Melanie Hill, cherished for her role as Cathy Matthews on ITV’s Coronation Street and the love interest of Roy Cropper, has opened up about a deeply personal battle—her secret struggle with prescription drug addiction. The 62-year-old actress, also known for her work on BBC’s Waterloo Road, shared that her dependency began after a hip replacement surgery left her dealing with severe osteoarthritis pain.

Following the surgery, Melanie was prescribed codeine-based painkillers, which she relied on to manage her discomfort. However, the dependency spiraled, and the actress admitted that she found it difficult to break free. “I was on the maximum dose of painkillers for two years, and it was incredibly tough to stop,” she revealed in an interview. It took Melanie three months to fully recover and wean herself off the medication, a process she described as both physically and emotionally taxing.

During her time on Coronation Street, Melanie’s resilience was remarkable. Despite requiring a walking stick due to her condition, she chose to forego it while filming, determined not to let her health issues interfere with her work. Reflecting on the experience, she shared how much the role meant to her. Joining the show in 2014 was the culmination of a lifelong dream. “When I got the call from my agent, I was over the moon. I grew up with Coronation Street, and to be part of such an iconic series was surreal,” Melanie said.

The moment was made even more special when Melanie found out she was about to become a grandmother on the same day she was cast. Now free from her reliance on painkillers, Melanie looks back at her journey with gratitude and pride, inspiring fans with her strength and determination.