Lauren Bolton (played by Cait Fitton) has endured a harrowing year in Coronation Street, yet she has tried to stay resilient through it all.
A few months ago, Lauren was found safe following an investigation into her sudden disappearance. Initially, DS Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers) suspected Roy Cropper (David Neilson) of being involved in her supposed murder, even going so far as to imprison the beloved café owner.
We do love Swain, but we’re still not quite over that misjudgment.
The real perpetrator was soon revealed to be Joel Deering (Calum Lill), a sinister solicitor who had manipulated Lauren into a relationship. When Lauren threatened to report Joel to the police, he turned violent, forcing her into hiding as she moved between hostels to escape him.
Upon returning to Weatherfield, Lauren told Joel that she was pregnant with his child. Joel, desperate to rid himself of both Lauren and their unborn baby, coerced her into taking labor-inducing drugs, leading to the premature birth of baby Frankie.
Frankie then spent a long period in the hospital, leaving Lauren consumed with anxiety over his wellbeing and the trauma Joel had inflicted upon her.
In upcoming episodes, while visiting Frankie in the hospital, Lauren opens up to her new boyfriend, Max (Paddy Bever), confessing her deep fear that social services might take Frankie away one day. Max, who has been her rock since she came back, reassures her, saying that if they stick together, everything will be alright.
Famous last words, perhaps.
As the investigation into Joel’s death continues, Lauren and Max have found some happiness together – but for how long, given everything they’re facing?
