Coronation Street has teased the details of an emotional storyline involving Joseph Brown, which is set to air next week.
In Monday’s scenes, Chesney Brown (Sam Aston) and his partner Gemma Winter (Dolly-Rose Campbell) learn that Joseph is being bullied at school because they can't afford to buy him things.
Chesney quizzes Joseph on this and offers to speak to his teacher, but the schoolboy insists this isn't a good idea as it could make the situation worse.
When the pair are getting Joseph ready for an appointment with the audiologist, he reminds them he needs money for the school trip and a new school jumper, which they can’t afford.
Corrie fans will see the storyline continue to unfold on Wednesday, when Chesney goes behind Joseph’s back to tackle the bullies at his school. Joseph is adamant their involvement will only make matters worse, so when Chesney intervenes and reports the bullies, he is furious with his dad. Chesney feels awful and walks out to the backyard to apologise to Joseph, only to discover him missing.
After a fruitless search, Chesney returns home and reveals Joseph’s run away, leaving Gemma to call the police. Once Joseph has been reported missing, officers arrive and head out in search.
Chesney scours the streets for his son, fearing the worst, and is sickened when told later by Gemma that the police have found Joseph’s jumper. When an entire night passes without any further updates, Chesney's worries escalate.
As the community rallies together, Dev Alahan (Jimmi Harkishin) kindly offers to set up a fundraising appeal so he can offer a reward for information.
The hour-long episode set to air on Friday sees Chesney and Gemma at their wit’s end as they make a public appeal for the safe return of Joseph, with Hope watching from her bedroom window.
Back on the cobbles, Chesney admits to Gemma that he fears he'll never see his son again. Will Joseph return home safely?
*Coronation Street airs weekdays on ITV.
