Tyrone Dobbs’ (Alan Halsall) world was turned upside down when his ex Alina Pop (Ruxandra Porojnicu) returned to Coronation Street with his secret child in tow earlier this month.

But next week Alina’s future is under threat when she is attacked by thugs, intent on intimidating her.

As fans know, Alina is back in Weatherfield to give evidence in the trial of the people trafficking gang who brought her to the UK from Romania.

As her court date looms, the week begins with Alina receiving menacing phone calls, and she suspects it is the gang is trying to scare her.

Tyrone has other ideas however, and suggests stepdaughter Hope Stape (Isabella Flanagan) – who is furious to see Alina back – might be behind the calls, but she denies any involvement. 

Later in the week, Alina fears she’s being watched, and outlays her concerns to Tyrone when she visits No. 9 with their son Dorin. 

Her fears look to be confirmed on Friday as she readies herself for court and she is confronted by a thug she saw at her hotel bar. 

Barging into her room, he menacingly threatens Alina against giving evidence. 

Will Alina be able to go through with it, or will she flee Weatherfield? And if she does, where will this leave Tyrone’s access to his son?

Actress Ruxandra Porojnicu recently opened up about how ‘wonderful’ it was to be back on the set of the ITV soap, having previously left the show in 2021. 

‘I love working with all the cast and crew, it’s definitely a big family who welcomed me back with their arms wide open!’ she said. 

Revealing what could lay in store for her, Tyrone and his wife Fiz (Jenny McAlpine), Ruxandra added: ‘I think she will always care for [Tyrone] in one way or another, but deep down, she knew that Fiz is the love of Tyrone’s life and they are meant to be together.

‘Even though it hurts Alina a little bit, that he never chose her, she is willing to let the past go.’

Coronation Street airs these scenes from Monday 19 August at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.