In a dramatic early release on ITVX, Coronation Street has unveiled the identity of the resident left for dead in a shocking Christmas Day cliffhanger. The festive episode, packed with bombshells and confrontations, saved its most brutal moment for a chilling attack in a Weatherfield ginnel.
A Festive Episode Packed with Drama
The Christmas Day instalment was typically eventful for the residents of the famous cobbles. Viewers witnessed a baby revelation, a kidnapping, and the return of iconic character Gail Platt (Helen Worth). A false affair accusation also sparked a physical altercation, with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) taking a punch from Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker).
However, the episode's final moments were reserved for a far more sinister event. One unsuspecting local was violently assaulted, left unconscious and alone in a cold alleyway as Christmas celebrations continued elsewhere.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
While the identity of the victim is being kept under wraps for those waiting for the linear broadcast, the attack is set to send shockwaves through the community. The victim won't be lying undiscovered for long, as Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) is destined to stumble upon the grim scene while walking her dog Freddie in the Boxing Day episode.
Knowing Evelyn's character, news of the assault will spread across Weatherfield like wildfire. The central mystery now revolves around the attacker's motive and identity. Was this a random act of violence, a targeted personal vendetta, or something more calculated?
A Family at the Centre of the Chaos
Intriguingly, this was not the only violent incident connected to one family. Actress Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price, hinted that both attacks are linked to the Driscoll family. Their first Christmas in the Rovers Return has certainly not gone to plan.
The episode saw matriarch Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) ruin the day with her behaviour, raising questions about whether she could escalate her actions further. Her son, Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), was also in a foul mood and drinking heavily, placing him under suspicion.
With Ben already shown to have a violent temper and Adam involved in the earlier fight, the list of potential assailants is long. Even chef Ollie Driscoll (Raphael Akuwudike) could be a dark horse, frustrated after his elaborate multi-bird roast went unappreciated.
The question of whether the victim saw their attacker, and if they will survive to identify them, hangs over the street. As the drama unfolds, residents are left to wonder if they should be looking over their shoulders, or if the danger has passed.
