Shona Platt (Julia Goulding) is pushed to breaking point in Coronation Street next week as life without David becomes overwhelming, and a terrifying mistake involving baby Harper leaves her horrified. But while Shona is clearly struggling, there is more going on than simple exhaustion, with Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances-Brown) seemingly making life deliberately difficult for her sister.
Jodie's community service causes trouble
Trouble begins when Jodie returns from court and reveals to Shona and Bethany that she has been handed community service for assaulting Sarah. Her punishment involves litter-picking, but Jodie is not exactly keeping her head down and staying out of trouble.
With David away, Shona is already finding things difficult at No.8. Baby Harper will not settle, her patience with Lily is wearing thin and Jodie's constant interference only adds to the pressure. Things become even more tense when Shona spots a rash on Harper and immediately panics that something is wrong.
Shona's panic over Harper
She turns to Jodie with her concerns, only to discover there is no major medical emergency and the rash is simply connected to Harper teething. It should be a relief, but Shona's increasingly anxious behaviour makes it clear she is struggling to cope.
Meanwhile, Jodie has problems and plans of her own. While carrying out her community service, she overhears Bethany arranging a date and cannot resist making a nasty remark. Bethany quickly puts her in her place, leaving Jodie fuming.
Jodie's secret game
Not one to take an insult lying down, she turns her attention to Kit and suggests they should go on a date, promising him the time of his life. When Jodie later tells Shona about her plans with Kit, she is stunned by her sister's reaction. Shona accuses Jodie of stabbing Sarah in the back, hardly giving the potential romance her seal of approval.
But things take a much more sinister turn back at No.8. As Shona's stress continues to build, Jodie secretly hides her car keys, and smiles to herself while doing it. She then casually sends Kit a message suggesting a 'rematch', seemingly enjoying herself while Shona becomes increasingly frazzled.
Harper left in the car
With everything getting on top of her, Shona phones David and opens up about the nightmare day she is having. Then comes a sickening realisation. Shona suddenly remembers that Harper is still in the car. Horrified, she races outside in a blind panic, only to discover Daniel holding the baby.
Harper is safe, but the incident understandably leaves Shona shaken by what she has done. And while it might look like a frightening mistake made by an exhausted mum, viewers know there is another layer to the story. Jodie has been quietly adding to Shona's stress, including deliberately making her think she has misplaced her keys.
Jodie's mind games continue
After the scare, Jodie tells Shona she desperately needs some sleep and offers to take care of Harper. But rather than enjoying a quiet evening babysitting, Jodie invites Kit over. When Shona eventually makes her way back downstairs, she finds the pair enjoying a glass of wine together.
Planting herself firmly on the sofa, she warns Kit that getting involved with her sister could possibly be the worst idea he has ever had. Whether Kit takes Shona's warning seriously remains to be seen, but Jodie's behaviour is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. With Shona exhausted, Harper caught in the middle and Jodie secretly playing games behind her sister's back, this family tension looks set to get a whole lot worse before it gets better.
