Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Lifestyle
Sam Cook

Happy Valley fans think they've cracked why Poppy always wears coat - and it is heartbreaking

The third series of Happy Valley has left viewers constantly on the edge of their seats with its various twists and turns. Stakes are higher than ever as it has already been confirmed that series three will be the last time that we see Sergeant Catherine Cawood and co.

The popular BBC series is steeped in heart and various familial relationships are at play. This time round, viewers have been left concerned for the family of Ryan Cawood’s dodgy PE teacher Rob Hepworth. In the first few episodes of the new series, Hepworth was abusive towards his wife Joanna in front of their two daughters.

With two episodes to go of Happy Valley, fans have seemingly ‘worked out’ the heartbreaking reason that the couple's youngest child, Poppy, never takes off her coat. Read on to find out what some social media users had to say.

Read more: BBC Happy Valley's James Norton shares cute throwback with on screen son Ryan

It's safe to say that viewers haven't warmed to PE teacher Rob (BBC/Lookout Point/Matt Squire)

Offering their thoughts, one person wrote on Reddit: “I reckon it’s like a comfort blanket to her.” In every scene that she has appeared, Poppy has always been seen with her coat on - even when she’s indoors.

Another person suggested: “My theory is the dad is also abusive to the kids and physically hurts them too so she has bruises and doesn’t want to take the coat off because of that?”

A third echoed: “It’s just trauma and her way of coping. A safety blanket,” discussing the young girl’s closed off demeanour. And a fourth agreed, writing: “She’s terrified. A psychologist on the police force will hopefully spot it, put it together and they get a picture of what’s been happening in that household.”

The police force in Happy Valley, however, seem to have other things on their as villain Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) escaped from prison at the end of episode four. During an interview with the BBC, actor James admitted that his own parents were extras in the series. Read more about that here.

What are your thoughts on Happy Valley? Let us know in the comments. Happy Valley continues at 9pm on BBC One on Sunday, January 29. For more TV and showbiz stories, subscribe to our newsletter here.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.