Corrie's Bethany Platt 'works out' Lauren's killer after 'worst villain' makes return

Coronation Street has provided an update on the mysterious disappearance of Lauren Bolton (Played by Cait Fitton), a storyline that involves Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon). Fans of the ITV soap will know that the teenager has been missing for several weeks and she was last seen on February 23 after being dismissed from her job at Roy's Rolls by Roy Cropper (David Neilson).

Roy later visited her with her wages and some additional money to help her out, before an unknown individual paid her a visit at home, unseen by viewers. This followed weeks of peculiar behaviour from Lauren, hinting at a "mystery boyfriend", and it was her new romantic interest Bobby (Jack Carroll) who discovered her flat unlocked and empty. However, the missing person investigation soon turned into a murder inquiry when blood was found in Lauren's flat.

Unfortunately, Roy quickly became DS Lisa Swain's (Vicky Myers) main suspect after it was revealed he was the last person to see her alive. In an ill-advised attempt to assist his friend Evelyn Plummer (Maureen Lipman), who was subletting the precinct flat, he thoroughly cleaned Lauren's flat.

Roy has since been charged with Lauren's murder and was later denied bail following a confrontation with one of the many online detectives who have been hounding him over Lauren's potential death.

In a shocking twist to the investigation into Lauren's disappearance, Bethany's vile abuser Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper) is set to reappear in Weatherfield after more than six years. It's Bethany, who first spots him during the reconstruction of Lauren's last known movements, sending her mind into turmoil.

Believing Nathan was still incarcerated, she learns he was released some time ago and is now working on a nearby construction site.

Aware of his past and his predilection for young girls, Bethany quickly suspects that Nathan could be responsible for Lauren's presumed murder.

As she focuses all her efforts on Nathan, Bethany is forced to face her tormentor once more in her quest to bring Lauren's assailant to justice. But has she identified the right man?

With Roy in prison awaiting a murder trial and Nathan insisting he's reformed since his jail term, could the real predator still be on the loose?

Or has Nathan, the master manipulator, reverted to his old habits?

When asked about his return to the show, Chris expressed: "I was emotional when I was told about Nathan's potential return.

"During the 18 months he was in it before, hundreds of people shared with me how the storyline reflected something they, or someone they loved, had lived through. It remains important to keep them in mind as we continue Bethany's story."

He added his gratitude for the support from various organisations: "Once again, I am grateful for the ongoing support of Barnardo's, NSPCC, S.H.E.UK, and all the people who trusted me last time. We have another chance to raise an issue that affects so many lives, so often shrouded in shame."

Discussing his character, the soap star went on: "I do love playing Nathan though. He is funny, deceitful, slippery, manipulative and ruthless. Now he is also under a lot of pressure too. This new storyline is absolutely full of twists. It really is good to be back on the hallowed cobbles. So much has happened since we saw Nathan sent to prison, but Coronation Street is a constant. I feel like the cast, crew and the whole team are old friends."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV.