Coronation Street viewers believe they have worked out the identity of Celeste Butterfield's secret daughter, and they are convinced it is a familiar face on the cobbles.
Celeste (Frances Barber) made her debut on the ITV soap earlier this year, arriving to arrange her own send-off at Shuttleworth's funeral parlour. She confided in Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) that she has only weeks to live following a terminal cancer diagnosis, and hopes for a spectacular funeral inspired by Dolly Parton. It was later revealed that Celeste is the aunt of Bernie Winter (Jane Hazlegrove).
However, Bernie gave Celeste a frosty reception, making clear she wants nothing to do with her mum's twin sister due to a long-standing family feud. Even when Todd broke the news that Celeste had only weeks left, Bernie remained unmoved.
Fans' theory on Celeste's secret daughter
In Friday's episode (August 28), Bernie opened up to Dev (Jimmi Harkishin) about her animosity towards Celeste. According to Bernie, Celeste tore the family apart after she had Bernie's mum cut from their dad's will "in a really sneaky way". She allegedly turned the whole family against Bernie's mum, prompting Bernie to brand her aunt "evil". Spoilers have already indicated that Celeste dies in the not-too-distant future.
However, a shocking revelation emerges in the aftermath of her passing, as a devastating family secret turns Bernie's world upside down. With further drama on the horizon, fans are increasingly convinced that a secret daughter storyline is set to unfold.
Viewers speculate on Carla connection
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer commented: "Is the big secret that she's actually Bernie's mum? Or what about Carla." Another agreed: "Carla is a good idea, can see the resemblance."
A third supporter added: "She's def hiding something. Could be!" while another speculated: "Celeste might have had Carla as a teen and gave her up for adoption?"
Upcoming episodes and Celeste's memorial
In the coming episodes, following Celeste's death and the unearthing of a secret, Dev offers comfort to Bernie, as Gemma delivers the news to Kit. Gemma assures Bernie of her unwavering support, and later Todd discovers a letter from Celeste addressed to him.
Shortly afterwards, Todd, Bernie, Kit, Gemma, Chesney (Sam Aston), Joseph, Dev, George (Tony Maudsley), Christina (Amy Robbins) and Asha (Tanisha Gorey) congregate in the hotel bar for Celeste's memorial gathering.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
