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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Joel Leaver

Happy Valley fans' chilling theory explains why Poppy won't take her coat off

Happy Valley viewers have some chilling theories about why Poppy Hepworth is always wearing her coat in her home, ahead of the much-anticipated finale airing this weekend.

The final episode of the BBC show will air on Sunday, with it set to focus on Catherine Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire ) and Tommy Lee Royce ( James Norton ).

Fans are also keen to find out how a subplot in the latest series will end, involving Joanna Hepworth (Mollie Winnard) and her abusive husband Rob Hepworth (Mark Stanley).

It has been noticed that the couple's young daughter Poppy (Bonnie Stott) never seems to take off her coat, even when she's at home - with it referenced in the show itself.

Poppy has been frequently seen wearing a coat, with her dad Rob even telling her to take it off during a previous episode. Fans hope to get an explanation in the finale.

The detail has prompted various theories among viewers over recent weeks. It has included a chilling theory that the character is being abused, like her mother was.

One viewer tweeted: "Not seen her without her coat off all series. Same bruises as Joanna maybe?" Another agreed, writing: "I think abuse. She seems terrified all the time."

A third tweeted: "At first I thought the little girl was hoarding items in her coat and may have inadvertently picked up a clue as evidence and it's under there."

"BUT…The shared look between her and her Dad was sinister and now I don't think there's anything under there, but bruises," they further commented on the platform.

They aren't alone in suggesting the theory, with another viewer tweeting earlier this month: "Has she got bruises?"

It isn't the only theory about Poppy though, with many viewers instead speculating that she is constantly wearing her coat as a comfort blanket over the dynamic at home.

One viewer tweeted: "It's not uncommon for children with high anxiety to attach to a coat or jacket-to hide in or protect them." Another said: "It's like a safety blanket".

Another said: "I saw somewhere that the coat thing is a common coping mechanism for kids living in abusive households - like a comfort thing combined with being ready to run".

Poppy's mum Joanna Hepworth (played by Mollie Winnard, left) was being abused by Rob (BBC/Lookout Point/Matt Squire)

Other theories include that Poppy is simply prepared to run away at any given moment. One person tweeted recently: "We think it's so she can run away at the drop of a hat".

Suggesting similarly, another viewer wrote on the platform: "I think it is because Poppy was always waiting to run away with her Mum." They added: "She wants to be ready."

Whilst a third viewer commented about it: "You take your coat off when you feel warm and safe, you keep it on if you feel like you might need to run at any second".

Another tweeted: "[I think] Joanna once told her that they'd go off somewhere and live happily ever after without Rob but that she'd have to be ready to go when they decided to run and Poppy took it to heart".

Happy Valley concludes Sunday (February 5) on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 9pm.

The NSPCC Helpline is there for any adults who have concerns and want to get advice – they can call the Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

If you need help, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 - it's run by charity Refuge and the free number is in operation 24 hours a day.

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