Coronation Street confirms Ross Wilkes' next target as prison drama escalates

Coronation Street prison guard Ross Wilkes shows his dark side at work next week, when he targets banged-up Gary Windass and Marco Rhodes!

Aggressive Ross has already made son Tyrone uncomfortable at home, but in the cells, he’s quick to reveal his true colours by viciously bullying Marco. Can Gary stand up to him?

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"Ross is abusing his power as a prison guard," says our Corrie insider. "He enjoys using his authority to intimidate and bully the prisoners. When he spots weakness in a younger guy like Marco, they become his new target…"

When visiting time arrives at Highfield men’s prison, Gary notices a gash on Marco’s arm. Although evasive Marco plays it down, Gary remains suspicious and later worries his new cellmate is being bullied when he won’t come out to see Summer.

Wanting Gary to keep his head down, Maria begs her husband not to get involved in Marco’s troubles – but will he listen, or follow up on his doubts?

Later in The Rovers, Summer corners Ross to ask after her fella. She’s grateful when Ross promises to keep an eye on him. Back in the prison, Ross informs Marco that he’s signed him up for a cleaning job to keep him busy.

But when he later finds Marco alone in his cell, what does Ross want with the vulnerable lad?

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The next day, irritable Gary tells Marco that Ross insinuated Maria is cheating on him. Marco plays down the guard’s comments, telling Gary that he’s renowned for winding people up, so it’s best to ignore him and not rise to the bait…

"Gary is easily riled up by Ross," reveals our source. "Inside, Gary has to watch his back, and he can’t afford to let Ross get to him. But it soon starts to bother him when he notices Ross upsetting Marco."

The next time Summer visits Marco, he’s forced to paint on a smile when she sings Ross’ praises. However, when Marco gets back to his cell, Ross’ next move leaves him in tears…

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Spying a card from Summer, Ross tears it into pieces, leaving Marco distraught!

When Gary discovers how upset Marco is, he confronts Ross. But the twisted prison guard threatens Gary, ordering him to back off and reminding him that he calls the shots inside!

Will Gary heed his warning and keep his head down? Or will he sacrifice his safety and defy Ross to protect Marco?

Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

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