Coronation Street fans couldn't believe what they were seeing as soap killer Stephen Reid's web of lies and deceit extended even further. In Wednesday night's episode the conman landed on his feet again as he landed a surprise new job, and viewers fear he might sink his claws into a new victim.
As well as covering up the murder of Jenny Connor's fiance Leo Thompkins, rogue businessman Stephen has spent months covering up the dire state of his finances while swindling his own family. He plotted to sell his mum Audrey Roberts' property in order to steal the equity and pay back his ex Gabrielle, who he stole from in the past, and after Leo eavesdropped on Stephen's conversation with Gabrielle he shoved him to his death off the edge of the Underworld factory.
The ITV soap's Boxing Day episode saw Stephen's tall tales begin to catch up with him after his sister Gail Rodwell realised he'd re-gifted his present of a hip flask from Elaine Jones to pass off as nephew David Platt's birthday present. After an enlightening phone conversation with Gabrielle, Gail confronted Stephen in front of Elaine, who shared her theory that Stephen is being coercively controlled by his ex which he went along with to gain sympathy.
