Coronation Street fans have expressed confusion after noticing what they believe is a significant mistake during Megan Walsh’s (Beth Nixon) upcoming trial, as Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) appears to take on the role of a barrister. The ITV soap is building toward the next phase of Megan’s dramatic storyline, where she finally faces court following her disturbing actions toward Will.
Viewers question Adam’s courtroom role
Over recent weeks, viewers have watched Megan’s behaviour become increasingly alarming, leading many to brand the character ‘vile’ and call for her imprisonment. Now, with her day in court arriving, attention has shifted to Adam’s involvement. Rather than focusing solely on the trial’s outcome, fans have zeroed in on Adam’s role, insisting there is a major problem.
Adam has long been established as Weatherfield’s resident solicitor, but in the latest scenes he is seen representing Megan in what appears to be the role of a barrister. This apparent switch has not gone unnoticed.
One confused viewer wrote: ‘I didn’t know Adam Barlow was a barrister!’ Another quickly replied: ‘He’s not!’ Others questioned whether they had missed an important development in Adam’s career. ‘Since when did Adam become a barrister?!!’ one fan asked, while another echoed: ‘Have I missed a chapter here, since when was Adam a barrister?’ A fourth simply pointed out: ‘Adam isn’t a barrister, he’s a solicitor.’
Possible explanation: solicitor advocate
One viewer, who claimed to have worked in the legal profession, suggested there could be an explanation but felt it had not been properly addressed on screen. ‘They are struggling through it the best they can, no Adam is not a Barrister but a solicitor who all of a sudden has become solicitor advocate,’ they wrote. ‘When I worked in a big law firm in London we instructed Barristers, solicitors never stood in as Barristers despite the fees they charged which were eye watering.’
Another fan was even more critical, arguing the entire courtroom storyline lacked realism. ‘Such an unrealistic storyline. No way in the real world would a barrister be allowed to represent someone he knows, let alone go into the local boozer where the prosecutor’s family run the pub! Come on script writers, get your act together & write true to life court drama!’
While fans have labelled it a blunder, there may be more to the situation than first appears. In England and Wales, solicitors can gain additional rights of audience and become solicitor advocates, allowing them to represent clients in higher courts. There is also the separate route of transferring to the Bar, enabling a qualified solicitor to become a practising barrister. However, if either of those routes applies to Adam, Coronation Street has yet to mention it on screen, leaving many viewers confused about exactly what qualifications the character now holds.
ITV confirms Adam’s legal status
A spokesperson for ITV has confirmed that Adam’s role does allow him to make representations in court. They told Metro: ‘Adam is in fact a solicitor advocate who can defend in court like a barrister. This is the same as Imran and Dee-Dee previously. Adam has the same advocate qualifications.’
They also advised that ‘Solicitors in England and Wales were granted extended rights to appear as advocates in the higher courts (such as the Crown Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal) when the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 came into effect in 1994. This legislation broke the historic advocacy monopoly held by barristers.’
That said, it does seem unusual for a neighbour and regular of the local pub that is run by the prosecution to suddenly be representing someone in such a life-changing trial. It is easy to see why viewers have been left questioning it. Of course, soaps often take a few creative liberties for the sake of the drama, so we do need to take things with a pinch of salt sometimes.
Megan’s trial sparks wider debate
The legal debate comes as emotions continue to run high over Megan’s storyline itself. Viewers have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, with many insisting Megan deserves to be jailed following her treatment of Will. Her actions have sparked fierce discussion online, with fans branding her behaviour ‘vile’ and arguing she should face the full consequences if found guilty.
As her trial unfolds, the verdict is set to have huge repercussions for everyone involved. But for many fans, it is Adam’s unexpected courtroom role that is proving to be the biggest talking point of all, with viewers hoping the soap will soon clarify exactly how Weatherfield’s familiar solicitor ended up leading the defence.
Whether the show addresses the apparent career change remains to be seen, but until then, fans are convinced something does not quite add up.
