Coronation Street viewers were left reeling after a dramatic Christmas Day episode culminated in a shocking cliffhanger, promising major repercussions for Weatherfield residents. The festive special, which aired at 7pm on ITV and is available early on ITVX, was packed with unexpected baby news, affairs, a kidnapping, and not one but two violent attacks.
A Festive Special Filled With Suspicion and Violence
The drama unfolded across Weatherfield as families attempted to celebrate. David Platt grew deeply suspicious of his wife Shona after he was unable to open a bottle of aftershave on Christmas Day—the same scent he had previously discovered hidden in her bag.
However, the most chilling moment came with a brutal attack on an unnamed character, whose identity and fate will be revealed in the Boxing Day episode. The victim is discovered by Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) as she walks her dog Freddie in a back alley.
This was not the only act of violence to shatter the peace. Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) lashed out at Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), taking a swing at him after suspecting Adam of having an affair with Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).
The Driscoll Family's Disastrous First Christmas
The central turmoil revolved around the Driscoll family, celebrating their first Christmas in Weatherfield, which descended into chaos. Actress Catherine Tyldesley teased that the attack victim is 'connected to the Driscoll family'.
She explained, 'Christmas is supposed to be that time where seemingly everyone is supposed to get on... but it’s not like that in Weatherfield on Christmas Day! It's a big shock…there are two attacks connected to the Driscoll family.'
The episode left viewers with multiple potential attackers from within the fractured family unit:
- Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn), whose 'outrageous' behaviour ruined the day.
- Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), who drowned his sorrows in copious amounts of alcohol.
- Ben Driscoll, already shown to be capable of festive violence.
Grooming Storyline Hits Close to Home for Cast
The show's hard-hitting grooming storyline also advanced on Christmas Day. Sports coach Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) arrived at the Rovers Return, much to the delight of her teenage victim, Will Driscoll. With the truth about their relationship recently revealed on Will's 16th birthday, the episode posed the question: could his parents have taken drastic action?
This plotline has deeply affected the cast, particularly Catherine Tyldesley, a mother of two. Speaking to Fabulous magazine, she admitted finding the storyline 'terrifying' as a parent. 'It happens a lot. That’s why I will be letting Alfie [her 10-year-old son] watch it, because we’ve got to help protect kids. It’s really important,' she stated, highlighting the show's intent to educate viewers on boundaries and predatory behaviour.
With the victim's identity under wraps and multiple residents harbouring motives, fans must wait for the Boxing Day episode to see who was attacked and who is responsible, ensuring Coronation Street's Christmas drama will spill over into the new year.
