Coronation Street enthusiasts have begun to question whether Sarah Platt, portrayed by Tina O'Brien since 1999, could be responsible for the latest murder on the long-running ITV soap opera. The factory supervisor is currently among those dealing with the aftermath of Theo Silverton's death, who had been abusing her best friend Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) for nearly a year.
Theo's demise concluded a highly anticipated Murder Week, during which he and four other antagonists were potential victims in a flashforward sequence. Shortly after the dramatic events, show bosses revealed the official suspects: Todd himself, Theo's colleague Gary Windass (Mikey Norton), Todd's surrogate father George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley), his partner Christina Boyd (Amy Robbins), and Theo's ex-wife Danielle Anderson (Natalie Anderson). Also included was Todd's adoptive daughter Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby), who was recently charged with murder by DS Lisa Swain.
However, fans now suspect Sarah might be the true killer, possibly acting in a desperate attempt to protect her friend from further abuse. On the murder night, Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances Brown), the mysterious long-lost sister of Shona Platt (Julia Goulding), trashed number eight and knocked Sarah unconscious. Sarah remains unaware of her attacker and has been coping with subsequent pressures by hitting rock bottom, but viewers speculate she may have already committed a fatal act before the attack.
One fan wrote on Reddit: "Does anyone else think Sarah was the one who murdered Theo? It could have happened before she went into the Platt house, and she's been acting weird since. I know they are saying it's from the attack, but I think it could be more than that." Another agreed: "Definitely feels like there’s more to her current state than just being knocked over the head." A third added: "A lot of people are speculating that there could be an affair going on with Gary and Sarah, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case!" A fourth commented: "Omg I hadn’t thought of this, OP, but what if she was assaulted, then in a black out state killed Theo? Has no memory of course, and won’t be convicted because of it? She was so vague when she returned from the 'hospital' when asked by Gary."
Nevertheless, some viewers remain unconvinced that Sarah would leave the soap entirely, which would presumably happen if she received a murder sentence. One fan dismissed the theory: "No because I doubt Sarah would be leaving Corrie. It’s more likely going to be Theo’s son or someone expendable." Another countered: "Does the person who did it have to leave the show? I don’t see why they can’t 'get away with it' in some way especially with the incompetence of the Weatherfield police." A third joked: "They really are like the cops on Benny Hill..."
Tina O'Brien took over the role in 1999, portraying a historic teenage pregnancy storyline, and remained with the programme until 2008. She was central to numerous kidnap plots and the storyline where her on-screen mother Gail (Helen Worth) married infamous serial killer Richard Hillman. Prior to her 2015 return to Coronation Street, Tina appeared in Waterloo Road, Call The Midwife, and competed on Strictly Come Dancing. She has been a permanent fixture on the show since her return over a decade ago.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream from 7am on ITV X.
