Coronation Street could be set to air a fresh teenage pregnancy bombshell onto the street.
The long-standing ITV show is no stranger to confronting challenging and oft-shrouded issues. Cast your mind back to the 90s; viewers watched in awe as Sarah Platt (played by Tina O'Brien) found herself carrying a child at the tender age of 12, making history on the Street as the youngest mother.
The youngster's journey into early motherhood followed her romance with her pal Neil Fearns.
Discovering she was five months pregnant was a quintessential shocker for Sarahand it sent shockwaves across the nation. The plot twist became one of the most talked-about moments of the decade.
In a dramatic 1999 scene, Sarah experienced labour pains at her home before welcoming baby Bethany, whom actor Lucy Fallon now brings to life. But whispers from the cobbles suggest another teen might soon be grappling with the realities of unintended pregnancy, reports the Liverpool Echo.
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Advance teasers indicate that Fiz Brown's offspring, Hope Stape (portrayed by Isabella Flanagan), delivers a staggering revelation to her kin next week.
The week kicks off with a bewildered Fiz (Jenny McAlpine) reeling from Hope's sudden break up with Sam, and her newfound curiosity about Jack Webster (Kyran Bowes).
Later, in a bid to get contraceptives, Hope makes a bee-line for Dr Gadass. In response, the doctor equips her with condoms and encourages a family dialogue.
Audience conjecture is skyrocketing, with many implying it won't be long before Hope faces an unplanned pregnancy. Corrie enthusiasts have taken to social media en masse, particularly on a dedicated Facebook group where banter about forthcoming storylines flourishes.
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One fan speculated in no uncertain terms: "Well that's Hope pregnant then." Someone else responded: "with what's happened with her character so far is it really that surprising? Sam's going to the dad."
Another added: "Not another teen pregnancy. Think Corrie needs new writers!" A fourth declared: "How old is hope 13 - already been done can't they think of anything else." Meanwhile, a different viewer expressed frustration: "Not another tedious teenage pregnancy enough is enough."
