Spoilers: Child death tragedy as Leanne loses Oliver in Corrie?

It’s been one of soap’s most tragic and harrowing stories but Oliver’s battle for life appears to be reaching an end in Coronation Street as Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) reach the stage they have been dreading – it may be time to take Oliver off life support.

However, Leanne refuses to give up her fight to save her son and is soon determined to take every possible action to fight the system.

The doctor announces that they’re going to reduce Oliver’s sedation and try and remove his breathing tube. Leanne’s delighted at the news whilst Steve and Tracy remain cautious.

The doctor breaks the news to Leanne and Steve that they’ve had to up Oliver’s sedation again as his seizures are beyond their control and life support is the only thing keeping him alive. Leanne tells Nick, Steve and Tracy that she’ll do whatever it takes, but she’ll never give up on her son.

Steve and Leanne are pleased when the consultant reveals that a specialist from another hospital is coming over to assess Oliver and give a second opinion.

Having done some research on the internet, Nick tells a thrilled Leanne about a hospital in Germany where they can treat people with Oliver’s condition.

But their hope is short lived when the consultant breaks the news to Steve and Leanne that having obtained a second opinion, unfortunately it has only confirmed that Oliver will never be able to breathe unaided and the time has come to talk about switching off his life support.  

Her shock turning to anger, Leanne accuses the consultant of giving up on Oliver and announces that she’s found a hospital in Germany that will be able to treat him.

Leanne and Steve facetime the doctor in Germany and Steve is concerned when Leanne plays down the severity of Oliver’s case. Leanne won’t listen and is delighted when the doctor says he will treat Oliver.

A downbeat Steve tells Tracy and Emma about the £500,000 needed for Oliver’s treatment in Germany.

Promising that she’ll come up with some fundraising ideas, Emma heads off to work. But Tracy insists Steve talk to Leanne about the fact she played down Oliver’s symptoms.

At Steve’s insistence Leanne calls the doctor and gives a truthful account of Oliver’s condition – but is she about to hit another obstacle?

And is it time to say the most painful goodbye?

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