Kicking off spring with a special week of episodes next week, Coronation Street is hitting the ground

running, but don’t expect many laughs as tragedy, violence, danger and crime dominate Weatherfield.

There are twists aplenty, particularly as we finally discover the identity of Lauren Bolton’s (Cait Fitton)

killer, and beyond that big week, there is high drama for the other residents of the Street.

What drastic action is Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) about to take that could ruin her life? What is Paul Foreman’s (Peter Ash) decision as the end of his life draws near? Will Abi Webster (Sally Carman) discover the vile criminal behind her deepfake porn video ordeal? Will Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) be trapped in the cult forevermore?

Read on for Metro’s exclusive preview!

Roy in deadly danger

Roy Cropper (David Neilson) is set to find himself at the mercy of murderous terrorist Griff in his worst prison ordeal yet. Just as it seems like he is about to have his name cleared and return home at last, Roy is cornered by Griff, who has been informed that Roy is the main suspect in his daughter, Lauren’s, murder.

A terrified Roy can’t escape as Griff advances with a blade. Is this the end of the beloved cafe king?

Sarah’s drastic action

With vile paedophile Nathan back in Weatherfield, Bethany is traumatised all over again and considers leaving the Street just to escape her tormentor. But Sarah is having none of it and decides that there is only one way to get Nathan out of their lives.

Planting evidence in Nathan’s van that puts him right in the frame for Lauren’s murder, Sarah orchestrates his arrest without knowing if he is the killer or not. When her family discovers the risk she has taken, their reaction is one of fear.

If caught, will Sarah face years in prison?

Lauren’s killer revealed

In a special week of late-night episodes to coincide with the semi-final week of Britain’s Got Talent, Corrie is going BIG. Bosses have assured fans that the format-breaking week will be ‘unlike anything the show has ever done before’.

It will revisit the events leading up to Lauren’s disappearance and the truth will finally be revealed at long last. Have your theories been correct or are you about to be hit with the curveball to end all curveballs?

You don’t have long to wait…

Leanne’s cult torment

Drawn into the murky world of the Institute, Leanne is being further and further groomed into Rowan’s cult. As she becomes more reliant on it, Nick fears that there is no way back for both Leanne and their relationship.

Toyah is determined to free Leanne from their grasp and does some digging. When she hits upon something, it seems like all systems go to fight back, but little does she know what she is getting into.

And things get more complex still, given Toyah and Nick’s growing closeness over their fears for Leanne…

Revenge porn trauma

In the wake of a deepfaked sex video being shared of her, Abi will find herself falling apart, particularly as she finds herself the target of lewd comments and gossip.

On top of that, there is also the fear of who is out to make her suffer in such a cruel fashion. Feeling her life is falling apart, Abi may soon be forced to face up to her tormentor, with worse to follow…

Paul’s sad decline

Terminally ill Paul will face agony over the coming months as his Motor Neurone Disease sees him tragically declining. As things get worse, he can barely move and communicate, and can no longer eat.

Husband Billy is distraught but the pair make the decision to seal their love by renewing their wedding vows, which is bound to be a tear-jerking event for all involved.

As quality of life gets worse and worse, will Paul revisit his plan to take his own life? And will he ask Billy to help him as the end draws near?

Simon says goodbye

Simon has felt directionless since his dad Peter moved away from Weatherfield, and he will soon reach a big decision about his future. We know that Alex Bain is leaving the role after 15 years, and it’s bound to be emotional as he waves goodbye.

When he finds himself with an offer, it seems too good to resist.

What else? 

We are set to be introduced to DS Lisa Swain’s daughter, who is consumed with grief over the loss of Swain’s partner. With Carla finding herself befriending the detective, she may prove a useful ally in helping her get her daughter on the straight and narrow.

One woman in Weatherfield is surprised when their partner pops the question, but are they truly ready to tie the knot?