Turbulent times are ahead on the cobbles of Coronation Street next week, with a grim warning issued about the true nature of killer Joel Dearing. As Joel meticulously plans a future with Dee-Dee Bailey, his carefully constructed facade begins to crack, while a shocking new crisis engulfs the Winter-Brown family as Gemma Winter resorts to crime.

Joel’s immediate focus is ensuring his engagement to Dee-Dee goes off without a hitch. However, his unsuspecting parents are caught off guard when told about the planned wedding, hinting that they might have their own reservations about their son’s sudden marital bliss. But far more pressing issues loom for Joel across the street. A teenager he previously targeted is being warned to steer clear of him, and this warning leads her to realize that Joel might not be the wholesome individual he pretends to be. This revelation threatens to expose the dark depths of his manipulative past and the heinous crimes he’s committed.

Meanwhile, financial troubles are spiraling for Gemma. Desperate to provide for her children, particularly with daughter Carys needing new shoes, Gemma finds herself in a desperate situation.

Gemma’s day goes from bad to worse. After receiving a hefty £70 parking fine, she takes Carys to the shoe shop, only to discover the shoes cost an unaffordable £45. In a moment of desperation, while the assistant is distracted, Gemma makes a rash decision: she grabs Carys’s hand, and they flee the shop without paying. Later, when Bernie spots the new shoes, she questions how Gemma afforded them, leaving Gemma visibly uneasy.

The evening brings further complications as Chesney serves up kebabs for Joseph’s delighted schoolmates. However, Gemma receives a shock when she sees one of the dads who has come to collect his son – it’s the very shopkeeper she just stole from! The confrontation is inevitable, and Gemma’s secret is poised to be exposed.

Elsewhere, Kevin confides in Tyrone that Stefan has agreed to pay to take down the deep fake videos, offering a glimmer of hope. But that hope is quickly dashed when Stefan informs Kevin the deal is off, as he’s unwilling to pay the staggering £60,000 per year for their removal.

Dee-Dee and Ed meet up with Anthea and Gus for lunch at the Bistro. Anthea apologizes for their earlier behavior, and Dee-Dee is pleasantly surprised. However, the mood shifts when Amy innocently lets slip that Joel and Dee-Dee are engaged, leaving Anthea and Gus utterly taken aback.

Adding to the unease surrounding Joel, Sabrina’s friend warns her that Joel is a “creep” and she should steer well clear of him. This unsettling advice prompts Sabrina to realize she may have been dangerously naive about Joel’s true character.

In lighter news, Tim puts pressure on Steve to agree to a night out to celebrate his 50th birthday. Sally, however, shows Tim an invitation to the unveiling of Tommy Orpington’s bronze bust at the county ground, leaving Tim gutted as it clashes with Steve’s celebration. When Tim tries to tell Steve he can no longer go, Steve, blissfully unaware of the clash, assumes a surprise party is being planned for him.

Finally, George finds Glenda and Michael in the café and suggests they bury the hatchet and meet for a drink later, hinting at a potential reconciliation.

The consequences of Gemma’s actions come to a head as Kit, Bernie’s secret son and a corrupt cop, is shocked to see Gemma being brought into the police station, having been arrested for stealing the shoes. Bernie, desperate, begs Kit to do what he can to secure Gemma’s release.

Kit calls at the shoe shop and explains to Bruce that he’s there about the shoplifting incident, subtly hinting at his intention to get Gemma off. Gemma is intrigued by Kit’s willingness to help and introduces him to Chesney and the kids. While there, Kit receives a shocking call from his dad, adding another layer of mystery to his character.

As Dee-Dee prepares for their engagement lunch, Joel furtively takes a call from Sabrina’s friend, who tells him he has to meet her or he’ll regret it. What do they want from Joel, and how close are they to uncovering his dark secrets?

Glenda continues to harp on about her situation with George, insisting she wants what’s rightfully hers. Michael’s disapproval is evident, and Glenda senses he’s cooling towards her. Later, Glenda calls at The Undertakers and boldly suggests to George that if he gives her his house, she will drop the case. Will George agree to such a demand?

Sally calls at the cab office and tells Tim she’s off into town to buy a new outfit for tomorrow, further cementing Steve’s belief that a surprise party is being planned. However, Steve’s hopes are dashed when Amy reveals that Tracy has canceled her visit and is staying in Spain. Steve is secretly gutted, his plans to win her back up in smoke.

In a bid to cheer himself up, Steve quizzes Cassie, Kevin, and Tyrone about his surprise party. They deny all knowledge, but Steve smiles to himself, convinced they’re bluffing.

Finally, Abby explains to Kevin that she needs to get away for a few days and is going to stay with Lindsay and the twins. As Abby heads out, Kevin does his best to remain positive amidst the ongoing turmoil.

With Joel’s secrets threatening to explode, Gemma facing legal troubles with the intervention of a corrupt cop, and Steve’s birthday plans falling apart, Coronation Street is set for a week of intense drama and unforeseen twists!