Coronation Street fans have been left fearful for a resident on the cobbles as Stephen Reid has been left desperate to get his hands on cash.
The dodgy businessman, played by Todd Boyce, has made it clear he will stop at nothing to keep his scheming under wraps.
Stephen's dire financial situation has led to him trying to con his mum Audrey out of her money, followed by the death of Leo Thompkins when Stephen pushed him off the roof of the factory.
Corrie fans now believe he could now kill again after he appeared to eye up a new target who he thinks could help with his money troubles.
Stephen could be set to manipulate Elaine Metcalfe, Tim’s mum, after she came to his rescue at the hospital following a horror moped accident.
As Elaine insisted Stephen stay at her home while he recovers from the accident, in scenes that aired on Wednesday, she told him that she has a large amount of equity in her home.
Coronation Street fans pointed to the moment as some believe they saw Stephen’s eyes ‘light up’ at the news she plans to sell her home, as he could try to cash in amid the possibilities of what her money could do for him.
Taking to Twitter after the scenes, one wrote: “Oh great, she's coming into some wedge. How lucky was it to have an accident with her around.. Things are looking up.”
A second added: “Stephen is going to bleed that woman dry,” as a third wrote: “Elaine downsizing and revealing her equity – she's just made herself a target.”
Fellow fans even believed Stephen could soon kill again after the scenes, as one tweeted: “Now Stephen is going to fleece Elaine and probably kill her.”
Another ominously added: “I like Elaine, I hope she doesn’t end up in a wheelie bin too..”
The scenes came just days after it looked like Audrey (Sue Nicholls) was put in mortal peril when her scheming son slipped some crushed antidepressants into her G&T.
When Audrey excused herself to the loo, Stephen had his chance to spike her drink – but when his mum soon returned and was about to take a sip of the spiked drink, Stephen thought better and knocked it over.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV.
Got any theories or thoughts on the storyline? Let us know in the comments section below.
