ITV Coronation Street double exit for residents amid 'soap's most divisive storyline

Coronation Street fans are speculating that a double departure could be looming for two of the show's characters.

The enigmatic "self-improvement group" known as The Institute was revealed to viewers earlier this year. Charismatic leader Rowan Cunliffe, portrayed by Emrhys Cooper, quickly enticed Weatherfield's Leanne Battersby, played by Jane Danson, into its ranks.

Leanne's involvement with the controversial group has raised alarm bells for her partner Nick Tilsley, brought to life by Ben Price, and her sister Toyah Habeeb, acted by Georgia Taylor both of whom have expressed their unease.

Compounding the tension, Amy Barlow, depicted by Elle Mulvaney, recently took an interest in The Institute, much to the dismay of a protective Nick and Toyah. After spending time at a retreat last month, Amy told Leanne about plans to use her inheritance from her late grandmother Deirdre - news which Leanne and cult leader Rowan greeted with open arms.

Rowan managed to persuade Amy into investing her £40,000 legacy into the cause, reports the Express.

This past week saw an anxious Amy appeal to her grandfather Ken, played by William Roache, to access the aforementioned funds. Initially reluctant, Ken eventually relented.

But during Wednesday's episode (August 28), viewers watched in shock as Amy, blindfolded in a distressing "malware session" at the hands of the group, was subjected to verbal attacks, leaving her to flee the scene in clear distress.

She later had second thoughts about the investment, but was horrified to learn from Ken that the money had already been transferred. The situation escalated further when a dismayed Steve McDonald (played by Simon Gregson) sought police assistance.

It has led viewers to suspect an impending jailbreak storyline for both Leanne and Rowan.

Social media has been abuzz with speculation, as fans posit theories ranging from Rowan framing Leanne to her own downfall being imminent. One vocal viewer remarked on X: "I hope leanne gets caught and sent to prison never to be seen again. She's doing my head in."

Another fan expressed dissatisfaction with the current plot, commenting: "She's never been as thick as she is now in her time in the programme it doesn't make sense just like the stupid bloody storyline."

The notion that Rowan might attempt to frame Leanne was suggested by someone else who said: "Rowan is gonna try and frame Leanne."

Other fans have voiced their opinions on the contentious cult story arc, which some have called one of Corrie's "most talked about" plots. On X, a viewer stated: "This cult storyline is going round and round. Beyond irritating to watch now."

However, another countered by writing: "Definitely one of soap's most talked about storylines, never saw so many people have so many thoughts.."

Yet, there are those who appreciate the narrative, as evidenced by a comment: "Controversial opinion..I love the cult storyline."

This sentiment was echoed by another who added: "I'm enjoying it, but they need to rope in more characters."