Four huge ITV Coronation Street theories: cult leader hides murder secret and love triangle rocks the cobbles
Another suspect could be involved in Lauren's disappearance.
LAUREN Bolton’s disappearance and supposed murder continue to torment Weatherfield residents – but where does the truth really lie?
Coronation Street fans are convinced the police have everything wrong. Meanwhile, a new love feud looms on the horizon.
1. Real murder victim revealed
Lauren Bolton’s whereabouts have been shrouded in mystery for a handful of weeks with Bobby Crawford raising alarm bells when he found her flat empty and abandoned.
And when Sean Tully explored the property himself, the wayward teen’s disappearance was branded a potential murder as blood was spotted in her property, hinting she could have met a tragic fate.
Two suspects have since been pushed forward by the authorities after Roy Cropper (portrayed by David Neilson) and Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) were thoroughly questioned by the police.
However, some ITV viewers refuse to believe that Lauren is really dead, particularly because a body has yet to be found to confirm the speculation.
Instead, soap fans have theorised that she could have been the one to do the killing.
“What if instead of being killed Lauren is a killer and someone broke into her flat (possibly her boyfriend or one of her dad’s mates) and she fought back and ended up killing them in self defence”, one of them suggested.
Could Lauren simply be on the run out of fear she could spend the rest of her life behind bars for defending herself from a mystery attacker?
Theories surrounding the identity of Lauren’s mystery ex-boyfriend have been swirling around on social media.
But after Daniel Osbourne, Tommy Orpington, Damon Hay and Joel Deering, a new name was thrown into the mix.
2. Newcomer connected to disappearance
Ahead of a new cult storyline for Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), viewers were introduced to new budding villain Rowan Cunliffe, played by Emrhys Cooper.
Rowan made his debut as Simon Barlow (departing actor Alex Bain) encouraged his mother Leanne to keep him company in the Chariot Square Hotel as he attended one of the newcomer’s lectures.
Simon has been trying to stick to the straight and narrow again after he was sentenced to a six-month driving ban and 80 hours of unpaid community service for drunk driving.
The timing of Rowan’s introduction has left multiple viewers to theorise Lauren’s fate may be revealed – and he could be directly involved.
“Okay so the Lauren storyline is leading into the cult storyline?”, one soap fan commented on social media.
“I don’t trust Rowan at all”, another stated.
Could Rowan share a past with Lauren?
3. Love interest hides shock secret
Whatever the case may be, love could be on the cards for one Corrie stalwart this week.
Ken Barlow’s love life has been at a standstill for several months after a string of failed romances.
In 2015, Ken suffered from the ultimate heartbreak when his beloved wife Deirdre died off-screen and though he has gotten back on the horse, none of his recent relationships managed to evolve into something more serious.
But this week, the Weatherfield legend played by William Roache may have luck on his side as he meets someone new.
It all begins when a jilted Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) moans to David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) that his online dating profile hasn’t had much success.
Regular viewers of the Manchester-based program will recall that Steve was left heartbroken when his wife Tracy Barlow ended their marriage following her affair with Tommy Orpington.
Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) suggests Steve should try the cocktail night at the Chariot Square if he wants to meet someone.
A bolstered Steve returns home, determined to not give up on romance as of yet, but once at No.1, he finds Ken trying on different jackets.
When Ken reveals that he’s going to join him for his evening at the Chariot Square, Steve does his best to appear pleased.
The pair head off to the Chariot Square, expecting a good evening but as Debbie approaches Ken and Steve with drinks, they are in for quite the shock.
Debbie points out an older lady in the corner named Elspeth and explains that she bought the drinks.
To top it all off, Debbie reveals that Elspeth has had her eye on Ken all evening, leaving Steve incredulous.
But could the newcomer be too good to be true?
Former Absolutely Fabulous actress Helen Lederer is joining the Corrie cast as Elspeth, as announced in a post released on the soap’s official X page on March 17, 2024.
Helen is reportedly due to make a guest stint but could she be given enough time to wreak havoc in Ken’s life?
Newcomers are always welcomed in Coronation Street with a hint of suspicion from viewers as they are always revealed to be keeping some kind of secret.
Could Elspeth be no different?
4. New feud
Although Steve is set for a nasty surprise as he fails to catch the eye of a new woman, his latest dive in the dating pool won’t be in vain.
Much like Ken, the cabbie will be getting his own new love interest this week as he begins to bond with a fiery character.
But as sparks begin to fly, could they all lead to a nasty explosion as Tracy McDonald is still lurking in the cobbles?
Coming up, after his failed night at the Chariot, Steve attends a speed dating night in the Rovers.
With the evening in full swing, Steve’s unimpressed to find himself sitting opposite Tracy (Kate Ford) but at the next move, he hits it off with Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney).
The speed dating over, Steve suggests to Cassie they meet up again but could he be making a mistake?
What would Tracy have to say?
Long-term soap watchers will remember that Tracy pined over Steve for years before eventually tying the knot with him.
This led her to embark on nasty and intense feuds with other women on the cobbles.
Tracy would then put her devious and manipulative tactics to good use as she tried her best to sabotage Steve’s romantic relationships – and he barely batted an eyelid due to her being the mother of his daughter Amy.
Viewers have struggled to believe Tracy could let go of her husband so easily, particularly as she’s only been romantically involved with Tommy Orpington for a short amount of time.
Could she decide to give her marriage another chance when she realises what she could be losing to Cassie?
Cassie and Tracy both run on short fuses – could it lead them to a massive public brawl?
Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.