Leanne Battersby could be heading for a major downfall on Coronation Street after making an "awful" decision in Wednesday night's episode, which has drawn heavy criticism from fans.
The character, played by Jane Danson since 1997, is currently in a relationship with businessman Idris Nazir (Junaid Khan), who has been orchestrating a scheme to bring down Carla Connor (Alison King) and her knicker factory, hoping to take it over. Carla has run Underworld for almost 20 years, providing employment for many Weatherfield residents, including Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine), Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) and Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment).
Leanne backs Idris's scheme
Earlier this week, Idris ensured Carla lost a huge contract by badmouthing her to a potential client, then paid teenager Brody Michaelis to destroy an important order by breaking into the factory and turning on the sprinklers. Leanne spotted Brody breaking in, but when she pressured him and Idris for an answer, she seemed to view the situation as an opportunity, saying: "Well, I'm gonna hope and pray that this doesn't come back on us. And then I'm gonna help you buy the factory. Don't keep me out of the loop again!"
After speaking to the insurance company, Carla went to the Rovers to tell her staff that, because the damage was so catastrophic, she could only afford one more wage. She later confided in her wife Lisa that the insurance was unlikely to pay out because she hadn't had the sprinklers serviced.
Fans react with fury
Realising the seriousness of the situation, Brody, who is something of a surrogate son to Sally, stormed over to Speed Daal to confront Leanne and Idris. Brushing off the situation, Leanne told him: "Sally will be fine. They all will. It's just business, Brody. You're as bad as him."
Fans were shocked by Leanne's cold approach, with one writing on X: "Idris is just a piece of scum but Leanne should feel shame, she knows what #Swarla family have been through lately." Another said: "I hope she grows a conscience! But I feel she won't," while a third wrote: "Leanne is a snakey b**** too. I hope her and Idris' world comes crashing down." Another added: "Leanne is awful, knowing what Idris has done to the factory and just standing by #Corrie."
Feud with Carla reignited
Leanne and Carla have a tumultuous history, having both been married to Nick Tilsey and Peter Barlow at various times. Predicting this will reignite their feud and end in Leanne's downfall, another fan wrote on X: "Can't wait for Leanne to lose everything and for Carla to smash her face in! She will be sitting outside Christmas Day with nothing and no one and she will only have herself to blame!"
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
