There’s also some sinister behaviour from a number of characters next week,

some concern for one or two residents and a possible exit on the way. A big announcement

leaves more than one character reeling, while a decision by one resident could cause drama.

The key storyline kicking off next week after Joel’s recent disappearance is the fact he’s confirmed dead. Not only that, but the police investigating his vanishing act declare it is now a murder investigation.

It seems it’s a whodunnit as more than one resident is questioned about their whereabouts the day Joel went missing. It comes as CCTV from a train station car park is found, and it shows Joel and his dad Gus hovering around a locker.

Kit interviews Gus and demands some answers, but events take a turn when three lads spot a body floating in the water. It’s soon confirmed to be Joel’s, and DS Swain and Kit must break the news to residents that Joel is dead.

Dee-Dee Bailey and Lauren Bolton are two of the first to find out, before Swain announces Joel’s death in the pub. Kit then finds out the post mortem revealed that Joel was dead before he entered the river, meaning he was murdered – but who did it?

Coronation Street is lining up a new whodunnit it seems

As residents are questioned about their whereabouts and their last meetings with Joel, who has something to hide? With it revealed to have been two blows to the head by a heavy weapon, the weapon is claimed to be a crowbar.

So when one resident happens to be spotted with this very item, could it prove they are guilty amid a theory from fans the characters were linked? Another resident is caught out when their car satnav suggests they were near Joel’s home around the time he was likely killed.

Joel aside, there’s plenty more drama on the way too. One character intervenes to help reconcile a couple, after a resident fears their partner is still in love with their ex.

Stu Carpenter’s exit storyline may be revealed too, as he has a row with Yasmeen Nazir. He reveals he is thinking of moving to Germany to be with Eliza and Dom, but how will Yasmeen react?

There’s also some sinister behaviour from a number of characters next week

Hope Stape’s illness is explained, while Adam Barlow finds himself accused of theft after some money goes missing. It leads to another resident finding themself under suspicion, with it clear they are hiding something.

Toyah Battersby is left looking for somewhere to live after drama with Leanne and Nick. But there’s horror for the trio when they find out villain Rowan Cunliffe is pleading not guilty to blackmail and fraud so it will have to go to trial.

Is a return on the cards for him? Sam Blakeman ends up injuring himself amid his quest to reunite a former couple. Lauren Bolton gets some good news about her baby son Frankie, but she and Max Turner are clearly up to something when they’re left avoiding Bobby.