It’s getting dramatic on Coronation Street as Rob Donovan shocks the cobbles with his return. His comeback isn‘t simply about old memories but about fighting for survival, being in desperate conditions, and a dangerous hostage scenario that will have long-lasting repercussions.
Viewers have already been thrilled with Rob‘s dark path, but the latest plot twist has promised to rock Weatherfield to its foundations. But while viewers are eagerly anticipating his next move, Marc Baylis, the man behind the notorious character, has admitted that his own family is not as invested in his soap career as one might expect.
A ‘Desperate’ Rob Takes Hostages
Rob Donovan’s return was never going to be low-key. Having staged a dramatic escape as a cover for donating a kidney to his sister, Carla Connor, he is now a fugitive and seriously ill. With upsetting situations and time running out, he resorts to Tracy Barlow, his former flame, for assistance.
Baylis has clarified that Rob is in a critical condition, having untreated sepsis, and is just days from death. He continued that even with the stakes so high. There were some gentle moments between Rob and Tracy since she had been the love of his life. Nevertheless, his desperation gets the better of him, and he goes to extreme lengths.
It resulted in a tense hostage drama where Tracy and Carla are both held at gunpoint. As the police close in on him, things get completely out of hand, ending in a gunshot that leaves one of his characters with life-changing injuries. Who pays the price for Rob’s desperate attempt to get away?
Baylis’ Achievements As Rob
Being Rob has been a defining moment for Baylis, but his acting career was not always smooth sailing. He had done a series of jobs before getting his Coronation Street job in 2012. He admitted that he had thought about quitting acting several times, acknowledging that the profession had never been simple and never would be.
Baylis remembered one particularly tough time when he didn’t have an acting gig for a couple of years. He explained that ambition had driven him to get through the rough patches and eventually made him stronger and tougher.
In spite of the odds, his acting as Rob quickly won him awards, including Best Bad Boy and even a nomination for Sexiest Male in Soap. Although he quit the show in 2014 following Rob’s conviction for murder, the character’s presence continued to be felt—so much so that his surprise return in 2024 shook the fandom to its core.
Away from the Weatherfield drama, Baylis has a much less eventful life in Yorkshire with his wife and children. He has called his private life “low-key” and revealed he enjoys gardening, playing the guitar, and supporting Aston Villa. He said that his family had grown accustomed to watching him on TV and didn’t fuss about it. With a history of crime and dishonesty following him, will this be his last stand, or does Coronation Street have even more surprises in store? Until then, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more soap updates.
