Note: This article contains discussion of subject matter including grooming.
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Jane Danson has revealed the future of the harrowing storyline involving Megan Walsh, which has seen her groom teenager Will Driscoll. The sports coach has been lying to everyone to keep her horrifying secret, including making life a misery for Sam Blakeman – the only Weatherfield resident who is suspicious of her.
ITV
Related: Coronation Street reveals Alya Nazir’s big new crisis – will Adam find out?
The ITV soap recently confirmed that Megan’s crimes will be exposed later this month, and the net begins to close in next week when Leanne gets suspicious after Sam collapses on the cobbles.
It won’t be long before Megan is exposed as a predator to the whole community, with a recent trailer showing a horrified Ben and Eva determined to gather evidence to bring her down and save the vulnerable Will.
In an exclusive interview with Inside Soap, Jane, who plays Leanne Battersby, tells us that there is a lot more to come in this powerful storyline, and that the fallout will launch some dramatic new plots – potentially with the reveal of the flashforward murder victim next month.
“This storyline involves so many characters who all react differently,” she teases. “Lots of other stories are born out of it. It will affect lots of relationships.
“Eva is protective of her stepson Will, she and Leanne are united in looking out for their kids, and Toyah’s a big part of that. It’s the three sisters against the world!”
Leanne is not just part of this story through her sister Eva, but through troubled teen Sam, whom she shares custody of with her ex, Nick. It’s a bond that has grown over recent years, and is reminiscent of Leanne’s relationship with her stepson Simon.
ITV
Related: Coronation Street drops ominous death hint ahead of major exit
“I watched Alex [Bain, who played Simon] grow into a young man and have some amazing stories,” reflects Jane. “Now Jude [Riordan, who portrays Sam] is in his last years of high school and going into his GCSEs. It’s like watching your own children grow up!
“Jude is handling this storyline really well, he’s amazing. Sam is a lovely, moral, honest character, like a mini Roy Cropper!”
To read our full exclusive interview with Jane Danson, who is approaching an impressive 30 years on the cobbles, pick up the upcoming issue of Inside Soap, which is available to buy from Tuesday, 17 March.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX and YouTube.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Coronation Street has worked on Will and Megan’s grooming storyline with support from Barnardo’s. Support and information is available via the charity’s website.