Coronation Street star returns after 9 years amid big story – but there is a twist

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published August 25, 2026 9:51am Updated August 25, 2026 9:55am She’s back…but as a new character (Picture: ITV/Danielle Baguley/Shutterstoc) An actress who took part in what was potentially Coronation Street’s darkest storyline ever is returning for another bleak plot. When young, vulnerable Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon) found herself in the orbit of Nathan Curtis (Christopher Harper), it became clear that she was in major trouble. He set about grooming her immediately, isolating her from her family and friends while convincing her to move in with him and that they were in a loving, committed relationship. Nathan’s real motives began to shine through, though, when he was convinced that he had Bethany exactly where he wanted her. He began to pimp her out to a grotesque ring of older men, while telling her that he was aroused by the thought of her being intimate with his friends. Never had Corrie attempted such a dark storyline: the incredibly realistic and downright brutal portrayal of the sexual exploitation of a child was utterly chilling. Bethany’s exploitation plot was one of Corrie’s darkest… (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) …with Nathan’s campaign of abuse proving truly grotesque (Picture: Mark Bruce/ITV) As the story reached a crescendo, with Nathan attempting to traffic Bethany to Belgium to be sold to a ‘friend’, she finally began to understand the true horror of what she’d become trapped in, and en route to Hull’s shipping port, she pleaded with a stranger for help at a motorway service station. The lady she asked for help told Nathan that Bethany didn’t want to leave with him when he began to demand that they head for the docks after having called the police, leading to his arrest and the ultimate downfall of his grooming, exploitation, sexual abuse and trafficking ring. The stranger Bethany turned to for help, who remained nameless, was played by actress Lucinda Sinclair, who’ll be returning to the show for another episode later this month, this time in a brand new role. Lucinda appeared as a woman who Bethany turned to for help (Picture: ITV) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. A source told The Sun: ‘It’s a guest role but Lucinda is delighted to be back on the cobbles.’ This time, Lucinda will be playing Beatrice, who’s set to be a part of another grim plotline: the murder of Rachel Parkinson. Beatrice will appear as the counsellor of Lucy Parkinson (Anya Dewin), the daughter of Tim Metcalfe’s (Joe Duttine) cousin, Richie (Nathan Sussex), who arrived on the cobbles last month before brutally killing his wife. Lucy has struggled in the aftermath of the murder (Picture: Danielle Baguley/ITV) Though their reunion was initially a pleasant one, Richie soon began complaining to Tim that his marriage to Rachel was deeply troubled, and he found himself kipping on the Metcalfe’s couch when she kicked him out after he and Tim shared a drunken night. Tim was riddled with glee upon turning relationship therapist and convincing Richie to head home and make things right with his wife, but when he headed over to his cousin’s house to return the wallet he’d left behind, he was absolutely horrified by what he found. Richie’s shirt was splattered with blood, and as Tim investigated further, he found Rachel’s corpse in the back room of the house. Sally will suggest Lucy speak to Beatrice (Picture: Danielle Baguley/ITV) Ever since the bloody crime, Tim and wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) have fostered Lucy, though the deeply traumatised and emotionally fraught teenager has proved on several occasions to be more than the Metcalfes were prepared for. Sally will suggest that Lucy see a counsellor to help her work through her deep trauma, leading the family to find Beatrice. Can she help the Metcalfes through this utterly terrifying time, though? Deals of the Day The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer Amazon has slashed the price of Cetaphil's bestselling sensitive skin products Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term Arrow MORE: Kit faces worst mistake ever on Coronation Street as Jodie snares him Arrow MORE: Kit covered in blood as he takes action and Bethany is stunned in Coronation Street Arrow MORE: Coronation Street spoiler videos for next week as Rita and Mary take a stand The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.