Coronation Street's Lauren Bolton's killer shown for first time as viewers struggle to unravel soap's murder mystery
Coronation Street has teased a glimpse of the enigmatic character who is suspected to have murdered Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) on the ITV soap.
The teenager has been missing since February, with evidence suggesting she was attacked in her flat and severely injured. Although she wasn't found at the crime scene and no body has been discovered, detectives are convinced she's been killed, with Roy Cropper (David Neilson) being accused as the perpetrator.
Blood splatters and human tissue traces found in her flat were consistent with a severe blow to the head, and a blood-stained weapon was also discovered. While the soap hasn't confirmed her fate, it appears she could indeed be dead - and we're about to find out who killed her.
A special series of episodes airing next week will finally reveal exactly what transpired the night Lauren disappeared. Moreover, flashbacks will disclose her fate and identify her attacker.
In a fresh trailer, we revisit the flat on the night she vanished, witnessing her desperate cries for help, clearly terrified for her life. As she attempts to flee, we see a mysterious man dressed in black apprehending her, placing his gloved hand over her mouth.
What unfolds next is yet to be broadcasted, and will air next week. However, it's likely to conclude with Lauren either dead or kidnapped, given her prolonged absence, and the state of her flat - trashed and smeared with blood.
The upcoming episodes are being hailed as "unlike anything done" by the soap to date, promising a rollercoaster of surprises. It seems that the unfolding events, involving other central characters, will set the stage for fresh storylines throughout the year.
Corrie's Executive Producer Iain MacLeod spilled the beans: "This week is so gripping and unlike anything Coronation Street has done before, in terms of the story-telling. It's modern, really exciting and has some of our favourite characters right in the middle of the drama.
“The murder mystery around Lauren has had us all on the edge of our seats and the race against time across this week to solve it before Roy gets seriously hurt is so engrossing and cleverly plotted. It is also the launchpad for a massive new chapter in that narrative - so you really won't want to miss it, if you want to carry on trying to piece together this thrilling puzzle! ".
As for the enigmatic figure teased in the trailer, and the culprit behind Lauren's vanishing act?
While whispers suggest it might be Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) or Joel Deering (Calum Lill), viewers will need to tune in next week to uncover the truth.
