ITV Coronation Street’s Rowan Cunliffe ‘exposed’ as soap icon ‘exits’ without saying goodbye

Coronation Street recently welcomed mysterious newcomer Rowan Cunliffe to the ITV soap.

Soap watchers will recall that Rowan has targeted Leanne Battersby with his “self-improvement group” The Institute. Rowan has also been pulling Leanne away from partner Nick Tilsley and even her sister Toyah Battersby during her time of need.

Rowan has been encouraging Leanne to open up about her past and the trauma she has faced, using his tools and guiding her to speak aloud about parts of her life. In a shock twist, Rowan was recently revealed to be recording everything Leanne was saying without her knowledge. Of course, viewers will recall that Toyah has been concerned for Leanne and extremely sceptical of Rowan.

In upcoming scenes next week, Toyah is determined to expose Rowan as she finds a forum for ex-members of the Altovalent Institute. She tries to show Leanne a post she’s seen, suggesting that the Institute is not to be trusted, only to discover it’s been taken down for legal reasons.

Leanne is dismissive but calls Rowan to double check who makes out that his bitter ex wrote it and there’s no truth in her words. It’s not long until Rowan reveals that he’s been promoted to head of the North-West division during the call and offers Leanne a tour of the Institute, leaving Leanne flattered over the opportunity.

Later in the week, things take another worrying turn when Leanne explains to Simon that she met a guy called Jared at the Institute who’d be happy to help him set up his food delivery app. A sceptical Toyah listens in and is concerned when Simon reveals that Jared’s agreed to meet him and he’ll need to borrow some money, leaving her worried it’s yet another scam.

Desperate to prove her suspicions, Toyah studies Rowan’s page and copies a number into her phone, where she later meets with Rowan’s ex, Una, and explains how her sister has become embroiled in the Institute and she’s worried she might be in danger. Later in the week, Leanne attempts to leave for the retreat as Toyah begs her to reconsider.

However, Leanne refuses to listen and leaves without saying goodbye, leaving Simon hurt as he turns to alcohol and skips work. Later, after getting drunk, Simon throws up in Tim’s cab and does a runner without paying.