Coronation Street’s Sam Blakeman exposes dangerous cult as Leanne Battersby falls deeper?
Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) takes it upon himself to dig into the Altovalent Institute in Coronation Street next week as Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) continues to fall under its spell.
Leanne, as viewers know, has been incredibly taken with cult leader Rowan (Emrhys Cooper) after they met at a seminar at Chariot Square hotel a number of weeks ago.
Rowan’s teachings on reality coding have proven of particular interest to Leanne, with Toyah (Georgia Taylor) and Nick Tilsey (Ben Price) concerned that she’s getting carried away in her admiration of Rowan.
Toyah, who is a trained counsellor, has warned Rowan that his teachings are harmful but, despite her sister’s concern, Leanne can’t get enough and upcoming scenes will see her credit the bistro’s success to the reality coding.
Nick, however, bites his tongue.
Sam, meanwhile, gets on like a house on fire with newcomer Anwen, who is the daughter of a couple that calls at the bistro, with Anwen joining him for a game of chess.
Nick and Leanne are pleased that Sam is making new friends. In fact, Leanne reckons that Sam’s new friend is also a result of the reality coding.
Sam, much like his dad, proves sceptical of such a notion but, in a bid to keep the peace, he offers to read up on the Altovalent Institute.
The question is: will the young lad’s research prove to be exactly what’s needed to open Leanne’s eyes to the danger that Rowan truly poses? Or will he too fall under the manipulative leader’s spell?
![FROM ITVSTRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before Tuesday 5th March2024Coronation Street - Ep 1121415Friday 15th March 2024Rowan [EMRHYS COOPER] from The Institute charms Leanne Battersby [JANE DANSON] and gives her the benefit of his advice. Leanne’s taken aback. Rowan talks to Leanne and encourages her to share her innermost thoughts and feelings. As he makes to leave, he flashes her a smile and Leanne finds herself blushing.Picture contact - David.crook@itv.comThis photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and cond](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SEI_194762999-2_fd5965.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C303)
Discussing his character’s motivations, actor Emrhys Cooper revealed: ‘Rowan is high up at the Altovalent Institute. He’s charming but not slimy, relatable and down to earth, about as far away from the misty-eyed mystic as you’d get.
‘Rowan’s main role at Altovalent is recruitment. He travels all over to present conferences and seminars, identifying the more “receptive” people and encouraging them into the fold. Once he’s done that, he schools them into how to recruit others.’