2025 already looks set to be a huge year on Coronation Street, especially with new producer Kate Brooks at the helm.
So far this January, viewers have seen the tragic death of Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) after a devastating stabbing, the return of iconic bad boy Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman) heading off to university.
But there’s still plenty more where that came from! It’s set to be a very busy year…
Rob’s real motives
Rob returned to Coronation Street in recent scenes after Carla Connor’s (Alison King) health took a worrying turn.
With the factory boss in desperate need of a new kidney, Bobby Crawford (Jack Carroll) paid his dad a visit and asked him to consider being a donor.
In upcoming scenes, Rob agrees to Bobby’s request, claiming that he has found God and wants to make amends.
But will Carla accept a kidney from her killer brother? And is Rob really a reformed character, or does he have underlying motives?
‘He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that’s the case or not, I don’t know!’ Producer Kate Brooks previously explained.
She also revealed that Rob’s return would cause problems for Carla and Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers), as well as explore more of the siblings’ history.
‘I love Rob and Carla,’ she enthused. ‘I love tapping into their history together, and we really explore that through this story. There’s so many twists and turns along the way, it’s really exciting. It’s going to be eventful for Carla and Lisa…’
The aftermath of Mason’s stabbing
Following Mason’s tragic death, the locals are shocked when undertaker George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) reveals that his funeral will be a simple affair with no family.
After much deliberation, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) decides to do the funeral, much to Sally Metcalfe’s (Sally Dynevor) relief.
Meanwhile, Logan Radcliffe (Harry Lowbridge) is still on the loose, while brother Matty (Seamus McGoff) causes a scene in the prison visiting room when he holds everyone inside hostage.
With DS Lisa Swain determined to see both boys face justice for the murder of her wife, Becky, are they set to face a long prison stretch for stabbing Mason?
They aren’t the only ones in trouble though, as upcoming scenes see Dylan Wilson (Liam McCheyne) arrested for his role in bringing the knife to the fight.
Abi’s trauma
Meanwhile, Abi Webster (Sally Carman) continues to be plagued by visions in upcoming scenes, as she starts hallucinating dead son Seb.
Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) is quick to share her concerns for Abi’s mental health with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell), suggesting that she needs professional help, but Abi insists that she is fine.
However, when Abi wakes up on the sofa to find Alfie isn’t in the room, she lashes out at Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) and accuses her of taking him.
Kevin’s cancer diagnosis
Amid Abi’s struggles, Kevin finds a lump and fears the worst, but doesn’t want to burden Abi with the news, so turns to sister Debbie instead.
Producer Kate Brooks revealed that Kevin is set to be diagnosed with testicular cancer.
‘As we go into the new year, Kevin will discover that he’s got testicular cancer, which causes a massive strain on his relationship.
‘Abi is a really strong character, but she’s going through her own turmoil at the same time. We want to tell this really truthfully. We’ve been working closely with Macmillan to make sure that we tell the story right. Ultimately, it’s about their relationship and testing that relationship.
‘It was really important that we don’t show Kevin being embarrassed or being reticent to talk to his friends about it. He’s quite open about it, which I thought was quite refreshing. He talks to Tim and Steve about it, and they all have their own way of handling it, but ultimately it’s about his relationship with Abi, and that is going to be truly tested.’
Daisy’s secret is out
When Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan) is rushed to hospital in upcoming scenes, Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) and Kit Green (Jacob Roberts) learn that she is pregnant.
Daisy’s heart sinks as her secret is out, but what will she tell them?
We know that actress Charlotte Jordan is set to depart the show this year, so could Daisy and Daniel’s dramatic love triangle be what drives her away from Weatherfield?
Cassie’s sinister plot
Cassie Plummer’s (Claire Sweeney) plot against Ken Barlow (William Roache) continues this year, though she comes very close to being caught out…
In upcoming scenes, Bertie Osbourne (Rufus Morgan-Smith) catches Cassie slipping antihistamines into Ken’s drink, and soon Daniel finds out.
However, when he confronts Cassie about it, she denies all knowledge, claiming all she added were sweeteners – but Daniel doesn’t believe her.
When Daniel confides his suspicions in Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), he admits that he can’t say anything as Cassie knows that he might be the father of Daisy’s baby, and is using the knowledge to blackmail him…
Judgement day for Lauren
Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) faces the judge and jury in upcoming scenes as Joel Deering’s murder trial gets underway.
Lauren pleaded not guilty to murdering Joel, claiming self-defence after hitting him with a rock to save Max Turner (Paddy Bever).
With Lauren’s defence solicitor set to warn her that the result could go either way, actress Cait has promised emotional scenes ahead…
Deadly fire
In the early part of 2025, a devastating fire is set to rip through the Platts’ house, leaving destruction in its wake.
A source told Metro: ‘The early part of the year is going to kick off the new era of Corrie with a bang pretty literally and one of the show’s core families are right at the heart of the fire storyline.
‘With a new boss at the helm, the show isn’t pulling any punches and it’s fair to say some fan-favourite lives are on the line.’
Producer Kate also promised plenty more drama for the Platts this year, following Gail Platt’s (Helen Worth) exit on Christmas Day.
Even more teasers
Producer Kate was also keen to whet our whistles by giving us plenty of gossip about what the rest of 2025 is set to bring, including unexpected exits, a brand new family and some slow burn romances.
In terms of newcomers, Kate teased a new romantic partner for Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce), the arrival of Kevin and Debbie’s brother Carl and a new family that are set to be ‘neighbours from hell’.
There will also be a familiar face set to return as Katy Cavanagh reprises her role as Julie Carp for a short stint.
And of course, we are set to say goodbye to Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) and Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) at some point in 2025.
