Coronation Street's Elaine Jones could be facing a devastating exit next week, as spoilers reveal a shocking accusation just as killer Stephen Reid looks set to be exposed.
Stephen's actions finally come to light, leading to a showdown between him and Elaine's son Tim. It's not known what happens in the fallout, only that at least one character will be taken to hospital.
A struggle ensues at the flat, so will Stephen die or will he claim another victim in Tim? It's teased Stephen will be harmed given what happens with his mother Audrey Roberts in the fallout.
There's an accusation against Elaine that not only teases a death twist, but could well lead to an exit for her as she could find herself framed for Stephen's crimes.
Elaine finally works out what Stephen is up to after a chilling discovery, just hours before they are due to head off to the Peak District for a trip. She has no idea up until this point that Stephen is planning to murder her there, after weeks of trying to make her seem depressed.
The villain even goes as far as to writing a suicide note to make it look as though Elaine has taken her own life, while he's also forged a life insurance application in her name - wanting to get the money.
Elaine's son Tim has been concerned about Stephen's intentions for his mother ever since they got together, with Elaine giving Stephen a load of money for his business.
But it's someone else who comes under suspicion over a murder plan next week, and if Stephen survives it could be exactly what he needs. Stephen's mother Audrey is horrified by events, and accuses Elaine of trying to kill her son.
It seems Tim tells her about Stephen's possible plan to kill Elaine for the insurance money, and she wastes no time in spinning the tables and suggesting Elaine might be the real culprit. She suggests Elaine might be trying to bump off her son, and not the other way around.
What no one knows is that Stephen is a serial killer, having killed Leo Thompkins, Teddy Thompkins and Rufus Donahue. Elaine is his fourth planned victim, while Tim is now also at risk.
So if Stephen does survive the week, will he frame Elaine for his own crime and get her out of the way? It won't exactly solve the money issues he has, but it could keep him out of prison.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
