Not only are the characters in disarray, but Coronation Street’s schedule has also undergone a surprising twist.

The broadcaster announced that the show would be airing earlier, and the special would be a full hour long – a familiar sign that “something big” is about to happen.

Fans immediately speculated: this could be the episode where Rovers Return officially changes hands, or Bethany’s secret is revealed on Christmas Eve.

Either way, a time change is always a sign that the producers are about to drop an unexpected twist.

Picture this: the screen opens on Maggie Driscoll raising a glass in the middle of a bar, dim lighting illuminating her calculating face. Bethany walks in, her eyes meeting Maggie’s. Ben Driscoll stands behind her, his face tense, Eva Price looks around – everyone is waiting for something to happen. Then suddenly, the lights go out. A scream. And when the lights came back on – the Driscoll family’s secret suitcase was wide open.

That scene, even before it aired, was enough to get the fan community buzzing. A special hour, a restless night – where each character had to choose sides, or be caught in a spiral of power with no way out.

Weatherfield has never been so tense. As the whole world prepares for the holidays, this “alley” is about to explode. And once again, Coronation Street proves that – drama doesn’t need fireworks, just a look from Maggie Driscoll is enough to set the whole frame ablaze.