Coronation Street fans were left in hysterics as construction chaos hit the cobbles on Monday night when Hope Stape discovered what her mum Fiz's new boyfriend Phill Whittaker has been hiding.
The ITV soap has hinted that Fiz’s new man Phill, played by Jamie McKenna, may not be all he seems after the pair moved away from the cobbles.
Fiz has been loved up with Phill, hoping for a fresh start after her messy split from Tyrone Dobbs - but the truth of his suspicious behaviour has finally come out.
When Hope borrowed Phill's laptop, she was the one who uncovered the truth when she noticed a folder entitled ‘STAPE’ on his desktop, and in true Hope style, took revenge.
Viewers later discovered the folder contained research material on Hope’s serial killer and kidnapping father John Stape.
Phill heard the noise of the mini-digger on the driveway and dashed round the house to see what was going on.
Phill was horrified to see Hope as she pulled a lever, the digger's arm swung round and smashed the windscreen on his car.
ITV viewers were left questioning how Hope had been able to operate the complicated machinery of a digger.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “Hope knows how to operate a mini digger HOW??” as another tweeted: “And just like that Hope knows how to use a big bit of plant machinery!”
Another demanded: “How does Hope know how to operate that,” alongside a string of crying laughing emojis.
Another tweeted: “I know that Hope is not your ordinary devil-child, but how did she get the keys to operate the digger? And more importantly, how does she even KNOW how to operate one?”
“Hope Stape with the JCB licence, wonder if she’s free at the weekend. I'm meant to be digging out a pond!!” another joked.
Another bemused fan wrote: “I have so many questions about how a 10 year old knows how to start and operate a digger, but I'm not going to bother.”
“How the f*** did Hope know how to operate a mini digger??? Fizz needs to get that kid sectioned,” another concluded.
Some Coronation Street fans were dubious over Phill’s decision to keep his research material in a folder titled ‘STAPE’.
One wrote: “Note to Philly: If you don't want your girlfriend finding out you have research on your computer regarding her ex psycho serial killer, perhaps don't name the folder on your laptop after the surname of her deceased former husband.”
Another said: “If I was going to store stuff about my new partner’s murderous ex on my laptop I’d definitely name the file with his surname.”
Fellow fans were tickled by the moment, with one writing: “That was strangely satisfying, Hope” as another said: “Hope wrecking his car has made my day. Fire starter.”
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV.
