Coronation Street viewers believe they have identified who will expose evil newcomer Ross Wilkes, the prison officer played by Ian Burfield who arrived in Weatherfield earlier this year as Tyrone Dobbs' estranged father. Fans are convinced that Hope Dobbs will reveal his true nature after his threats to Cassie Plummer and his attempts to control Tyrone.
Ross's sinister behaviour escalates
Ross turned up in Weatherfield following a chance encounter with his ex Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) after more than 40 years apart. He subsequently met his family, including Tyrone (Alan Halsall) and his grandchildren Dorin, Ruby and step-grandchild Hope, but the sinister character rapidly weaponised Cassie's past against her.
After witnessing an argument between Ross and Cassie, Tyrone sided against Cassie, expressing his desire to build a relationship with his father. Cassie revealed Ross' true character in late July, claiming he had paid her for sex.
While Ross later apologised to Cassie claiming redemption, he later cornered her alone in the ginnel while she was taking out rubbish, threatening to kill her if she attempted to sabotage his relationship with his son. Ross subsequently drove Cassie away from the area and she hasn't been seen or heard from since, reports the Daily Star.
Fans predict Hope's role
Recently, Ross has been growing closer to his son Tyrone and grandchildren, but Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine) has been suspicious of him and seen straight through his facade. Ross has been spending time boxing with his grandson Dorian, but was later spotted discarding the youngster's teddy bear Shirley when alone, essentially bullying his grandson.
He appears to be attempting to shape Tyrone into what he considers an alpha male - what society rightly recognises as toxic masculinity - but fans believe they've identified who will unmask his real nature. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: "I hope Hope pushes him down the stairs.." Another added: "Bad Hope to the rescue." A third person said: "Let's hope Hope turns on Ross".
Hope's history of troublemaking
Schoolgirl Hope (Isabella Flanagan) has established herself as one of Coronation Street's most notorious and volatile troublemakers throughout the years. As the 15-year-old daughter of Tyrone's wife Fiz and physical education teacher turned serial killer John Stape, her character has repeatedly stunned audiences with an intensifying catalogue of dark, menacing and anti-social conduct.
Throughout the years, her most striking and disturbing acts of misconduct on the cobbles have ranged from childhood spite to adolescent defiance, from torching the Underworld factory in 2019 to wielding a mini-digger to demolish a car windscreen, proving she is not someone to be crossed.
Fiz confronts Ross
During Friday's (October 23) episode, Fiz remained distrustful of Ross. She was left incensed when she discovered her father-in-law prevented Tyrone from departing the pub, leading to the mechanic returning home intoxicated and missing the film night that he had arranged with his other half.
When Tyrone reveals that Ross confiscated his phone, Fiz confronted Ross and accuses him of sabotaging the family film night on purpose. Viewers remain uncertain about Ross's actions towards Tyrone's mother Cassie following their departure from Weatherfield together.
Cassie hasn't been seen since - could he pose a greater threat than initially suspected? Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX.
