Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod has teased what viewers can expect this winter in Weatherfield, including a 'bittersweet' exit, a 'tense' love triangle, and a villain return. The drama follows the explosive conclusion of Stephen Reid's storyline, Daisy Midgeley's affair with Ryan Connor, and Peter Barlow's turmoil.
This winter will see Peter Barlow's 'bittersweet' exit, while Carla Barlow receives an unexpected Christmas present: a surprise family member. Actor and comedian Jack Carroll has been cast as Bobby, the son of Carla’s brother Rob Donovan.
MacLeod explained that Peter's exit stems from his psychological struggle after killing Stephen Reid. 'We wanted to play the reality of a man with demons,' he said. 'He won't fall off the wagon again, but he will profoundly struggle psychologically. That will impact his happiness in Coronation Street, leading to explosive outbursts.'
The storyline builds to a surprising Christmas Day episode featuring a two-hander between Peter and Carla. 'It's a greatest hits compilation for fans of Peter and Carla, picking over every detail of their relationship,' MacLeod said. 'It builds towards an exit for Peter that is brilliant and bittersweet.'
Bobby's arrival is described as a 'huge human hand grenade' for Carla. MacLeod teased: 'He turns up causing all kinds of trouble for Carla with immediate effect. Long-term, he'll end up in the centre of probably our biggest story.'
