Coronation Street fans have floated a new theory that links Peter Barlow with newcomers the Driscolls. The latter family recently arrived on the cobbles, with Ben married to returning character Eva Price. An episode earlier this week delved a bit into the family’s dark past, with Ben’s mum Maggie getting flashbacks to her traumatic experience with former husband Alan.

Spotlighting the couple’s abusive relationship, viewers were shown the younger Maggie pushing Alan down the stairs to his death after an argument, which was shockingly witnessed by son Finlay.

Viewers also saw the former couple hint at a secret affair, and some fans have posited the idea that Maggie was involved with Peter Barlow – but could that be the case, and would that possibly make him Ben’s biological dad?

Well, this theory was further backed up by a shocked look Maggie had when finding something in the Barlows’ cupboards. Given Peter is 60 years old, it’s certainly plausible.

“I reckon she had an affair with Peter Barlow as he worked in the navy and he’s 60 years old and she has just turned 65 and she saw something of Peter’s in Ken’s sideboard,” one viewer wrote on X.

“My theory is that her fling was either with Peter Barlow or Mike Baldwin,” added another. “Making Ben either Adam’s half brother or cousin.”

“Do now we need to work out who Maggie had an affair with and whether he’s Ben’s father,” a third wrote. “Surely not Peter Barlow.”

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Meanwhile, Maggie actor Pauline McLynn recently responded to Maggie’s big twist this week, admitting she’s not afraid to become the soap’s new villain.

“Even if people think there’s terrible villainy afoot, we all love a villain, don’t we?” she told The Mirror. “As long as the audience is entertained by what she’s up to, I don’t mind whether they like her or not, as long as they want to know what happens next.”

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

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Meanwhile, Maggie actor Pauline McLynn recently responded to Maggie’s big twist this week, admitting she’s not afraid to become the soap’s new villain.

“Even if people think there’s terrible villainy afoot, we all love a villain, don’t we?” she told The Mirror. “As long as the audience is entertained by what she’s up to, I don’t mind whether they like her or not, as long as they want to know what happens next.”