Coronation Street has stunned viewers by quietly launching one of its darkest storylines in years, revealing a sinister grooming plot involving new family the Driscolls and teenage son Will. The ITV soap introduced the disturbing twist this week, confirming that the Driscolls’ arrival in Weatherfield will spark a major long-term storyline that exposes the dangers of child exploitation.

The Driscolls Arrive — and Trouble Follows

Newcomers Ben Driscoll and Eva Price had barely settled into the Rovers Return when panic struck. Their teenage son Will, who was meant to return from a sports camp in Hull, suddenly went missing. His phone was switched off, leaving his family frantic and fearing the worst.

Just as tensions reached breaking point, Will appeared at the Rovers’ back garden, looking shaken and desperate. He begged Lily Platt to sneak into the pub and find his passport so he could flee Weatherfield — but Lily refused and quickly told the adults what had happened.

The Truth Behind His Disappearance

Later, Will turned up at the Rovers accompanied by his former sports coach, Megan. She calmly claimed she had found the 15-year-old sleeping in the changing rooms and offered to drive him home. Grateful and relieved, Ben and Eva thanked her profusely, unaware of the truth behind her manipulation.

“Put your money away, I’m just glad he’s home and safe,” Megan told them, masking her dark intentions with fake concern.

However, the closing scenes shattered any illusion of safety. Viewers saw Will meet Megan in secret in a dark alley, where he apologised for almost exposing them to the police. Megan reassured him that everything was under control — and chillingly promised that they would “be together again soon.”

A Dangerous New Villain on the Cobbles

The scenes confirmed Megan as Coronation Street’s newest villain, with the storyline set to expose the grooming and psychological control she has exerted over Will. The show is expected to explore the manipulation and trauma faced by victims of grooming, as well as the ripple effects it causes for families and communities.

The Driscolls’ introduction marks a significant new chapter for the soap, with Eva and Ben already entangled in complex emotional and moral challenges. Now, their son’s ordeal promises to push them — and the residents of Weatherfield — to the edge.

What Happens Next?

The grooming plot will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, as Will struggles with fear, guilt, and loyalty to his abuser. Fans can expect emotionally charged scenes as his parents begin to piece together the truth about Megan’s manipulation.

Coronation Street has earned praise in the past for tackling difficult real-world issues, and this storyline is already being described as one of the most harrowing and socially important plots of the year.