Coronation Street viewers are speculating that teenager Sam Blakeman may be experiencing hallucinations, with many suggesting the soap is setting up a mental health storyline involving schizophrenia. The character, played by an unnamed actor, has exhibited worrying behaviour in recent episodes, including paranoia and claims that fellow teen Will Driscoll is targeting him.
Sam's troubles began after he discovered Will's inappropriate relationship with athletics coach Megan Walsh, who had been threatening him for weeks. The stress led Sam to misuse his ADHD medication, and he has since become increasingly paranoid, throwing away his phone after believing it was being tracked. In a recent scene, Sam fled in fear after spotting Will at a precinct, alleging Will had threatened him over the phone—a claim Will denies.
Fans have taken to social media to share their theories, with many believing Sam is imagining the threats. One viewer commented, 'Thought it might have been Sam imagining it due to how off sounding it was.' Another added, 'What’s the matter with Sam is he suffering from paranoia and hallucinations? Or is Will genuinely being nasty to him?' A third suggested, 'Sam is hallucinating,' while a fourth wrote, 'I think Sam could be experiencing psychosis.'
Some fans have drawn parallels to schizophrenia, noting that stress or trauma can trigger the condition. One viewer said, 'I think the writers are going to make Sam a schizophrenic. It can be triggered by stress, or trauma.' Another echoed, 'I’m wondering if Sam is getting a schizophrenia storyline. First paranoia, now an auditory hallucination.' Others pointed to side effects from his medication as a possible cause.
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The storyline continues to unfold as Sam's mental state deteriorates.
