CORONATION Street viewers have taken aim at one of the soap’s storylines – and at the character in the centre of it.
Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) first arrived on the famed ITV cobbles back in 1997.
Over the past few months, viewers have seen Leanne fall under the charm of cult leader Rowan Cunliffe (Emhrys Cooper), while remaining oblivious to his dangerous true colours.
She joined his so-called self-help group, The Institute, being further and further drawn in.
Meanwhile, Leanne’s family have become increasingly worried, as she pulled away from them while getting engrossed in Rowan’s ideology.
It comes as Coronation Street fans were left horrified by a further storyline, branding it “something that you would see in a horror film“.
Leanne had been seen talking to a mysterious figure on her laptop, although their identity was initially unknown.
After being confronted by partner Nick (Ben Price), she revealed the truth.
On her screen was an AI version of her dead son Oliver, who passed away four years ago after battling with mitochondrial disease.
This was a computer-generated version representing how Oliver would have looked if he were still alive.
Taking to forum site Reddit, viewers were quick to share their disgust of the overall plot – as Rowan’s past has started to come to light.
One wrote: “I used to like Leanne but this institute storyline is too much. Not watched the full episode yet but .. Her swallowing Rowan’s story about his burglary and being a different person etc.
“And just how she’s walking round oblivious to anything and everything else.
“Not being there for her sister who’s going through a hard time (I know Toyah has betrayed her but she isn’t aware of this at this point yet still not there for her). The AI of Oliver. It’s all too much.
“When will this storyline end?”
Another added: “I’ve never really liked her uppity nature but she’s next level unbearable now.”
The beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
The show follows the lives of the residents as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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While a third remarked: “She has always been this way. Confrontational at the drop of a hat. Gobby. I’ve never liked, from her first days on the street.”
A fourth chimed in: “She has stopped storming out of rooms as often.”
With Rowan’s time on the soap set to be finite, how will things further unfold for Leanne?
Coronation Street airs on ITV and is available on ITVX.
