Coronation Street is set for a heartbreaking storyline as Lauren Bolton’s baby son Frankie remains in hospital battling for his life

Coronation Street could be in for a DNA shocker in the coming days.

A worrying storyline involving Lauren Bolton’s (played by Cait Fitton) baby son Frankie and his grandparents’ attempts to snatch him away might take an unexpected turn with a paternity twist. With a potential health plotline looming, fans question whether Joel Deering (Callum Lill) is Frankie’s biological father.

Earlier this year, Lauren was attacked by the abusive Joel, who coerced her into a sexual relationship. When she returned to the soap in the summer, initially thought to be dead, it was disclosed that she was pregnant with Joel’s child.

After Joel tried to harm her unborn child by drugging Lauren, she went into premature labour, and Frankie was born with multiple health issues. He was only recently released from the hospital, while Lauren is currently incarcerated after killing Joel.

She acted in self-defence when he attempted to kill her partner Max Turner (Paddy Bever). Lauren hopes to maintain custody of baby Frankie in a mother-and-baby unit, with Max prepared to step in and care for the child, as reported by the Mirror.

Joel’s parents arrive in Weatherfield(Image: ITV)

However, this week, Joel’s parents, Anthea and Gus, make their appearance, and upon learning Frankie’s identity, they implore Max to allow them to see him.

Pretending to sympathise with Lauren, their ‘true’ intentions were soon exposed when they ran off with Frankie, later informing Max of their plans to seek custody.

Following Frankie’s sudden hospitalisation due to unexplained bruising, suspicions were cast on Max amidst family discord. As Lauren anxiously awaited answers, doctors suggested the need for additional tests, hinting at an impending diagnosis.

Coronation Street enthusiasts are now abuzz with speculation about a dramatic DNA plot twist involving young Frankie. The conjecture proposes that a hidden health problem might require a family-related treatment or transplant, possibly revealing that Joel may not be Frankie’s biological father after all.

Who could the father of Lauren’s child be?(Image: ITV)

Fuelled by no official word from the show or spoilers, viewers’ imaginations are running wild with the possibility of this revelation preventing Anthea and Gus from taking Frankie away, with definitive paternity established through medical tests.

On social media, speculation is rampant, with one viewer asserting: “We all know after a DNA that Joel is not even going to be the father of Frankie.”

The consensus among fans seems to hint predictably towards this outcome, with some venturing guesses like “Agreed, very predictable,” and another chipping in with: “If it’s ‘true,’ it will probably be Max.”

A multitude of fan theories abound online: “Frankie’s ill and will need bone marrow and once they start looking for a donor, they’ll realise the real kicker – that the kid ain’t Joel’s – his dad is Carla’s nephew [Bobby].”

Others solidify the sentiment, “They’re not Frankie’s grandparents; a DNA test will prove it,” while yet others suspect, “It’s Max.

However, could Anthea and Gus still try to take Frankie away, leaving to another exit on the Cobbles?

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.