WALLS are quickly closing in on Stephen Reid as he comes up with a new plan and targets a new victim.

But Coronation Street fans are convinced they've figured out how he will be exposed and multiple residents could be involved.

1. Serial killer plan fails

The undercover criminal portrayed by Todd Boyce has been trying to make millions by taking advantage of whoever he could in the cobbles.

In recent months, he made Elaine Jones believe he was ready to commit to her and marry her while filing a fraudulent life insurance claim in her name.

Thankfully for her, Elaine discovered what Stephen was up to before he could kill her off and claim a fourth victim.

But with Elaine out of the way, Stephen is free to roam in Weatherfield in search of a new target – and Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) is at the top of his list next week.

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Coming up this week on ITV, Stephen calls at the Rovers and invites Jenny to join him at a wine tasting event later.

But she is less than pleased when she ends up at Lily’s birthday party – can Stephen win her round?

Recent spoilers have shown that Stephen's secrets are on the verge of being exposed as Teddy Thompkins' body is set to be found in the canal.

Stephen is also due to rush to the airport in an attempt to flee Weatherfield.

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And with Tim Metcalfe's involvement in Stephen's storyline, fans have the Manchester-based drama have come up with their own theories as to what could happen.

"So what do you think will happen in the story in the upcoming weeks? I was thinking that maybe the part of him rushing to the airport isn't actually due to Teddy being Discovered but is instead related to his attack on Tim", one fan speculated on Reddit.

They added: "maybe he ends up trying to kill Tim but Tim gets away and Stephen thinking he's about to be rumbled heads straight for the airport to make a getaway but then gets a phone call from his family and they tell him that Tim's been hit by a car or something like that and is in a coma thus causing Stephen to go back to the street with his secrets safe for the moment."

But will this be before he manages to get Jenny's full attention?

2. Wrong culprit arrested

More shots of Craig Tinker actor Colson Smith on location have led soap viewers to suspect one innocent resident may be blamed for the murder of Teddy Thompkins.

Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) made it his mission to figure out what Stephen is up to after the businessman tried to take advantage of his mother Elaine Jones.

Stephen and Tim will be involved in another heated altercation but could the cabbie's vigilante work near the canal lead to him getting arrested once Teddy's body is found?

Could Stephen frame him for the murder to finally get rid of him?

3. Deadly comeuppance

Speaking of framing residents, Tim's colleague Peter Barlow was the latest one viewers feared would be blamed for the murder of Rufus Donahue.

The cab driver is growing increasingly suspicious of Stephen and in recent scenes of the long-running program, Peter told his wife Carla (Alison King) that her business partner had a hidden agenda.

On Wednesday (August 16, 2023), tense scenes showed Peter and Stephen chatting and the former argued his past actions made him look like a psychopath.

Although Stephen argued he wasn't, despite truly acting like a psychopath, a flyer about drunk driving caught the attention.

This has led some viewers to speculate Peter may take the wheel after relapsing into alcoholism and Stephen could be the victim of a hit and run.

And with Chris Gascoyne's due to exit Weatherfield, soap fans are convinced he may go on the run as a result.

Could this be too far-fetched?

Or could Peter and Carla team up to get rid of Stephen together?

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4. New love in the cobbles

Meanwhile, Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) is slowly preparing for his wedding with long-time partner Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank).

But with his MND diagnosis weighing heavy on his mind and the symptoms of his condition becoming incapacitating, Paul is finding every day harder than the previous one.

This week, in the flower shop flat, Billy notices Paul struggling with his right leg. 

Paul does his best to cover, secretly dismayed at his deterioration but Billy returns home with a walking aid for him. 

When Paul admits that the walking aid will take some getting used to, Billy suggests a wheelchair instead, but he is horrified at the very idea.

Later on, Billy presents Paul with an engagement ring for his birthday and he is overcome with emotion.

But when he turns up at the Bistro for the joint party with his twin sister Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell) he is overwhelmed to see so many people.

Gemma suggests he take Bryn outside for a run around at the park.

When Bryn runs off Paul tries to go after him but crashes to the ground – how will he cope?

With Paul's health deteriorating, Billy is struggling to support him and getting ready to wave an emotional goodbye to the love of his life.

But could Paul's demise lead to him reuniting with another former flame?

Todd Grimshaw actor Gareth Pierce recently spoke to The Mirror and teased new romance for his character – but could it be with Billy?

"It's been good for him to have some time largely single after breaking up Billy and Paul, but it would be interesting to explore. I think there might be a possible love interest on the horizon for Todd. That would be good new ground for me to explore, too", the soap star first said.

When asked about a potential reconciliation between Todd and Billy, he added: "As an actor, I adore Daniel Brocklebank so from a personal perspective, I'd love to continue working closely with him. I love working together even as antagonists!"

"As long-term characters with shared histories you tend to be kept in the same orbit. It may come back around but I don't know."

"I love being surprised by what they give us. There's hope for a genuine friendship to blossom between all three of them, and for Todd to offer support and rebuild trust."

"It's a storyline that can make everybody realise there are bigger issues than romantic rivalries."

5. Shock affair

Elsewhere in the cobbles, Ryan Connor's behaviour is spiralling out of control this week.

Throughout his acid attack ordeal, the hunk played by Ryan Prescott has received the unwavering support of his aunt figure Carla Connor.

But one fan on Reddit speculated their relationship could evolve, particularly as Peter finds himself in trouble due to Stephen's actions.

"Anyone else think Carla and Ryan are heading for an affair?", they commented.

This, however, seems highly unlikely as this week's events unfold and Ryan lashes out against Carla.

Coming up, Peter Barlow confides in Ryan how he owes Rufus Donahue’s wife £15k and could really do with some rent off him. 

Cash-strapped himself after his plans to move to Ibiza for his DJ career fell through, Ryan promises to do what he can to help.

When Ryan reveals that he’s off to the Bistro to ask for some shifts so that he can pay his way, Carla Connor is annoyed to realise that Peter’s been putting pressure on him.

Ryan receives a message from Liv, one of his followers. 

He messages back and enjoys the banter until she asks him to drop his kecks and send him a pic.  

In later scenes, Ryan lies to Carla and Peter and tells them he’s now officially an online fitness influencer.

He makes the promise that he’ll soon be raking it in and able to pay his own way. 

Later on, Ryan receives a message from a man called Guy offering to pay for some private photos. 

He takes his top off and carefully hiding his scars, uploads some pictures.

But what will he do when Guy offers him £100 for a video of his full body and face?

This remains to be seen and, while many followers are fans, Ryan still has to deal with some online hatred.

Ryan reads a derogatory comment online about his scarred body and Carla urges him to ignore it.

But clearly fuelled by testosterone, Ryan loses his temper and he hurls a glass across the room before raging at Carla.

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Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.

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