Fans stunned as Coronation Street's Ali Neeson is unexpectedly sent to jail

Ali Coronation Street, played by James Burrows
(Image credit: Mark Bruce)

Ryan has big news about Ali last night...

Coronation Street fans have been left shocked after it was revealed in last night's episode that Ali Neeson has been sent to prison.

The doctor, who left the soap back in March, was in trouble with the police for attacking Gary Windass (Mikey North) in the street after the pair clashed over Maria Connor.

Ali and Gary clashed over Maria for months (Picture: ITV)

Ali and Gary clashed over Maria for months (Picture: ITV)

But while killer Gary is walking around the cobbles with barely a care in the world, poor Ali is now locked up behind bars.

Fans were fuming as the big reveal was made last night as Ryan Connor mentioned the news while talking to girlfriend Alya.

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Following Alya's breakdown at the hands of evil Geoff, who had pushed her to the limit with his manipulative ways, Ryan took her home to calm down.

Ryan Coronation Street

Ryan revealed last night that Ali has gone to jail (Picture: ITV)

But while the couple talked about Geoff turning his coercive behaviour towards Alya, Ryan revealed he would like nothing more than to head over to Geoff's and let his fists do the talking.

Ryan then added that the only thing stopping him from attacking Geoff was the fact he didn't want to end up in prison like Yasmeen and Ali.

Alya Coronation Street

Alya was shocked by Ryan's news (Picture: ITV)

Alya was shocked to hear about Ali being in jail and couldn't believe that her problems had got in the way of Ryan mentioning Ali was even due in court.

Fans took to social media to share their shock at Ali being behind bars...

Fans will remember that Ali and Gary had a long-running feud over Maria, and when Gary found out about Ali and Maria's night of passion he decided to get revenge.

Coronation Street spoilers: Ali Neeson bids farewell to the street

Ali left Coronation street back in March (Picture: ITV)

Gary got Rick Neelan's sidekick, Sharon, to spike Ali's drink in the Rovers, leading to him collapsing and everyone believing he'd relapsed back into his addiction with prescription drugs.

Coronation Street will temporarily air a reduced schedule of three episodes a week.

Watch on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm on ITV - see our TV guide for full listings. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.