Christmas Day on Coronation Street delivered a festive helping of high drama, as a malicious plot by Maggie Driscoll spectacularly backfired, exposing a devastating secret about daughter-in-law Eva Price instead.
A Scheme Born from Suspicion
The festive turmoil began earlier in the week when Eva, played by Catherine Tyldesley, was consumed by guilt after her daughter Susie (Aurora Bradshaw) asked for a younger sibling for Christmas. This request cut deep for Eva, who had recently terminated a pregnancy—a fact known only to Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson). To help her cope, Adam suggested Eva write a letter to herself to express her feelings, which she did, finding some relief.
However, Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn), who has long held a grudge against Eva, began piecing together a false narrative. After spotting a gift from Adam to Alya Nazir (Sair Khan) and witnessing a hug between Eva and Adam, Maggie jumped to the conclusion they were having an affair. Her suspicions seemed confirmed when she rummaged through Eva's bag and discovered the deeply personal letter.
Christmas Dinner Explodes with Truth
Determined to publicly humiliate Eva, Maggie hatched a plan for maximum impact during the family Christmas dinner. She invited both Adam and Alya to join them. As the meal unfolded, Maggie presented her son, Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker), with a Secret Santa gift. Inside was Eva's private letter.
As Ben began to read the contents aloud, a horrified Eva realised what was happening. With Ben's temper rising, Maggie smugly announced the letter was proof of an affair between Eva and Adam. Both vehemently denied the accusation, but a furious Ben lashed out, punching Adam in the face.
The Real Secret and the Fallout
In the chaotic aftermath, Eva was finally forced to reveal the truth. In a private moment, she explained to Ben that the baby she had aborted was not Adam's, but his own. She had fallen pregnant during a previous rough patch in their relationship when Ben had briefly returned to his ex-wife.
Ben, understanding the painful circumstances, was sympathetic towards Eva. His fury, however, was redirected at his mother. Hurt and appalled that Maggie had been so intent on publicly destroying his relationship, Ben made a decisive choice. He and Eva united to send Maggie packing, demanding she move out of their home immediately.
The episode left viewers wondering if Maggie's meddling has caused irreparable damage to her family. Will Ben and Eva ever forgive her, or has she burned her bridges on the Street for good? The dramatic Christmas showdown has set the stage for major conflict in the new year.
