Jane Hazlegrove has praised Peter Ash\'s "heartbreaking" performances on \'Coronation Street\'.
The 51-year-old actress joined the cobbles cast as Bernie Winter earlier this year, and it\'s been revealed her estranged son Paul Foreman - played by Peter - was abused by stepfather Kel (Joe Alessi).
Jane\'s character has been heavily involved in the emotionally devastating storyline, and she has been wowed by Peter\'s performances.
She said: "Peter has been absolutely amazing in these episodes, his performances have been heartbreaking. I love my whole on screen family, I\'m so blessed.
"This year I\'m wondering what I\'m going to get them all for Christmas, it feels like I\'ve known them for years and it\'s only been a few months, they\'re the best, I love them all."
The former \'Casualty\' star admitted the ongoing plot has been tough to play out, and she suggested it\'s been harder than anything else she\'s worked on in her career.
Jane added: "It has been quite tricky to play but everyone has been exceptional, the scripts are brilliant, there\'s some really great writing from Ian Kershaw and Jonathan Harvey.
"I\'ve played emotional storylines before but nothing as tough as this."
Peter previously revealed he worked with Survivors Manchester to research the storyline, and he also asked co-star Jack P. Shepherd for advice.
He added: "I have known about this storyline for some time so have had the opportunity to speak to Duncan Craig at Survivors Manchester in advance of filming which has been great.
"His experience was really similar to Paul\'s so it was invaluable for me to be able to talk about all the conflicting emotions and not accepting or realising it was abuse until later on in life.
"I have also spoken to Jack P. Shepherd about how he found filming the male rape storyline and he told me about the increase in calls to Survivors Manchester off the back of it which is incredible. It\'s an important storyline and I want to get it right."
