After a shaky and uneven 2025, Coronation Street finally feels like it knows what it wants to be again. With the new ITV schedule in place and several storylines clearly being written for the long run, 2026 already looks like a year of big consequences rather than quick twists. So, fellow soap fans think these are the Corrie predictions for 2026 that feel most likely based on where the show is heading now.
Theo Will Fully Cement Himself as the Big Villain Of Coronation Street
If there’s one prediction that feels locked in for 2026, it’s Theo becoming the Street’s long-term big bad. We’ve had plenty of villains lately; Becky, Carl, Mick.But Theo is the only one who’s truly crossed into main villain territory by killing Billy. Once Corrie does that, they rarely rush the ending.
Looking at past patterns, Stephen stayed on screen for over a year after his first kill, and there were even plans to keep him around longer. That makes it feel very likely Theo’s story will run right through 2026, getting darker and more complicated as it pulls more characters into his mess. His relationship with Todd probably won’t last, but Theo himself feels like a problem the Street won’t shake off anytime soon.
Carl Is Likely Headed for a Redemption Arc
Carl’s future looks very different now compared to how things felt after Corriedale. Back then, it seemed like he might be done fairly quickly, but the strong hints that Debbie will be revealed as his mum change everything. That sort of reveal doesn’t happen in Corrie unless it’s meant to lead somewhere.
The key thing with Carl is that he hasn’t gone too far yet. None of his actions feel unforgivable, and he doesn’t come across as cruel; more apathetic and opportunistic. That leaves plenty of room for a redemption arc in 2026, even if it doesn’t turn him into a long-term resident. I can easily see him leaving with some self-respect rather than being chased out in disgrace.
A Steve, Tracy, and Cassie Love Triangle Feels Inevitable
One of the messier Corrie predictions for 2026 is a full-blown love triangle involving Steve, Tracy, and Cassie. Tracy and Cassie’s constant feuding doesn’t feel like a throwaway joke anymore. It feels like it’s building toward something bigger.
The most obvious outcome is Tracy realising she still has feelings for Steve, which would pull him right back into the centre of the drama. Corrie loves revisiting old relationships, especially when there’s unfinished business.
A Swarla Wedding Could Be on the Cards in Coronation Street
On a slightly happier note, 2026 could be the year Swarla finally make it official. The Becky drama feels like it’s heading toward a natural fade-out over the coming months. And once that settles, the relationship looks solid.
That doesn’t mean it’ll all be smooth sailing; this is Corrie, after all. But a wedding feels like the logical next step. Even if there’s last-minute drama or doubts, I can see them going from strength to strength rather than falling apart.
Cast Culls Are Almost Certain in 2026
No Corrie year goes by without a few exits, and 2026 looks no different. Alya feels like a likely candidate, especially now that Dee Dee is gone and only Adam really ties her to the Street. Her story already feels like it’s winding down.
Michael and Glory also seem vulnerable. And I wouldn’t be surprised if we lose a similar number of characters as we did last year. Corrie often uses quieter periods to trim the cast, and this feels like one of those moments.
All in all, these Corrie predictions for 2026 point to a year built on long-running storylines rather than quick shocks. A major villain taking over, redemption stories unfolding, old romances resurfacing, weddings on the horizon, and some emotional goodbyes. It feels very classic Corrie, and honestly, that’s when the show is at its best. For more such Coronation Street updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily!