Coronation Street viewers are horrified after Craig blackmails Faye into staying with him

Coronation Street viewers were horrified on Friday after Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) blackmailed Faye Windass (Ellie Leach) into staying with him.

For weeks Faye has struggled with her feelings for her ex Jackson Hodge (Rhys Cadman) ever since he and their daughter Miley re-entered her life, with the two even sharing a secret kiss.

While Jackson urged them to start a new life together, Faye’s turmoil was compounded when her loyal boyfriend Craig proposed, which she then accepted.

However, Faye felt trapped by her beau Craig after choosing him over Jackson.

Police Officer Craig was left distraught after learning of the exchange and felt even more betrayed when he learned that Jackson wanted to move to Slough with Faye and Miley.

Tense: Police officer Craig held Faye’s guilt about her hit-and-run over her head and threatened to expose her

While confronting her, he said, “How could you do this to me after all I did to protect you?”

‘You know very well what I did. You could have gone to jail by any means an ex-buyer has to offer, and yet I took that chance.

‘Anything to keep you safe. Because I love you so much. And you’re going to kiss your ex at the first chance you get. How stupid am I?’

He then revealed that he was willing to blackmail Faye into staying with him – while holding the guilt of her hit-and-run over her head.

Craig continued, “I feel like going to the station now and telling them everything.

“And yes, I would go down too, but who cares, because if you leave with him, my life is already over.”

Fans of the cobbles were shocked by Craig’s desperation to keep Faye in his life.

One viewer said, “That’s so low,” while another added, “Look, that’s how you know Craig is turning into a monster.”

Torn: Faye has been struggling with her feelings for her ex Jackson Hodge (Rhys Cadman) for weeks

Upset: Craig was devastated after learning about Faye and Jackson’s secret kiss and plan to move to Slough

Response: Viewers were quick to criticize Craig for his manipulative actions

“He has become a controlling, manipulative narcissist. If I can’t have you, no one else can have mentality. Down with Faye.’

A third commented, “So every time something goes wrong in the relationship, Craig is going to threaten her with the past.”

One tweeter was also shocked by his behavior, saying, “Craig gaslighting Faye to not leave him.. Not cool.” and “That low dirty manipulative comment would make me dump you right now, Craig!”

It comes ahead of Ellie Leach’s departure from the ITV soap after 12 years.

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.