Next week's Coronation Street spoilers have shed light on what lies ahead for Sam Blakeman following his psychotic episode.
Fans will be aware that teenager Sam (Jude Riordan) has not been his usual self since discovering that Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale) was being groomed by his coach and teacher, Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon).
Over recent weeks, Sam's mental health has taken a sharp decline, with the youngster suffering hallucinations in which Will appears to be stalking and threatening him. He also began experiencing visions of his close friend Roy Cropper (David Neilson).
While the real Roy is well-known for his warm, gentle and compassionate nature, the version of Roy that inhabits Sam's mind has been steering the troubled teen towards dangerous decisions, even urging him to take matters into his own hands and permanently deal with Will.
Matters came to a head in Friday's episode (June 12) when Sam barricaded himself inside the café. He proceeded to hallucinate both the real Roy and his sinister alter-ego, before hurling a chair at the genuine Roy and fleeing the scene, reports the Daily Star.
In the grip of a full psychotic breakdown, Sam was subsequently discovered by Carla Connor (Alison King), who has her own experience of such episodes. She offered Sam her support and managed to contact his father Nick (Ben Price).
Nick arrived shortly after, and Sam collapsed in tears in his father's arms. Despite Nick's assurance that he wouldn't 'lock Sam up', Sam later awoke from a nap to discover he was in the hospital car park.
Leanne (Jane Danson) and Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor) were there waiting and successfully persuaded Sam to enter the hospital. The pair were ready to support him, with Leanne gently encouraging Sam towards the building. However, as he approached the entrance, he remained convinced he was about to be detained.
Spoilers for the coming week reveal what lies ahead for Sam. In Monday's episode (June 15), Sam's breakdown brings fresh heartbreak for Nick, who reels in shock as he waits for news of his son.
Nick then turns on Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) and Eva (Catherine Tyldesley), citing Megan's court case as the root of Sam's problems. Eva reassures Ben that they don't need Sam's help with the court case and that Will will smash it by himself.
Later in the week, Nick is horrified to realise the extent of Sam's suffering. He lashes out at Ben, blaming him for failing to spot Megan's crimes sooner and thus causing Sam unnecessary suffering.
In Friday's episode (June 19), Sam's family rally around him as he tells Nick he'd like to see Roy.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
