Coronation Street boss accidentally reveals huge plot twist

Lauren Bolton wearing a red tracksuit in Coronation Street

Has the outcome of Lauren's latest storyline been revealed? (Image credit: ITV Studios)

Coronation Street fans are all talking about the latest twist in Lauren Bolton's disappearance after beloved character Roy Cropper was recently charged with her murder.

While fans might not be overly convinced by the storyline considering Lauren's body hasn't actually been found, not to mention very little evidence linking Roy to the 'crime', there is a new twist in the tale after ITV's Managing Director for continuing drama, John Whiston, seemed to accidentally let slip in a statement that Lauren would be part of a grooming storyline.

In a statement to The Guardian about Coronation Street's latest storylines, John said: "Coronation Street is, and always has been, a mixture of characters you love, earthy humour and stories that matter such as the current Liam bullying storyline or the Lauren grooming storyline.

"The show is proud to explore important contemporary issues such as these and our audience research shows that viewers really appreciate these stories and believe we deal with them in an engaging but responsible way. Which is why Coronation Street continues to be the most-watched soap on British TV.”

Roy Cropper is taken into custody. — Will Roy go to jail for a crime he didn't commit? It's now looking unlikely! (Image credit: ITV)

Before she vanished into thin air, fans only knew that Lauren had an older boyfriend who hadn't been seen on screen, so the theory that Lauren has been groomed would definitely work with what we have seen on screen so far. However, it has never been hinted that she is a victim of grooming and this is yet to be confirmed either way.

Sadly for kind-hearted Roy, he has found himself as the number one suspect in Lauren's disappearance after blood was found in the teen's flat which he was later caught cleaning - making some people suspect he was actually disposing of evidence.

But will Roy end up in jail for a crime he didn't commit? Or could Lauren's disappearance lead to a grooming storyline like it has been hinted? You'll have to watch to find out!

Coronation Street airs hour-long episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 pm on ITV — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on ITVX.

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.