Coronation Street fans have been left reeling after the soap unveiled a dark new storyline for Hope Dobbs (Isabella Flanagan), who is secretly facing a torrent of online abuse. Now, viewers think they’ve worked out the shocking truth behind the mystery messages — and it’s a theory few saw coming.

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Hope’s Secret Struggle

The daughter and stepdaughter of Fiz and Tyrone Dobbs has long been one of Weatherfield’s most complex young characters. Recently, she has been quietly battling self-esteem issues while being targeted by cruel anonymous messages that mock her looks and confidence.

The storyline took a turn last week when Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) started her new job at Audrey’s salon, taking Hope under her wing as part of a work experience programme. Their bond began with tension, after a client accused Hope of stealing a packet of so-called “miracle pills.”

When Bethany’s stoma split during the confrontation, Hope confessed, and the pair shared a heartfelt conversation about body image and insecurity. Bethany’s empathy seemed to make a real impact — but later that evening, Hope was once again reading through a stream of vicious texts.

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A New Friendship Fans Didn’t Expect

In Monday’s (October 20) episode, Bethany continued to support Hope, offering her a manicure and gentle encouragement. But when she posted a selfie of them online, the picture triggered another round of hateful comments aimed squarely at Hope.

Fans were quick to praise the unlikely friendship between the two characters. One viewer wrote: “This friendship between Hope and Bethany is actually quite sweet. They both need this right now.” Another added: “It’s about time Hope’s character became more rounded. I’m here for this.”

Bethany, who has her own history of trauma and body image struggles, may be exactly the kind of ally Hope needs — but the question remains: who is tormenting her online?

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Fans Point the Finger at Ruby

Social media sleuths believe the culprit may be far closer to home than anyone realises. Several fans are convinced that Ruby Dobbs, Hope’s stepsister, could be the one behind the bullying messages.

@ItsBarbaraW wrote: “I definitely think it’s Ruby that’s sending those horrible messages to Hope.”
@k_heyrab added: “Bet it’s Ruby trolling Hope.”
Another viewer, @CxxPIPxx, commented: “Is it Ruby sending Hope the messages? Her mum was a nutcase too.”

The theory has divided viewers, with some believing Ruby’s involvement would add a shocking twist to the Dobbs family dynamic — while others hope the storyline takes a more redemptive turn.

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A Powerful and Timely Message

The plot has been praised for tackling the growing issue of online bullying among young people. By pairing Hope’s vulnerability with Bethany’s compassion, Coronation Street is exploring how self-esteem, social media, and peer pressure collide in modern adolescence.

Whether Ruby is truly behind the messages or not, this storyline promises more emotional fallout in the weeks to come, as the truth threatens to tear the Dobbs family apart once again.