chesney and Gemma. #Corrie.”

A second exclaimed: “Aw Bernie trying to comfort Gemma. Love Dolly Rose Campbell and Jane Hazlegrove together. Amazing actresses.”

Another added their thoughts: “Give Gemma and Chesney a storyline where they win the lottery or something please #CoronationStreet #Corrie.”

One more chimed in with: “Why is everyone being so mean about Gemma and Ches not having enough money for basics? Its commonplace across the country right now, cost of living and everything, and its not like they smoke, drink, or splurge on weekends or she has a face full of filler! ! They’re just a regular family struggling #corrie.”