CORONATION Street fans have slammed the soap’s Lauren Bolton storyline as the ‘worst’ – but shared their thoughts on how to fix it.

Troubled teen Lauren (played by Cait Fitton) disappeared some time ago, with beloved Roy Cropper (played by David Neilson) arrested and charged for her supposed murder.

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Roy Cropper has found himself at the centre of Lauren Bolton’s disappearanceCredit: ITV

Troubled teen Lauren hasn’t been seen for some timeCredit: ITVCafé owner Roy found himself as prime suspect in the first place by innocently cleaning Lauren’s flat.Some viewers have made their unhappiness with the storyline quite clear while suggesting where the plot could go next.

It comes as villain Nathan Curtis (played by Christopher Harper) has been announced to return to the cobbles, almost seven years since he last appeared.

In 2017, Nathan groomed and abused vulnerable teen Bethany Platt (played by Lucy Fallon), before pimping her out to have sex with his friends.

He was ultimately brought to justice for his crimes but speculation is rife over his potential role in Lauren’s disappearance.

On the Coronation Street subreddit, viewers have been discussing how Nathan could be involved or how the show could go in another direction entirely.

This includes theories concerning solicitor Joel Deering (Calum Lill), who made his debut last September.

A fan wrote: “I think it has something to do with that Nathan who targeted Bethany possibly.

“I’ve seen some people speculating Joel because of something to do with the necklace but I can’t remember if he had anything to do with a necklace or not.

“I think Roy will go to trial and Lauren will burst through the doors super dramatic style.”

Coronation Street’s Roy Cropper banged up for murder in shock scenes

Another viewer suggested a potential twist in the story, writing: “I think Nathan is a red herring and Joel did it.

“Mainly because Joel is the only one who has had deliberate clues leading to him. He had spent money on a necklace at the same time Lauren got one.

“Plus his hesitation to accept Amy’s case involving something to do with women’s refuge.

Some viewers think returning villain Nathan may be involved in Lauren’s disappearanceCredit: ITV

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Others believe solicitor Joel could be the culpritCredit: ITV“From the spoilers, it seems like Bethany spots Nathan by coincidence and accuses him.

“So I think the Lauren story is instigating his return and maybe he is involved a bit, but I don’t think he is the actual main culprit, it just seems to be set up as a red herring to me.”

Meanwhile, a third viewer shared their criticisms of the storyline while throwing an unexpected name into the mix.

They wrote: “This is quite possibly the worst storyline there has been in a while.

“I thought it was Joel but his secret was his ex wife and it’s unlikely he has two, far too complicated for a soap.

“It’s allegedly not Nathan from what I’ve read, he’s supposedly a red herring. Not sure why he’s popping up for no reason though.

“I’m secretly hoping it’s Bobby so he gets locked up.”

A fourth added: “It’s boring and stupid but I think Lauren will come back to the street straight to the cafe crying with blood on her asking for Roy.”

Viewers were left devastated by scenes of kindly Roy being taken away to prison.

Upcoming scenes will see Roy make a huge discovery concerning Lauren’s mystery boyfriend.