Yahoo News Corrie's Bethany Platt is feared dead next week
Coronation Street's Craig Tinker fears Bethany Platt is dead next week after she's kidnapped on the first day of Nathan Curtis's trial.
Bethany (Lucy Fallon) has been gearing up to give evidence against Nathan, Neil Clifton and the rest of their evil gang as the case finally reaches court.
The troubled teenager hopes the trial will give her closure after her grooming ordeal, but she's unaware that Nathan has already put a new plan into action which could potentially secure his freedom.
Upcoming episodes see Mel Maguire (Sonia Ibrahim) make contact with Bethany again, tricking her into thinking that she's now on her side.
In fact, Mel is still taking instructions from Nathan, who's managed to sneak a mobile phone into his prison cell.
On day one of the trial, Nathan phones Mel and warns her to do whatever it takes to stop Bethany from getting to court.
Mel then tells Bethany that she's finally going to the police about her own experiences with Nathan, asking her to accompany her to the station for moral support.
Sadly, Mel's true intentions are revealed when she stops the car by a railway line and grabs Bethany by the hair, dragging her towards the tracks to threaten her.
When Bethany doesn't show up for court, Nathan's barrister is sure things will go his way and promises him that it's looking good.
At the same time, Craig (Colson Smith) is called out to a fatality at the railway sidings as part of his police duties, and he's devastated to find a necklace identical to Bethany's.
Has Bethany really been killed by Mel, or is there another explanation? Will she get to court, or miss her chance to testify? All will be revealed next week.
Christopher Harper, who plays Nathan, revealed: "Nathan has been constantly manipulating Mel, getting her back on side so that he can use her to get back at Bethany. He thinks if he can get Bethany out the way, he will be in the clear.
"Mel is vulnerable, she craves love and a stable life. She hasn't got the support Bethany has. Nathan promises he'll give her a home and that they can start a family. He swears to Mel that he loves her more than anything in the world and he pretends to get upset if she questions him.
"He promises her the world and just needs one thing in return – Mel has to stop Bethany getting to court, whatever it takes."
He continued: "When Bethany is missing on the day of the trial, it's a dream come true for Nathan. He knows he can slip through if he keeps lying well and witnesses don't come forward. I think he finds the adrenaline rush almost fun. He's back in control.
"Nathan knows he's not in the clear until he's out. But without Bethany testifying, the case is weak enough to let him wriggle out and carry on doing what he is doing. He's already making plans.
"Nathan hopes the jury will fall for him in the same way Bethany and Mel have. Nathan's barrister has done a good job selling the story that Nathan has constructed, but it is clear Bethany's barrister doesn't believe a word of it.
"When Nathan realises the jury don't seem to be falling for his charm either, he suddenly gets stage fright."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
For more information on the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and how they can help you or someone who you know is in need, please click here.
Rape Crisis England and Wales works towards the elimination of sexual violence. If you've been affected by the issues raised in Bethany's storyline, you can access more information on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Coronation Street gossip, as the fightback begins against Michelle Connor's stalker and Bethany Platt's dark storyline is revisited.
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