Coronation Street spoilers: Peter Barlow’s dark influence takes hold as Simon is consumed by danger

**Simon feels abandoned after Peter’s exit (Picture: ITV)**

Ever since his father Peter (Chris Gascoyne) left Coronation Street to go on a boat journey around the globe, Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has been going crazy.

Although it’s obvious that Simon’s conduct is influenced by his father’s abandonment, may Peter’s history of alcoholism also be having an impact on Simon as he increasingly turns to alcohol in an ineffective effort to cope with his issues? Peter was undoubtedly concerned about it.

In subsequent episodes, Simon—who was meant to be at work—gets a serious hangover after seeing his friends out in town. Instead, he tells Bobby (Jack Carroll) that he has been drinking all day.

Due to his hangover, he is running late for work. When he does arrive, Beth (Lisa George) makes the observation that anybody else would have been fired by now for their present behaviour.

After Kirk (Andrew Whyment) hurts his ankle and Carla asks Simon to take up Kirk’s job of making the van deliveries, Simon really puts Carla (Alison King) to the test. The only thing Carla can do is terminate Simon when he flatly refuses to comply with her requests.

**Everyone is becoming more irritated with Simon’s actions (Picture: ITV)**

The next morning, suffering from yet another hangover, Simon discovers that he has spilt beer all over Nick’s (Ben Price) papers and hastily covered it up before Nick notices. He offers to print his papers again and bring it over to the restaurant after telling Nick he hasn’t seen it.

Nick thanks Simon for his apparent help and advises Leanne (Jane Danson) to speak with Carla and let her know that Simon deserves another opportunity. Leanne follows through, informing Carla that Simon needs the stability of a job since Peter’s departure has created a void in his life.

Later, Simon informs Leanne that Bobby has been replaced in the workplace by Carla. Leanne gives him a position at the cafe out of a desire to assist him. Although Nick isn’t quite thrilled with this, Leanne has the last say.

When Simon begins working at the cafe and is instantly attracted by Bobby’s proposal of having an after-hours lock-in, it seems that Nick may have been correct to have his doubts.

Will Simon’s misbehaviour continue to worsen?