A major mystery is heading toward Weatherfield, and this time Coronation Street is playing the long game. A flashforward episode set to air in spring will open with police questioning a resident who has just discovered a dead body, before rewinding to reveal several characters who could be the victim.
Producers have already teased that the person who dies will be someone who has caused serious damage on the cobbles. The big question now is, who won’t make it to 2026? Let’s take a closer look at the leading suspects.
Carl Webster
Carl Webster sits high on the list thanks to the sheer number of enemies he has created in a short space of time. His affair with Abi, heartless treatment of Debbie while she battles dementia, and his role in Tyrone’s devastating injuries have left many residents disgusted. Carl has burned bridges across the street, and his smug belief that he can dodge consequences may prove to be his biggest mistake.
The pressure intensified after the Corriedale crash, which claimed Billy Mayhew’s life. Carl played a part in the tragedy but allowed Debbie to take the blame, choosing self-preservation over truth. Now carrying guilt he refuses to admit publicly, Carl has become increasingly isolated. If the death mystery really hinges on someone who has upset everyone, Carl’s downfall would feel brutally fitting.
Theo Silverton
While Carl attracts suspicion, Theo Silverton is just as dangerous. Viewers have watched him abuse Todd Grimshaw emotionally and physically, tightening control while maintaining a convincing public mask. Theo’s cruelty escalated when Billy uncovered the truth, leading Theo to abandon him after the crash rather than face exposure.
Although producers have hinted that help is coming for Todd as others begin to notice something is wrong, Theo remains a ticking time bomb. His actions have crossed multiple lines, and the idea that karma could finally catch up with him feels increasingly realistic. If Weatherfield demands justice, Theo could be the one who pays the ultimate price.
Megan Walsh
Another strong contender is Megan Walsh, whose storyline is spiralling fast. Megan has been grooming schoolboy Will Driscoll and recently discovered she is pregnant with his baby, a revelation that threatens to destroy multiple lives. Her manipulation has already left lasting damage, and the walls are closing in.
Matters worsened when Megan turned her attention to Sam Blakeman after he discovered her inappropriate relationship with Will. While continuing to date an unsuspecting Daniel Osbourne, Megan is juggling lies that are becoming harder to control. With show bosses promising countless twists and turns, Megan’s web of deceit makes her a very real candidate in the death mystery.
Maggie Driscoll
Since arriving on the cobbles, Maggie Driscoll has lived up to every warning issued before her debut. Constant rows, sharp grudges, and her habit of pushing situations too far have made her a divisive presence in Weatherfield. Even viewers have struggled to warm to her confrontational style.
Although Maggie briefly tried to change after learning stress may have contributed to her son Ben’s heart problems, old habits returned quickly. She remains locked in conflict with Eva and Leanne, unable to let things go. Maggie feels like a ticking time bomb, and if she crosses the wrong person at the wrong moment, the consequences could be fatal.
Mal Roper
Rounding out the suspect list is newcomer Mal Roper, whose arrival has already caused ripples. His night out with Bernie Winter came at a vulnerable time, shortly after Billy’s death, and although nothing physical happened, the secrecy surrounding the encounter has created fresh tension in Bernie’s marriage to Dev.
Bernie is determined to keep the truth buried, but that plan starts to unravel when Mal decides to stick around Weatherfield. Producer Kate Brooks has described the storyline as “muddy and murky,” hinting that unexpected turns are ahead. If Mal ends up dead, the fallout could be explosive and Bernie’s involvement may place her uncomfortably close to the centre of the mystery.
Coronation Street has laid the groundwork for a shocking loss. Whether justice comes for a long-standing troublemaker or a newer menace, one thing is clear: when this flashforward mystery finally unfolds, someone’s time on the cobbles will be well and truly up. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.