Coronation Street is set to revisit one of evil Joel Deering's victims amid efforts to bring him down.
Dee-Dee Bailey and DS Lisa Swain are both currently trying to build a criminal case against Joel following his violent attack on Lauren Bolton, as there isn't enough evidence to charge him and the case has been closed.
In upcoming scenes, the pair will try to contact Ellie – another vulnerable teenager who Joel has exploited – hoping she will provide some information that could send the abuser down once and for all.
Bethany Platt previously met up with Ellie and begged her to share what she knew about Lauren's disappearance.
Although Ellie said that Nathan Curtis was responsible, it was later revealed that she was Joel was intimidating her into making that claim.
In scenes airing on the ITV soap next week, Lisa informs Dee-Dee that Joel's work phone showed some message exchanges with someone of interest, and she's going to follow it up.
Craig agrees to help track down Ellie, but is warned that both he and Lisa could lose their jobs if anyone finds out.
Craig successfully finds Ellie's address – but will she agree to talk to Lisa?
Coronation Street's DS Lisa Swain (Victoria Myers) is faced with a major blow next week as she's taken off the Joel Deering (Calum Lill) case. DS Swain and Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) are both currently trying to build a criminal case against Joel following his violent attack on Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) as there isn't enough evidence to charge him and the case has been closed.
In a new clip from upcoming scenes set to air this week, the pair will try to contact Ellie – another vulnerable teenager who Joel has exploited – hoping she will provide some information that could send the abuser down once and for all. Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) previously met up with Ellie and begged her to share what she knew about Lauren's disappearance. Although Ellie said that Nathan Curtis (Chris Harper) was responsible, it was later revealed that she was Joel was intimidating her into making that claim.
In scenes of the ITV soap set to air next week, Swain informs Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) that disturbing communication between Joel and Ellie has been found. She explains: "There are inappropriate texts between Joel and a girl he was representing. An Eleanor Benton. Does that name ring any bells?"
Craig replies: "No. So he was sending her dirty messages?" Swain confirms: "Yeah, it's horrible, it's sickening but he called her Ellie." After a short pause, Craig points out: "Actually, maybe this does ring a bell. A while back Bethany mentioned an Ellie. She reckoned that Nathan Curtis had assaulted her."
Swain asks: "Did you follow it up?" Craig answers: "I went around to her address but she'd legged it by the time I got there. I think maybe she was scared." Swain says: "Well if this is the same Ellie then we could be onto something here. What if Joel forced her to lie to put Nathan in the frame?" Craig says: "Like with Lauren."
Swain continues: "Exactly. This Ellie was one of Joel's clients which means she was arrested so at the very least but I can't check the system. I've been told to step away from the case so I'm not allowed to do any digging but..."
Craig interrupts: "But I am and that's what you're telling me this. You want me to check it out and report back to you." Swain adds: "You're sharp as a tack, PC Tinker. I know it's a huge favour."
"I'd be out on my ear if anyone find out." Craig says. DS Swain adds: "No pressure." Craig goes on: "I want this monster locking up as much as you do." Will Craig put his career on the line?
The sinister solicitor, who has groomed and abused young girls including local teen Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton), currently thinks he has got away with his crimes after DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) was unable to pin enough on him to get a charge to stick.
However, Lisa, Lauren and Joel’s ex-fiancée Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown) have made it their mission to try and bring him down.
They get a massive breakthrough next week when Joel’s old work phone throws up some new clues.
As fans know, last week saw Dee-Dee visit Joel’s old firm Walcotts, who specialise in helping vulnerable young people. While his old boss insisted he was an ‘exemplary’ employee, a less-convinced receptionist handed Dee-Dee an old work phone once belonging to Joel.
After passing it to Lisa, the DS pulled in a favour from a mate in IT to do some covert investigations on his previous communications.
In forthcoming scenes, Lisa informs Dee-Dee she’s uncovered some incriminating text exchanges with a female and vows to follow up.
DS Swain enlists the help of police colleague Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) to help track the contact down, but swears him to secrecy, warning they could lose their jobs if anyone finds out.
Craig manages to find the address of the woman – called Ellie – but will she be willing to talk to Lisa?
And will the text messages give Swain the vital evidence she needs to bring Joel to justice?
Is Betsy right?
Lisa talks to Dee-Dee and tells her that Joel’s work phone revealed a series of text message exchanges with a mystery female. She informs her that she plans on following up this line of investigation in the hope that it’ll bring Joel down.
Later, Craig agrees to help Lisa track down Ellie, the name from Joel’s phone. She warns him that nobody can find out what they have done, or they could both lose their jobs.
Craig finds Ellie’s address and she heads over to talk to her. But, will Ellie want to open up to Lisa?
Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.
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