Coronation Street’s Lucy Fallon teases huge Bethany Platt exit storyline

When Paul finds out about Bernie's pregnancy test scam he's appalled, especially after learning that she's back in touch with her old boyfriend from when he was a kid, Kel.

When an angry man calls at No. 5 complaining he's a victim of the scam, it's the last straw for the family and, with Gemma's support, Chesney kicks her out.

Later on at the Rovers, Paul is dismayed to come face to face with Kel as Bernie confirms that they're back together.

Kel corners Paul in the yard and warns him to keep the past in the past, insisting he's committed to Bernie this time. But when Kel leaved the pub angrily moments later, Bernie blames Paul for making him feel unwelcome.

Having noticed Paul's discomfort at The Rovers, Billy pays a visit to Gemma at Prima Donner to find out what went on, who tells him that Kel and Paul used to be inseparable.

But one day, Paul flipped out, leading Kel to walk out on Bernie. Billy is concerned when he learns that Paul was just 14 at the time – but when he raises the subject with Paul, he tells him to leave him alone.

Although he's worried about Paul, David convinces Billy to back off - he can't make someone open up. But when Billy explains this to Paul, Paul accuses him of not caring. He can't win!

Elsewhere, Daniel and Sinead are in low spirits as they look around a hospice, as they consider her options for her final months.

At home, Daniel tells Sinead that as his wife he wants to care for her at home, but after another chemo session it's clear that Sinead is getting sicker by the day.

While Sinead goes off to take a nap, Beth bemoans to Daniel that Sinead is too ill to be at home with Bertie. An overwhelmed Daniel wonders if it's time for Sinead to end her chemo.

Aggie suggests the boys go for lunch so that she can organise a surprise birthday party for Ed. At the Bistro, Michael and Ed pick up on the chemistry between James and Bethany, and tease James about asking her out.

To shut them up, James says he's already asked out Bethany. At the bar as Audrey quizzes Bethany about her relationship with James she insists that they're just friends.

The day of Ed's party arrives and the guests assemble at the Bailey's house to surprise him. After their drink at the Rovers, Bethany agrees to join James as his guest.

Ed is touched by the efforts of his friends and family, although Aggie is disappointed that their daughter, Dee-Dee has called to cancel.

Sinead convinces Daniel to attend the party on their behalf, but he's in a bad way and by the time he turns up he's already half cut. When Bethany checks he's ok over the Rum Punch, she's given a scathing reply.

Hurt, and worried about her friend, Bethany retreats to the garden and is followed by James, who's been a shoulder to cry on for Bethany.

Touched once again by his kindness, Bethany leans in for a kiss... but is mortified when James pulls sharply away – has she misread the signals?

Humiliated, Bethany goes to leave, before James abruptly blurts out that he's gay. Begging her to understand, James explains that he could never come out as an openly gay, black footballer due to prejudice.

After Bethany leaves the party, Michael tries to question his little brother over what happened but James is quick to laugh it off as a lover's tiff.

Elsewhere in Weatherfield, Ali has been suffering through a long night of withdrawal under the care of Robert. But when Robert passes the responsibility to Ryan, Ali slips out of the flat to score.

Bumping into a disheveled Ali at the pub, Toyah tells him that when he's ready to talk about his problems she'll be there to listen.

Despite Ali insisting he's perfectly well, Toyah knows that something is up and suggests to a resistant Ali that professional help is available.

There's clearly a spark growing between Derek and Izzy, but Derek is thrown when he finds out that Gary is the father of Izzy's son. As the pair grow closer, Derek asks her on a date.

Meeting at Speed Dahl with Izzy's son in tow, Gary is shocked to spy Derek and Izzy on a date. As Izzy heads back to work, Derek knocks back a drink.

That evening Izzy is curious when Derek asks to meet her again as there's something he wants to discuss. Meeting at the pub, Derek tells Izzy that it's awkward to date Gary's ex.

Oblivious to Gary's meddling, Izzy insists they've nothing to worry about as Derek is Gary's boss and so can do what he wants. Torn, Derek ponders his next move.

Shona receives a call from Max's school saying he's bunked off school, but when she confronts him at the house later, he flat out denies it.