Bernie Winter hoped one messy night would fade into the background of Weatherfield life, but instead it has spiralled into a situation she cannot control. What began as grief, drink and bad judgement has now turned into fear, police suspicion, and a man who refuses to leave her alone. As events escalate in Coronation Street, Bernie may already be too deep to escape the fallout.
Bernie Winter’s Night Out Sparks Mal Roper Obsession
Still reeling from the loss of her son in law Billy Mayhew, Bernie headed out for a girls’ night to distract herself. That is when she met Mal Roper, a man who quickly made it clear he liked her. Bernie never intended to betray Dev Alahan.
But she ended up on a drug fuelled binge with Mal and woke the next morning full of regret. The mistake should have ended there. Instead, Mal inserted himself into her life.
He turned out to be married to Roy Cropper’s pen pal Alice and soon took a job rewiring Roy’s flat just to stay close to Bernie. She refuses to tell Dev because she fears Mal will twist the truth first and destroy her marriage.
Soon Mal traps her alone in Roy’s Rolls and declares his love. Jane Hazlegrove explains Bernie’s mindset. She is terrified and recognises the warning signs. Having dealt with aggressive men before, she knows the situation is dangerous and says he is unhinged.
Mal’s Behaviour Turns Sinister in Weatherfield
The situation becomes far darker when Bernie finds her head cut out of her wedding photo, proof someone has been inside her home. She instantly suspects Mal.
Hazlegrove says Bernie realises he is completely fixated on her for no logical reason. She begins to worry he could take things further and considers confessing everything to Dev before Mal uses the truth against her.
But denial defines Bernie. She hides secrets and hopes they never surface, convincing herself half truths will protect her. Deep down she knows the truth will eventually come out because she may need help. When residents start whispering about Mal’s obsession, he confronts Bernie angrily at the Rovers until Roy throws him out. Bernie finally snaps and warns him she will kill him if he does not leave her alone, but he laughs and refuses to back off.
Shortly after the confrontation, police officer Lisa Swain informs Kit Green that a man has been found in the street with a serious head injury. When Kit checks the file he is shocked to see the victim is Mal, now in critical condition. Bernie immediately looks suspicious because witnesses heard her threats. Hazlegrove admits it is not a good look and telling Dev has not solved anything. If anything, events have worsened. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.