Coronation Street viewers are working out the real identity of Mad Dog, the person texting Hope Stape. The 11-year-old has been the target of texts by a person going by the peculiar username.
Hope was preparing to talk with a group of gamers online after her School Leavers assembly. But one unknown new player began sending her a string of messages, worryingly, about her home and family life.
Mad Dog's identity hasn't been revealed, but fellow youngster Sam Blakeman predicted whoever it is fancies Hope. The pair discussed the messages and the player over their walkie-talkies.
But could there be something sinister going on, and should Hope be careful? The messages were being sent across the evening, and one asked: "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"
Another messaged asked: "Do you get along with your mum and dad?" as a third read: "Do you like your home?"
A fourth question, again directed to Hope, read: "What's your mum and dad like?". Sam had noticed all the questions too and asked Hope about new player Mad Dog, and what she thought about it.
Hope and Sam appeared to laugh it off and didn't think much of it, while viewers at home were suspicious that they knew who was behind the messages, the Mirror reported.
Fans of the ITV soap took to Twitter to theorise about the mystery, guessing it could be Phil Whittaker taking revenge on his former stepdaughter.
Phill recently split with Hope's mum Fiz after she dumped him for Tyrone Dobbs on their wedding day, and Hope was a key part in ruining their big day.
Fans have now questioned if Phill could be targeting Hope, or Fiz, with one writing: "Who is this mad dog on hopes pad , Phil ? trying to get revenge maybe?". Another liked this idea, replying: "Ooh, good thinking…"
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
