Coronation Street viewers said their "hearts were broken" as Leanne Battersby and Steve McDonald learnt the horrifying diagnosis of what is wrong with their little son Oliver.
Just as Leanne and partner Nick Tilsley had been hopeful Oliver's condition was improving ahead of his hospital appointment, they were given the terrible news.
The three-year-old, who had been suffering from seizures, has an incurable mitochondrial disease.
When the doctor told the shocked parents what had been troubling their son, Leanne went into furious denial.
She demanded a second opinion and argued with the expert, claiming Oliver had been showing signs of improvement.
"He's been improving, he doesn't even like toast - yogurt, that's what we give him for breakfast, and banana," she ranted.
"He reached for the toast, didn't he Steve, why would he do that if it wasn't making him feel better, if it wasn't helping,if his batteries weren't working properly?
"I'll wait for the specialist, because if you're going to give me a leaflet because it knows better than you then we are obviously seeing the wrong person.
"I want to see Oliver," she added, storming out.
The devastating storyline and incredible acting had a profound effect on viewers, who tweeted to say how upset they were.
One wrote: "Leanne's truly breaking my heart @itvcorrie #corrie ".
Another noted: "Leanne is in total shock. Omg how heartbreaking".
"Poor Steve and Leanne and little Oliver. Can't begin imagine to what it's like to be given a diagnosis of a life limiting disease," gushed a third.
"Poor Leeann is in denial & doesn't want to believe how sick Oliver is, which is hardly surprising. she really thinks Oliver is getting better smh so sad," added a fourth.
" #Corrie I hope Leanne comes to terms with Oliver's situation soon, she's not coping now," commented a fifth.
Steve was reeling from the news, with the whole family in pieces about the diagnosis.
The family rally around each other and Oliver, as Leanne struggled to cope with the idea of losing her son and lashed out at her loved ones.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm on ITV.
