Tracy Barlow finally confronts cult leader Rowan after daughter Amy’s horrific ordeal in Coronation Street
TRACY Barlow looks set to give cult leader Rowan Cunliffe a piece of her mind in upcoming Coronation Street scenes.
In the ITV soap, Rowan has tried targeting Amy (Elle Mulvaney), Tracy’s daughter, for his group the Altovalent Institute.
Upcoming scenes reveal Tracy threatens to take a story about The Institute to the press after hearing how Amy’s been treated.
It comes as Rowan’s victim Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) insists Amy is ready for her malware session.
A blindfolded Amy is left horrified when members present start bombarding her with insults.
Although Leanne tries to assure her it will all be worthwhile, the younger woman is distressed and runs off.
Later, Tracy makes it clear that they will be telling their story to the Weatherfield Gazette.
Rowan urges Leanne to persuade Amy to call off her attack.
Pointing out how she is now senior management, the charming villain notes her loyalty to the Institute takes precedence over any relationship she has with Amy.
Despite these instructions, Leanne is torn over what to do.
It comes as fans are convinced they know the “real reason” behind Tracy’s comeback to the cobbles.
Her stepfather Ken (William Roache) had won £50k on the lottery.
This was followed by Tracy returning without former footballer Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn) – who she moved to Spain with.
While Tracy claimed she returned to see Amy, Ken remained suspicious of her true intentions.
Taking to X – formerly Twitter – one fan said: “Has Tracy heard Ken’s come into Money too. Double cups of Tea.”
Another viewer added: “So Tracy’s staying for a while and Cassie looked like she sees her chances of getting her hands on Ken’s cash disappearing.”
Tracy Barlow's biggest storylines
Tracy Barlow's had her fair share of drama in Coronation Street over the years... here's a look back at some of the soap legend's biggest storylines.
- Adoption as a child: Tracy’s parents Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and Ray (Neville Buswell) didn’t stay together. Having never had much to do with Ray, Tracy was adopted by Deirdre’s new husband Ken Barlow (William Roache) – gaining a large extended family in the process.
- Relationship with Steve McDonald: A one-night stand with fellow Street veteran Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) resulted in the birth of their daughter Amy. At the time, Steve was separated from his second wife Karen (Suranne Jones) although they later reunited. Tracy and Steve have twice been married to each other: first from 2012 to 2013 and later from 2018 to 2024.
- Relationship with Rob Donovan: Tracy romanced Carla’s (Alison King) brother Rob (Marc Baylis), who later murdered Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan). Upon learning this, Tracy and Carla reported Rob to the police and he was arrested.
- Murder of Charlie Stubbs: However, Tracy herself has killed before. In 2007, she murdered former lover Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward) out of revenge for his affairs and deceit. The character was subsequently locked up and was released from prison in 2010.
While a third added: “I’m wondering if Tracy has come back cos she found out about Ken’s recent windfall?
“Imagine both her and Cassie trying to swindle him!”
Others believed Ken was trying to catch out his carer Cassie (Claire Sweeney), who overheard him boasting about his £50k Lottery win on the phone.
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.