Coronation Street Nathan ‘blunder’ exposed as villain returns seven years after exit

Coronation Street viewers were left puzzled by a plot hole as villain Nathan Curtis returned to the ITV soap.

During Wednesday’s (May 8) episode, Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) was left reeling with his unexpected appearance. She was taken aback to see her wicked ex back on the cobbles after all the torment he caused her.

While others are sceptical about his identity, Bethany is certain that it’s Nathan and suspects him to be involved in Lauren Bolton’s (Cait Fitton) disappearance.

Lauren vanished a few months ago following a brutal attack and is presumed dead, although her body has not been found, leaving room for hope that she might still be alive. While Bethany believes Nathan is concealing something about Lauren, fans have identified another potential secret he could be hiding.

Expressing their bewilderment, one viewer tweeted: “Bethany would’ve been informed that Nathan was being released? #Corrie,” while another chimed in: “Why did nobody tell Bethany that Nathan got released? #Corrie.”

Some viewers suspect Nathan may have played a part in Lauren’s demise, with one fan speculating: “I wonder if Nathan is the 1 who’s done something to Lauren? It’s quite possible. #Corrie.”, reports the Mirror.

Chris Harper, who plays the notorious Nathan on the show, recently opened about his comeback. He said: “I was emotional when I was told about Nathan’s potential return. During the 18 months he was in it before, hundreds of people shared with me how the storyline reflected something they, or someone they loved, had lived through. It remains important to keep them in mind as we continue Bethany’s story.”

He also expressed his gratitude for the support from various organisations, saying: “Once again, I am grateful for the ongoing support of Barnardo’s, NSPCC, S.H.E.UK, and all the people who trusted me last time. We have another chance to raise an issue that affects so many lives, so often shrouded in shame.”

When chatting about his role, Chris couldn’t hide his enthusiasm to return. He explained: “I do love playing Nathan though. He is funny, deceitful, slippery, manipulative and ruthless. Now he is also under a lot of pressure too. This new storyline is absolutely full of twists. It really is good to be back on the hallowed cobbles. So much has happened since we saw Nathan sent to prison, but Coronation Street is a constant.”

Previously, Nathan’s character was embroiled in a dark plot involving Bethany, whom he tried to ship off to Belgium while her family desperately pleaded with her to ditch him. In a nail-biting climax, cops swooped in just in time to nab him at his pad, marking his third arrest.