fans are speculating that Ken Barlow, played by William Roache, could be on the brink of fatherhood once more.
Earlier this year, the soap icon suffered a severe fall, necessitating the need for a carer to assist with his injuries. The Barlow family, unable to afford a professional carer, opted to hire Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney), despite her lack of formal qualifications.
Since then, Ken and Cassie have developed a close friendship, with Ken growing fond of her. He even confided in Cassie about his £50,000 premium bond win – a secret she had already discovered.
Cassie managed to convince Ken to splurge on a holiday, inviting her along to his delight.
However, this week saw Ken informing his family that he could no longer afford Cassie’s services. Upon hearing the news, Cassie maintained a brave front, but her anger was palpable, reports .
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Ken could be set for a baby twist (Image: Will Roache, Will Roache Photography Ltd.)
The situation took a chilling turn soon after. In a shocking scene, Cassie was shown lacing Ken’s tea with crushed tablets before handing him the cup and watching him drink it. She also administered his medication, which he took unknowingly.
Adding to the drama, Wednesday’s episode (November 20) saw Ken rushed to hospital. Upon recovery, he offered Cassie her job back, even proposing an additional pound per hour.
Now, in a potential plot twist, viewers are theorising that Cassie and Ken may have been intimate during their holiday, leading to Cassie’s possible pregnancy.
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Cassie has been caring for Ken (Image: ITV)
Speculation swirled on X, with one user wondering: “Is Cassie pregnant? ” Another chimed in, “She could be, she’s up to no good.” A third fan joked: “Did Ken show Cassie that he’s still got it when they were in Porto?”
Claire recently discussed her character Cassie’s scandalous actions and her concerns about the public’s reaction to her character’s attempt to poison a “national treasure”. Recalling her initial reaction to the storyline, the actress confessed: “I was shocked, it’s Ken Barlow, he’s a national treasure.”
“I’ll be Public Enemy No 1! I think viewers will despise her. The irony is that they’d just started to warm up to her they were finally beginning to like her and then this happens. As the actress playing her, I’m trying to find redeeming qualities, but I’m not sure if there will be any.”
airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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