Coronation Street’s Leanne Battersby ‘replaced’ in dark plot after ITV soap ‘exit’

Leanne Battersby is set to take some time away from Coronation Street as Rowan Cunliffe takes his attention away from her and on to Amy Barlow in a dark new plot

Coronation Street’s Leanne Battersby could be on her way out of the cobbles as a dark plot unfolds on the ITV soap.

The long-standing character’s sudden departure from the show is expected to air this week, with spoilers for the upcoming episodes hinting at another character stepping into her shoes. Fans will recall that Leanne was previously drawn into Rowan Cunliffe’s ‘self-improvement’ scheme, where he promised to help her overcome her trauma and become a better version of herself.

This led to Leanne investing thousands of pounds and distancing herself from her family. She even persuaded neighbour Amy Barlow to join after experiencing her own trauma, assuring her that Rowan’s organisation was legitimate.

**Coronation Street’s Leanne Battersby could be on her way out of the cobbles as a dark plot unfolds on the ITV soap** (Image: ITV)

However, as residents warn Leanne and Amy to steer clear of the scheme, and Leanne’s sister Toyah attempts to expose Rowan as a fraud, an exit is hinted at this week. It seems Leanne finally realises that things aren’t what they seem, leading her to take a break from Weatherfield.

While it’s not confirmed whether Leanne will leave, it’s suggested she might visit Simon Barlow off the street, with her family encouraging her to do so. They want her away from Rowan, who is livid about losing his grip on Leanne, reports the Mirror.

**Amy Barlow has also been targeted by Rowan Cunliffe** (Image: ITV)

Next week, it appears he’s set to shift his focus from Leanne to Amy at the institution. The narrative will pivot from Leanne to Amy, with a potential change in Leanne’s role at the institute.

With Leanne out of the equation, Rowan informs Amy that there’s still time to invest in the new resource centre if she reconsiders. Initially, Amy dismissed Rowan and his pleas for her to invest her savings, but it seems she’s on the verge of a change of heart.

Amy finds herself frustrated as she’s once again left managing The Bistro solo, and she informs Nick Tilsley that she’s resigning. She subsequently locates Rowan and discloses that she’s had a change of heart, much to Rowan’s delight.

He promptly organises an upload session for Amy, mirroring what he did for Leanne. This was how it all began for Leanne, so is Amy at risk and how will Leanne respond?

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX