Coronation Street reveals Brie's surprise link to another character

Coronation Street spoilers follow from Monday's episode (January 20), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.

Coronation Street has exposed a secret alliance between newcomer Brie Benson and Joel Deering's father.

The unlikely pairing were revealed to be in cahoots in Monday's episode (January 20) as Lauren Bolton's trial continued.

Brie, played by former Hollyoaks star Jessica Ellis, was introduced as a troublesome fellow inmate at Lauren's prison last week.

After causing arguments with Lauren during their brief time together, Brie was later released as her sentence had ended.

ITV

The show's latest episode saw Brie reappear, watching on ominously from the public gallery in court as Lauren faced trial for Joel's murder.

When Roy Cropper gave evidence painting Lauren as a kind and caring person, Brie waded in to protest otherwise. She caused a scene by claiming that Lauren had attacked her in prison – even sporting a sling to back up her false story.

Although the judge struck Brie's chaotic intervention from the record, there was a sense that she'd done real damage to Lauren's credibility in front of the jury.

Dee-Dee Bailey became suspicious as she spotted Gus Deering's reaction to Bree's antics. She rushed off to do some digging, then returned to court with some important information to share.

ITV

Giving her evidence as a witness for Lauren's defence, Dee-Dee explained: "I have reason to believe that Ms Benson was bribed by Angus Deering – Joel Deering's father.

"I have evidence to show that yesterday, this woman Ms Brie Benson – who is a convicted criminal herself – signed a lease on a very expensive flat owned by Angus Deering.

"A flat considerably more than a woman of her means could afford. It is therefore my belief that such extreme action taken by Joel Deering's father, indicates a desperate, calculated act to undercut the validity of Lauren Bolton.

"He doesn't believe she is guilty – otherwise he would not need to resort to such extreme, illegal and abusive measures."

Dee-Dee's testimony helped to show Lauren's case in a new light, but has she done enough to get her off the hook? All will be revealed when a verdict is announced on Wednesday.

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.