Coronation Street's Shelley King says filming harrowing abuse scenes was mentally draining but she owed it to those suffering to get it just right.
The actress plays tormented Yasmeen Metcalfe, the victim of twisted husband Geoff.
The cunning manipulator, portrayed by Ian Bartholomew, has been put in hospital as Yas is set to go on trial for attempted murder.
She protected herself by swinging a bottle at him after he lost control and attacked her after a night in the Rovers.
The hard to watch scenes sparked nearly 300 Ofcom complaints and Shelly says the whole experience has been a challenge.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the 64-year-old said: “The past few months were tiring to film.
"The storyline has been going on for two years and at times it was difficult to unwind.
"I felt a heaviness. It was a feeling that not everything is right in the world.
"One woman of 80 shared her story with me. It's not something you ever forget.
"Having met these people, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to them. You've got to get it right."
Sick Geoff is in hospital as Yas prepares to stand trial and the saga has some way to run.
Speaking to the Radio Times, actor Ian suggested that Geoff's relationship with Tim will soon leave viewers shocked.
He said: "Geoff sees that Alya poses a threat but feels he’s able to handle it.
"The person he needs to keep onside is his son Tim – if he convinces him what he’s saying is right he can spread the word on Geoff’s behalf throughout the community.
"What Alya is saying will then sound like sour grapes and anxiety for her gran."
But producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed that Geoff will eventually get his comeuppance - though it likely won't happen until the end of the year.
He told Mirror TV and other news outlets last week: "The timelines have been shunted around as a result of the lockdown and things like that. But I think it's fair to imagine it will certainly."
