‘Coronation Street’ tonight: Is Spider in too deep as Max is drawn into extremism?

Dangerous extremist Griff (Michael Condron) continues to influence impressionable teen Max Turner (Paddy Bever) in tonight’s Coronation Street, much to the alarm of undercover police officer Spider Nugent (Martin Hancock).

The ITV soap, which airs tonight at 8pm, has already revealed that returning character Spider has infiltrated Griff’s gang in order to gather evidence on their plotting.

Read more: Coronation Street's Max Turner set for grooming by extremists storyline

This has now given way to a new twist, as Max begins to fall under Griff’s spell.

Last week, the troubled young man was uncomfortable after new girlfriend Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton), who has clearly been groomed by the group, made racist remarks about asylum seeker Daryan Zahawi (Twana Omer) and local resident Alya Nazir (Sair Khan).

But, with Lauren’s version of her encounter with Daryan ringing in Max’s ears, he was eventually swayed when Griff showed him a video that backed up his own vile agenda.

Griff then planned to teach Alya and Daryan a lesson, and a hooded figure was seen throwing paint over the entrance of restaurant Speed Daal.

The perpetrator turned out to be Spider, who appears to be far more immersed in his role than we imagined. Viewers certainly weren’t expecting to see Spider behind the vandalism, but what does this mean?

Has Spider been genuinely convinced by Griff and his mates? Recently, we saw him attempt to back out of his undercover operation; only for his supervisor to refuse his request and instruct him to help save lives.

Read more: Coronation Street: Spider’s web of lies is a triumph for the soap

Was Spider’s change of heart out of loyalty to Griff, rather than because of the risks? It’s a theory worth putting out there, knowing how much soaps love to wrong-foot us with shock twists.

However, when Corrie returns, Spider does seem to be a force for good. He tries to deter Max from associating with Griff, admiring the leaflets Max has made for the group before suggesting the teen uses his talent elsewhere.

Spider’s partner, Toyah Habeeb (Georgia Taylor), tells him she’s certain that Griff is racist, and passes on this insight to Alya and Yasmeen Metcalfe (Shelley King).

It looks like Spider is putting himself at risk to protect the community. Meanwhile, Max is set to spiral further thanks to Griff’s sinister presence.

Read more: Coronation Street spoilers: Griff destroyed by Roy

Will Spider be able to complete his mission and stop the extremists from causing serious harm? And what terrible acts might Griff groom Max into committing?

This storyline continues tonight as Coronation Street airs at 8pm on ITV.

Viewers concerned about anyone they know who might be being radicalised can find support at actearly.uk. Anyone concerned about potential terrorism can report it at gov.uk/ACT or on 0800 789 321.

Watch the latest Coronation Street spoilers