Coronation Street fans couldn't believe what they were seeing as soap killer Stephen Reid's web of lies and deceit extended even further. In Wednesday night's episode the conman landed on his feet again as he landed a surprise new job, and viewers fear he might sink his claws into a new victim.
As well as covering up the murder of Jenny Connor's fiance Leo Thompkins, rogue businessman Stephen has spent months covering up the dire state of his finances while swindling his own family. He plotted to sell his mum Audrey Roberts' property in order to steal the equity and pay back his ex Gabrielle, who he stole from in the past, and after Leo eavesdropped on Stephen's conversation with Gabrielle he shoved him to his death off the edge of the Underworld factory.
The ITV soap's Boxing Day episode saw Stephen's tall tales begin to catch up with him after his sister Gail Rodwell realised he'd re-gifted his present of a hip flask from Elaine Jones to pass off as nephew David Platt's birthday present. After an enlightening phone conversation with Gabrielle, Gail confronted Stephen in front of Elaine, who shared her theory that Stephen is being coercively controlled by his ex which he went along with to gain sympathy.
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In the latest hour-long instalment, smarmy Stephen was up to no good again when he stepped in to replace his own niece Sarah Barlow after she walked out on her role as manager at the factory where he committed murder back in September. Sarah teamed up with colleague Michael Bailey to go into business after realising his talent for fashion design, but was left high and dry by her dastardly uncle when Stephen confessed he can’t find the cash to invest in their venture.
Viewers were reeling as boss Carla Connor later introduced Stephen as the latest member of the Underworld family, and he worked his charm to flatter Sally Metcalfe while she showed him how to use the computer system. @Hellsbells914 asked on Twitter: "Do they not think it’s weird that millionaire businessman Stephen is now the factory dogsbody?"
@Pilch1972 tweeted: "Soooo... Stephen who no evidence of a successful business ... points out one error on a spreadsheet sheet.... now he has a senior management job.... #corrie how silly." And @Ben6987 complained: "No interview, no references, yet Steven's ok to start the job, and how is it ok for Sally to show him all the computer system? Carla is a very sloppy manager…"
While @teenamassam asked: "Would Carla really be that stupid and leave Stephen in charge of the factory, what’s happened to her?" Soap watchers are worried that Carla could become Stephen's next victim. @DavidBoink asked: "Could Stephen kill Carla? I wouldnt put it past him." @DavidMackayy wondered if Stephen is "gonna rob Carla and leave her with nothing."
@WiniBoansi asked: "She has hired this conman? Yikes!" @spartacus2963 said: "If Stephen gets access to the underworld accounts, he’ll be ripping them off in no time…"
@SausageHead4 said: "This is painful viewing." And @penniless_poet tweeted: "Just trying to figure out how Stephen is going to rip Carla off?"
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