Coronation Street fans will finally find out more about new villain Rowan Cunliffe in the coming weeks, with the truth about his past set to be revealed on the ITV soap

Coronation Street’s Rowan Cunliffe’s dark backstory will finally come to light in upcoming scenes on the ITV soap.

The character, played by Emrhys Cooper, has remained secretive about his past amid his plan to encourage Weatherfield residents to join his ‘self-improvement’ institute. Leanne Battersby has already been reeled in by Rowan and has scam organisation, and now Amy Barlow is his next target.

But what Leanne is yet to find out is that Rowan is hiding some dark truths about his past, including criminal activity. Leanne’s sister Toyah Battersby is convinced he’s dodgy, and has set out to expose him and the institute – only to be blackmailed to stay silent.

It seems things are set to come to light though, and speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Rowan actor Emrhys teased what viewers would learn. There’s some dark scenes on the way, he revealed, with secrets he has yet to reveal to Leanne.

Coronation Street’s Rowan Cunliffe’s dark backstory will finally come to light (
Image:
ITV)

Emrhys told us: “We are going to find out more about Rowan. He’s had an interesting and dark past, he’s been involved in crime, [a] very chequered [past] and he was saved by the institute.

“So he turned his life around thanks to the institute and he’s grateful cos it got him a new life, but you will learn more about Rowan very soon.” On the cult and its impact he added: “It happens way more frequently than we realise, it’s a slow burn.

“It’s not right away. [Leanne is a] Battersby, it took a lot of work for Rowan to get her in. I think it’s very realistic.” Emrhys, whose own family was impacted by a cult, revealed viewers had got in touch with him to say just how realistic the storyline felt, after their own experiences.

Speaking on Rowan’s mindset regarding the organisation, he added: “In Rowan’s defence he’s doing it for the greater good and he believes he’s helping Leanne and Amy. But I would definitely be a little nervous if I had revealed a lot of my past to someone like Rowan. It could be used against Leanne and Amy, that’s something to watch out for, pay attention.”

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Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .