Tensions reach boiling point on the cobbles of Weatherfield as a secret scheme backfires spectacularly, leaving one resident both raging and injured. The fragile truce between Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) and her partner's mother, Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn), has shattered completely.
A Tense History Comes to a Head
The animosity between Eva and the domineering Maggie is long-standing. It hit a painful peak over Christmas when Maggie publicly humiliated Eva by revealing she had previously terminated a pregnancy. Eva defended her decision, explaining she believed she and Ben Driscoll (Aaron McCusker) were split at the time. Ben sided with Eva, temporarily ejecting his mother from the Rovers Return pub.
Although relations thawed slightly, Eva remains stuck with Maggie's constant presence. This is because Maggie, who bailed Ben out financially to buy the pub, is a part-owner and frequently acts the landlady, a constant reminder to Eva of her influence.
Eva's Plan to Oust Maggie
The situation escalates in upcoming episodes. When Eva's sister, Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), complains about feeling stuck in her job at Speed Daal, Eva spots an opportunity. She suggests Leanne sell her share of the restaurant and use the money to buy Maggie's share of the Rovers instead.
Leanne loves the idea of working with her sister and immediately proposes the buyout to Maggie. Eva, knowing Maggie would react badly if she knew the truth, pretends to be surprised by Leanne's offer. However, Maggie sees straight through the deception.
Dramatic Confrontation and Painful Consequences
A furious Maggie accuses Eva of plotting with Leanne to force her out of the pub. This sparks a vicious slanging match between the two women. The stress proves too much for Ben, who retreats to handle a beer delivery but soon suffers from chest pains.
The drama doesn't end there. Maggie, having flatly rejected Leanne's firm offer of £160,000, prepares to make a dramatic exit. In her anger, she trips over the strap of Leanne's bag, which has caught around a bar stool, and goes flying.
The fall leaves viewers wondering if Maggie has hurt more than just her pride. This incident, set to air in episodes from January 2026, marks a new low in the already strained family dynamic, with betrayal, financial disputes, and physical injury colliding on the famous street.
