This Autumn, us Corrie fans have been spoilt for choice with dramatic, exciting, emotional and comedic storylines. From 'Buzzer the Bee' running for Weatherfield Mayor to Eva hanging off a window ledge in her fancy wedding frock and everything else inbetween. But for me, one storyline has caught my particular attention and will (hopefully) deliver some really good telly for us to watch over the coming weeks/months. That storyline belongs to vicar Billy Mayhew.
Since Reverend Mayhew first walked the cobbles nearly three years ago, he has been the undoubtable epitome of goodness, the Saint of Weatherfield...until now. It's been teased for a while now that Billy's darker past will be revealed which already got me excited. Finally! We're going to learn more about this character. After this initial statement, we were left in the dark. Just what is Billy's secret and what will we find out?
In the last few weeks, we've been drip-fed scraps of information which all add up to one big storyline. This storyline is essentially the gift that keeps on giving. First of all, the Autumn trailer gave us some pretty big clues. A confrontation with Peter, an arrest, and a visit from a social worker meant that it was going to be a busy few weeks for the vicar, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Following young Summer collapsing from smoking a dodgy cigarette, Billy has a pretty serious altercation with Peter which ends in violence. I cannot wait to see this side of Billy, it doesn't appear often and never has his temper ended up in physical violence. If you cast your mind back, you may remember that Billy got involved in and ultimately split up a pub brawl between Jason/Aidan/Phelan/Johnny. Since then, not much has really happened in his world where that side of him is concerned.
I would really like to see Billy stand up for himself a little bit more, and hopefully Corrie will give him more of a voice. *Maybe* walloping Peter one isn't exactly ideal but when he stood up to Adam this week it was perfect. Just before he nicked Shona's cash (again, not ideal), Billy was the right balance of polite but firm. I need more of this, please!
What else do we know? Ah yes, that huge spoiler that I still can't quite get my head around. Billy being responsible for the death of Susan Barlow. Yes, you heard that right. In my honest opinion, I think people either love or hate the idea of this scenario. Admittedly, it is a little bit far-fetched but in hindsight, I think it's brilliant. What an excellent way to tie in modern characters to a character who died 16 years ago as well as the longest running family on the street. Billy will already be in hot water with Peter so I can only imagine what chaos this is going to cause. According to various spoilers, Billy confesses to Todd so will the Barlow's find out? If so, will they go to the police or take matters into their own hands?
As well as all of this going on, paparazzi photos have emerged recently showing Billy getting beaten up by a shifty looking stranger outside of a court house. "What on Earth??" I hear you cry? My reaction completely. Who is this person and what is his issue with Billy? Thankfully, Peter (of all people) is there to help and he saves Billy from something which could have been much worse. Does this stranger have some sort of connection to Susan Barlow, do they know the truth? And if Billy was wracked with guilt beforehand, Peter coming to his rescue might just be enough to break him completely. It'll be a while before we see these scenes unfold I expect so we'll have to wait and see.
This is a storyline that is going to keep us firmly glued to our televisions in the run up to Christmas, something we can hopefully sink our teeth into. I like to think there's something for everyone with all manners of characters getting involved. I'm a big fan of the Barlow's and who couldn't be? But I really would not like to be in Billy's shoes right now, knowing the family's shady past, especially when Susan is Adam's mother and Peter's twin sister.
What will happen to Billy after the truth comes out (I'm sure it will)? Is his future on the street safe? Will he be able to go ahead with adoption proceedings? Will Todd stand by him? There are too many questions and I hope we get the answers soon!
What are your thoughts on this storyline? Is there anything you'd like to see happen?
Sophie Williams
Twitter: @sophie_jw26
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