Rob Mallard reveals that Daniel Osbourne is about to face the most heartbreaking blow yet in Coronation Street. Already at an all-time low after losing his girlfriend, his job, and his reputation, things are about to get much worse.
Daniel's Downward Spiral
Daniel's reputation is in tatters after the revelation that his girlfriend Megan was only dating him to cover up her sexual abuse of an underage student. He was suspended from school after blowing up at Hope Stape over a nasty poem. He pretended to his father Ken and son Bertie that he was away in the Lake District, but instead he was brooding and drinking in No.1 Coronation Street.
Rob Mallard explains Daniel's headspace: 'I think he's just gone straight to anger as a coping mechanism. He's just angry with everyone and everything. It's easier to be angry and it feels more powerful to be angry than it is to be sad.'
The Jodie Ramsey Problem
To make matters worse, Daniel has taken in Jodie Ramsey as a flatmate. After being kicked out of the Platts, she manipulated Daniel into letting her stay. They bonded over their troubles, but when it was time for her to move out, she created an online persona called 'Truthteller' to spread falsehoods about Daniel's relationship with Megan, suggesting he knew about the abuse. This echoes past accusations from Max Turner about grooming Summer Spellman.
Rob reflects: 'Every time something happens to someone else nearby, Daniel always seems to end up tarred by it as well.' The trolling leads to Bertie being bullied at school and Daniel being attacked in the street.
The Breaking Point
Daniel finally realizes Jodie is Truthteller when she makes a careless comment. Rob says: 'It's another moment of complete betrayal. He should never have trusted her... I think this will be the endpoint of his trust in women.'
Devastated, Daniel gets drunk at the Rovers and fails to make dinner for hungry Bertie. Bertie tries to fend for himself and starts a fire, putting both in danger. This breaks Daniel's promise to his late wife Sinead to always put Bertie first.
Family Fallout
When the truth emerges, Ken, Adam, Alya, and Cassie confront Daniel. He lashes out at Adam but accidentally punches Ken. Rob notes: 'It's always Ken that he seems to hurt. When Daniel's trapped he comes out fighting and that resentment he feels from his earlier life seems to find its way back towards Ken.'
The week ends with a visit from Social Services concerned about Bertie's welfare. Rob says: 'Oh yeah, 100% a wake up call. He's completely beside himself, he thinks that he's going to have his kid taken off him.' He adds: 'I think he could keep going further. Once someone gets a bit of mud on them, you might as well get properly dirty.'
