TENSION rocks the walls of the Underworld factory this week as Michael Bailey prepares for a new job opportunity.
Little does he know that a serial killer is lurking in Coronation Street and he could be at the top of their hit list.
Could a fling lead to a full-blown romance?
Michael Bailey gets a huge offer for a job in London
But somebody in the cobbles isn’t happy about it
1. Michael is in danger
The hunk portrayed by Ryan Russell showed what he was capable of when he worked on designs behind Carla Connor’s back with Sarah Platt and Stephen Reid.
Underworld boss Carla eventually found out what they’d been up to as the troublesome three were using her factory afterhours to get their side business started.
This led to the factory workers signing a massive deal and Sarah Platt even got her job back as a PA for Carla.
Coming up on ITV, Stephen Reid (played by Canadian actor Todd Boyce) is pleased that the Gazette are going to do a piece on the Nippersnapper deal.
However, Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) cleverly reminds him that his nephew Michael deserves some of the credit.
A hopeful Michael, who sees this as the start of a flourishing career, suggests he join Stephen’s meeting with Rufus Donahue (Steven Meo).
While he heads off to make the tea, Rufus drops a bombshell on Stephen – after some consideration, he’s decided that 25% of the profits isn’t enough and he’d like 50% instead.
Stephen is left reeling and things go from bad to worse when, despite his attempts to keep Michael away from the meeting, the latter meets with Rufus in the Street.
The businessman makes Michael the offer of a lifetime – what if he was to work with him in his London office?
In later scenes, Stephen feels like his hands are tied and he agrees to Rufus’ demand for half of the profits from the Nippersnapper deal.
Rufus heads out while Michael shows Gazette reporter Suki in.
As Stephen and her conduct their interview about the new brand, Michael’s increasingly annoyed to be overlooked and leaves.
Stephen tries to order Michael back to work but, realising he may not have a big future at the Underworld factory, his decision is made.
He takes great pleasure in telling Stephen that he’ll be meeting with Rufus later in the day as he’s been offered a far better chance in London.
Over the moon, Michael arrives at Rufus’ house to discuss his future but he gets no reply to the doorbell.
All he can hear is loud music from the inside which prompts him to leave Rufus a voicemail.
Little does he know that Rufus was the target of a brutal murder as Stephen Reid noticed his secrets were beginning to unravel.
Following this failed meeting, Michael goes cap in hand to Stephen and asks if can remain at Underworld after all.
Unfortunately, Stephen snaps – he’s too late and Nina Lucas is the new Head of Design.
While Elaine Metcalfe is left in utter shock, Nina wonder what she’s let herself in for.
Michael is in a difficult position but Ronnie advises him to go back to Rufus’ house and do his best to smooth things over.
But when he follows through and turns up at Rufus’ house, he’s mortified to find it swarming with police.
The housekeeper soon reveals that Rufus is dead and she found his body in the swimming pool, leaving Michael reeling in shock.
Due to move away to London for a new job, could Michael become suspicious of Stephen after Rufus’ death?
Could he meet the same fate as Teddy and Leo Thompkins?
Sarah and Adam Barlow’s marriage is headed for the rocks
2. Marriage breakdown for Sarah
One married couple in the cobbles is headed straight for the rocks.
Adam and Sarah (respectively portrayed by Sam Robertson and Tina O’Brien) have had several disagreements in recent months, particularly on the topic of children.
The Underworld PA made it clear she’d like to focus on her career but this hasn’t stopped her from feeling attracted to Damon (Ciarán Griffiths), who returned to the cobbles after being arrested.
Sarah tries her best to fight off her feelings but with her car blocked in next week, Adam working and unavailable, she has no choice but to turn to Damon when he offers her a lift to the hotel for her meeting.
Much to her annoyance, Damon sits at a nearby table and saunters over pretending to be a music mogul impressed by the designs when Lulu, the buyer, makes disparaging remarks about them.
Damon hands Sarah his card with his room number written on the back while Lulu looks at the designs in a new light.
However, Sarah is angry with Damon and heads to his room to tear a strip off him for interfering.
But instead of taking her seriously, Damon is amused and gives her a glass of champagne.
Once finished, Sarah throws caution to the wind and kisses Damon passionately.
In later scenes, Sarah and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) are both gutted when Adam and Dee-Dee Bailey’s new evidence sees Damon released.
He assures Sarah that he’s not out to cause trouble and will keep quiet about their liaison – but Dee-Dee senses something isn’t right.
She confronts Sarah over her relationship with Damon – what will be said?
In a desperate attempt to put thoughts of Damon to rest, Sarah later kisses Adam and suggests they should try for a baby.
Adam is all loved-up but the encounter fails to rid Sarah of all her guilt.
As mentioned above, Sarah and Adam have had a number of disagreements in recent months.
Could Sarah’s fling with Damon evolve into romance?
Will it be Sarah and Adam’s last straw?
Eileen Grimshaw is adamant that Estelle is scamming Glenda and George
3. Estelle’s scam spells exit for Glenda
Eileen Grimshaw is growing more and more cautious around Glenda Shuttleworth, particularly after the Rovers barmaid received a visit from her old friend Estelle.
The Underworld employee portrayed by Sue Cleaver has lived in the cobbles long enough to stay cautious around any newcomer.
And when Glenda (Jodie Prenger) was reunited with Estelle (Ruthie Henshall), Eileen was immediately on her guard as the latter spoke about her stage school for children.
This week, Estelle tells Glenda that the Weatherfield franchise of Little Big Shotz is up for grabs and it could be hers for £5,000.
An excited Glenda tells George (Tony Maudsley) and Eileen that she’s accepted Estelle’s offer but she doesn’t know where to get the money.
George tells Eileen that he’s planning to help Glenda out by lending her the cash for her Little Big Shotz franchise.
Eileen, however, isn’t convinced and, true to her outspoken nature, tells George it’s all a scam and he’ll live to regret it.
In later scenes, she’s pleased to learn that George decided not to go ahead with Glenda’s business.
This is until she overhears Glenda saying that only two kids have signed up to her school and a horrified George lets slip that he can’t afford to lose £5k.
With money troubles often sending characters in dark paths, could Glenda be pushed out of the cobbles as she realises she’s involved in a scam?
Could she have worked out a money-grabbing plot with Estelle, unbeknownst to everyone?
Coronation Street airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8pm on ITV.
