In a dramatic turn of events on Monday 19th January 2026, Coronation Street's controversial grooming storyline reached a new and deeply concerning climax. Viewers watched as teacher Megan Walsh, portrayed by actress Beth Nixon, declared her intention to leave Weatherfield after revealing she is pregnant with her teenage student's baby.
A Shocking Revelation and a Planned Departure
The episode saw Megan corner her teenage victim, Will Driscoll, in a Weatherfield ginnel to deliver life-altering news. She confessed that, despite having arranged a termination earlier in the week, she could not proceed with the abortion. Suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), Megan claimed this pregnancy might be her "only chance" to become a mother.
Megan informed Will, with whom she began an illicit affair before he turned sixteen, that the baby was his. When a confused Will reminded her they had used protection, she dismissively stated that "accidents happen." She then outlined her plan to flee Weatherfield, possibly to stay with her sister, stating, "I'm going to be showing in a few months. People are going to find out."
Fan Theories and Suspicions Mount
The revelation sent Corrie fans rushing to social media to dissect the plot twist. Many speculated this could signal the beginning of Megan's downfall, while others questioned the paternity of the child. Some viewers suggested the baby might actually belong to Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), the fellow teacher Megan has been using in a cover-up relationship.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) commented: "Well, this grooming storyline has taken a turn with Megan keeping the baby and telling Will he's the dad." Another theorised: "I could see her getting caught that way. Or I wonder it’s actually could be Daniel’s."
Further suspicion within the show comes from an unlikely source: Tracy Barlow. Daniel's sister has grown increasingly wary of Megan, especially after Daniel's son Bertie found a pregnancy test in her bag. Tracy voiced her doubts to Alya in the Rovers Return, insisting, "Mark my words though, there's summit about her."
Actress Beth Nixon on the Storyline's Importance
Actress Beth Nixon has previously spoken about the responsibility of portraying such a sensitive topic, which is often dangerously glamorised. She emphasised the storyline's goal is to spark recognition and debate. "If it’s a storyline that makes one person recognise that this is happening to them and it’s wrong, then it has done its job," Nixon stated.
Discussing her complex character, the newcomer explained Megan's calculated nature. "Megan is very calculated. Everything she does is for a reason, but she’s very good at hiding that... She’s worming her way into this family; she’s almost like a parasite," Nixon told Metro. However, she also stressed the importance of finding Megan's humanity to create a rounded, not one-dimensionally evil, character.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Will insisting he knew a way for them to still be together, leaving his plan—and Megan's fate—hanging in the balance. Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
