Gary Windass's (Mikey North) efforts to keep his head down behind bars were derailed in the latest edition of Coronation Street (Sunday 25th October 2026) – and twisted prison officer Ross Wilkes (Ian Burfield) is far more of a foe than a friend.
Sentenced to eight months for his role in the aftermath of Theo Silverton's (James Cartwright) murder, Gary told his cellmate Jonesy (Carl Rice) that he didn't want any trouble as he needed to secure an early release.
As Gary's wife Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) thanked Ross for promising to look out for him while on shift, at first it seemed like he would be true to his word.
Meanwhile, Ross bought Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine) flowers and won her round after previously confiscating son Tyrone's (Alan Halsall) phone and making him miss family film night.
Fiz consoled a stressed Maria as she juggled the struggles of everyday life without her husband, while at the prison, Gary confronted Jonesy for selling drugs.
Jonesy mocked Gary having Ross onside, and as Gary's frustrations escalated, Jonesy threatened him for trying to stand in the way of his 'business'.
Later, as Gary looked at a photo of Maria, Jonesy goaded him with suggestions that she would find another man in his absence.
It didn't take long for the pair to start a brawl, but rather than stepping in, Ross stood out of sight with a self-satisfied smirk.
Jonesy ended up with his arm in a sling, while Gary sported a black eye.
Ross pretended he was unaware of the fight and asked Gary what had happened.
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"Pillow fight," replied Gary.
Clocking the sight of Jonesy nearby, Ross asserted that he was unlikely to mess with Gary again, and laughed at Gary's assessment of the situation.
What else might Ross have up his sleeve, and how will Gary fare in the coming months?
Gary will soon have more than Ross to contend with, as his ex-partner Izzy Armstrong's (Cherylee Houston) father Owen (Ian Puleston-Davies) is heading back to Weatherfield, and he's furious with Gary's behaviour.
Elsewhere on the cobbles, Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) was pleased but baffled to have been reunited with his precious book, which had been mysteriously posted through his letterbox after being stolen earlier this year.
Viewers know that it was Jodie Ramsey (Olivia Frances Brown) who took the item, along with a number of other possessions of the locals.
Jodie is currently missing in action after surviving an accidental shooting by half sister Shona Platt (Julia Goulding), with the weapon having been brought into the house by Jodie herself.
We know we haven't seen the last of her yet, so where is Jodie?
Read more:
- Coronation Street villain Owen Armstrong confirmed to return in 2027 as part of new Gary Windass storyline after nearly 12 years away
- Coronation Street airs Gary Windass sentencing outcome and Bethany Platt pregnancy reveal in early ITVX release
- Coronation Street airs Sarah Platt trial outcome in early ITVX release
- Coronation Street's Jodie Ramsey star signs new one-year contract to keep playing villain
- Coronation Street star teases Debbie Webster's tragic final Christmas in Weatherfield as dementia story edges close to end
- Coronation Street favourite Vicky Myers reflects on Alison King's 20 years with soap amid huge night for Swarla fans
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.
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