This article covers sensitive topics including suicidal thoughts and the loss of a child.

Coronation Street has hinted that the Platts’ ordeal with gangster Harvey Gaskell is finally nearing an end.

The family’s woes seemed to be over at last in Friday’s episode, which was released for early streaming on ITVX this morning.

Shona Platt took control of the situation as she resorted to a shocking blackmail plan to finally pay back Harvey.

Viewers know that Harvey has been threatening the Platts for weeks after discovering that David had stolen a secret stash of money from him.

Shona finally reached her breaking point in Friday’s episode, as David regained consciousness in hospital after being knocked over by a speeding car outside the Rovers Return earlier this week.

As she grew suspicious over the nasty incident, Shona was heartbroken to discover that David had organised the hit on his own life. David explained that he’d wanted the Platts to pay Harvey back via his life insurance once he was dead, keeping everyone safe.

When a desperate David admitted that he still couldn’t see another way out of the situation, Shona was left in despair. She soon decided to solve her problems with a spot of blackmail.

Storming into Daisy Midgeley’s room at the hospital, Shona warned: “I really, really don’t want to do this, but I know you’ve got money – from Stephen, from Carla, whatever.

“I need it, okay? I need £40k. It’s for my family. David has done something really stupid and if I don’t get the money, he’s going to end up dead.

“I know it’s not your problem, but I can make it your problem, can’t I? I can go to the police, tell them about Debbie’s car and what you did to me.”

Shona’s timing couldn’t have been any worse, as Daisy had just received confirmation that she’d tragically lost her baby after her involvement in David’s crash incident.

Upon hearing the devastating news, Shona apologised and fled from the room feeling deeply ashamed.

Later, as Daisy mulled over Shona’s ultimatum, she considered the possibility that she and Daniel Osbourne could both face jail time over the incident with Debbie’s stolen car.

As this would potentially leave Bertie without a dad, Daisy crumbled by giving in to Shona’s threats.

In a text message, Daisy told her: “I’m going to give you the money. Please send me your bank details.”

After their ruthless tactics, will the Platts finally be able to pay back Harvey and put this nightmare behind them?