Get ready for an emotional firestorm on Coronation Street, as Dee-Dee Bailey’s bold move sets off an explosive family war that threatens to tear the Baileys apart. Next week, Dee-Dee takes a sacred stand that directly defies her brother James—one that could forever change their relationship and ignite a custody battle that will grip Weatherfield.

Despite James’ clear objections, Dee-Dee secretly pushes forward with plans to have baby Laila baptised. With unwavering determination, she arranges the private christening without telling James, believing it’s the right thing to do in accordance with her faith. But this isn’t just a quiet spiritual decision—Dee-Dee makes no effort to hide her joy. Following the ceremony, she flaunts the celebration at the Bistro with Laila’s newly appointed godparents, Alya and Adam, acting as though nothing controversial has occurred.

“Dee-Dee is treading on dangerous ground,” an insider reveals. “Going behind James’ back is one thing—but rubbing it in by hosting a public celebration with Laila’s godparents is almost a declaration of war.”

Though Dee-Dee experiences a moment of guilt when collecting Laila from James earlier in the day, the excitement of pulling off the covert christening seems to eclipse any lingering doubts. Her joy, driven by personal conviction, overshadows her brother’s wishes, making it painfully obvious that her religious beliefs come first—even if it means betraying her family.

But Dee-Dee’s brazen confidence may be her undoing. When she warmly thanks Billy Mayhew for conducting the ceremony, she may have just revealed the secret. The question is: how long will it take before James connects the dots? And when he does, will he forgive this deep breach of trust—or retaliate?

The fallout is swift. That evening at The Rovers, Dee-Dee is approached by a charming stranger named Ollie, who flirts and offers to buy her a drink. But the lighthearted moment is shattered when James storms in with news that shakes her to her core. He’s been in contact with the adoption team and has begun the process to officially adopt Laila—solidifying his place as her legal father.

“Dee-Dee is left reeling,” our source shares. “After James’ recent breakup, she assumed adoption was off the table and that Laila would continue to be raised collectively by the Bailey family. Now, James is reclaiming what he believes is his and is moving fast to secure his role as Laila’s parent—shutting Dee-Dee out entirely.”

This unexpected announcement sends Dee-Dee into emotional chaos. While she had convinced herself she was just stepping in as an aunt, her decision to baptise Laila without permission reveals a deeper truth: she sees herself as a mother figure to the little girl, and she isn’t ready to give that up.

As tensions escalate, the Bailey family finds itself fractured. Each member is forced to take sides as a bitter feud brews between Dee-Dee and James. On one side, there’s Dee-Dee—guided by faith, love, and a maternal bond that she can no longer deny. On the other, James—angry, betrayed, and determined to protect his daughter’s future by any means necessary.

“What we’re seeing is more than just a sibling squabble,” the insider adds. “This is a spiritual and emotional battleground. Dee-Dee believes she’s done what’s right by Laila. But James feels completely undermined, like his role as a father figure has been erased.”

With legal adoption proceedings now underway, James makes it clear: he won’t allow Dee-Dee to confuse Laila’s identity or faith. He sees her christening as a manipulation—not a blessing. And he’s ready to fight to ensure Laila grows up under his guidance—not Dee-Dee’s influence.

Meanwhile, Dee-Dee faces a gut-wrenching dilemma. Does she back down and surrender her role in Laila’s life to maintain peace within the family? Or does she rise up, risking everything—even her relationship with James—to fight for what she believes is her rightful place as Laila’s true mother figure?

As emotions spiral and old wounds are ripped open, the stage is set for an all-out war in the Bailey household. With both siblings unwilling to compromise, and with Laila caught in the crossfire, it’s only a matter of time before this sacred defiance turns into a devastating custody battle.

Will Dee-Dee’s spiritual convictions give her the strength to stand firm? Or will James’ determination to protect his daughter drive a permanent wedge between them? One thing is certain: after this week, nothing in the Bailey family will ever be the same.