Could Coronation Street's Idris Be Working for Former Villain Ray Crosby?

Coronation Street viewers have spotted similarities between Idris and former Weatherfield villain Ray Crosby, prompting a theory that the two businessmen could be connected. With Carla facing an uncertain future at Underworld, could someone from the Street's past be involved in the factory's troubles?

Idris's interest in acquiring struggling businesses has reminded some viewers of Ray's ruthless attempts to take control of Weatherfield. But for anyone who doesn't remember Ray, his history on the cobbles explains why the comparison has attracted attention.

There is also an interesting difference between the two men. Ray's ambitions eventually became clear to almost everyone around him, while Idris's full intentions are still being questioned. Could Weatherfield be witnessing the early stages of another calculated business takeover?

Who Was Ray Crosby?

Played by Mark Frost, Ray arrived in Coronation Street on 5 July 2019 as a wealthy businessman and hotelier. He initially appeared to be a successful entrepreneur, but his interest in Weatherfield soon developed into a controversial redevelopment scheme.

Ray wanted to buy up properties, demolish parts of the Street and replace them with a new development. His ambitions threatened established businesses and the homes of residents who had spent years building their lives in Weatherfield.

He was not simply interested in purchasing an individual business and making a profit. His plans involved acquiring several properties to make a much larger development possible, regardless of the consequences for the community.

Ray was also romantically and professionally involved with Debbie Webster, who initially helped with his redevelopment plans before discovering the extent of his behaviour.

Debbie's involvement gave Ray access to local business opportunities, but their relationship deteriorated as his methods became increasingly ruthless. She eventually turned against him after discovering how far he was prepared to go to achieve his ambitions.`

His crimes included sexually assaulting Faye Windass, attempting to kill Debbie and Kevin Webster by trapping them inside the Bistro's walk-in freezer, and bribing a council planning official.

Ray was also responsible for arranging the sinkhole beneath the Platts' garden as part of his attempts to pressure residents into selling their properties. The damage caused by his actions later contributed to the sewer collapse in which Johnny Connor died.

His pursuit of money and control therefore had consequences extending far beyond failed property deals. His actions endangered lives, destroyed relationships and left a lasting mark on Weatherfield.

When Was Ray Crosby Sent to Prison?

Ray was arrested in February 2021 after attempting to flee the country following his attack on Debbie and Kevin. He was subsequently imprisoned at Highfield Prison while the consequences of his crimes continued to unfold.

Meanwhile, Faye was facing her own devastating situation. After Ray sexually assaulted her, she mistakenly attacked Adam Barlow, believing he was Ray, and was subsequently sentenced to three years in prison in April 2021.

Ray initially refused to admit what he had done to Faye, leaving her struggling to challenge the circumstances surrounding her conviction.

His final appearance came on 19 November 2021, when Debbie visited him in prison with an ultimatum. She had discovered evidence linking Ray to the deliberate creation of the sinkhole that contributed to Johnny's death.

Debbie threatened to expose his involvement and pursue the possibility of a manslaughter prosecution unless he changed his plea over Faye's sexual assault.

Faced with the prospect of a far more serious prosecution, Ray agreed to plead guilty. His admission helped secure Faye's release from prison, allowing her to return to Weatherfield.

Ray's imprisonment has been associated with a five-year sentence for the sexual assault offence. If Ray received a five-year sentence in 2021, the full term would reach its fifth anniversary during 2026. However, the date on which a prisoner becomes eligible for release can differ from the end of the sentence, depending on the offence, sentencing arrangements and any applicable restrictions.

That means a return to Weatherfield during 2026 or 2027 is an interesting possibility for a fictional storyline, but it is not a confirmed release window.

There has been no announcement that Ray is being released, that Mark Frost is returning or that Idris has any connection to him yet.

Could Ray Be Behind Idris's Plans?

A Reddit discussion comparing the two businessmen has prompted several theories about Idris's intentions.

One viewer joked about the mysterious source of his money, commenting: “Even the mystery Monopoly approach to money”.

Another suggested a possible connection, writing: “there's gotta be a possible twist that Idris has been working for Ray Crosby”.

A third viewer was less convinced, commenting: “Definitely similar, although I don't think Idris is as bad as Ray.”

The comparison is understandable. Both characters have demonstrated an interest in acquiring established Weatherfield businesses, and viewers have seen before how apparently straightforward commercial arrangements can conceal much larger ambitions.

There is no evidence that Idris knows Ray or is acting on his behalf, but the theory raises an interesting possibility. Ray would not necessarily need to be released from prison to have someone pursuing his business interests outside.

If Ray retained business connections or access to money, could someone else be acting on his instructions? Alternatively, could Idris have encountered Ray through a previous business arrangement that viewers have yet to discover?

Another explanation is that Idris simply shares Ray's business instincts. Weatherfield has attracted ambitious entrepreneurs before, and a character does not need a secret accomplice to become a threat to an established business.

The question may be whether Idris understands the community he is dealing with. Ray underestimated the determination of Weatherfield residents to protect their homes, and Idris could discover that Carla is equally unwilling to surrender something she has worked so hard to build.

Could Debbie's History Become Important?

Ray's previous connection to Debbie provides another link to Weatherfield's past, particularly given the damage his actions caused to her family and neighbours.

Debbie knows what it is like to become involved with an ambitious businessman whose plans conceal a darker purpose. She also knows how damaging Ray's redevelopment scheme became once his methods were exposed.

If Idris were eventually revealed to have a connection to Ray, Debbie would have a particularly personal reason to become involved. Such a development could bring an old storyline back into focus without necessarily requiring Ray to appear on screen.

There is also the possibility that Debbie might recognise similarities between the two businessmen even if they have never met. Her experience could prove valuable if questions emerge about Idris's finances, business arrangements or reasons for targeting particular premises.

Her knowledge of Ray's former business dealings could also become relevant if any of his old contacts were found to be involved. That would give the storyline a connection to Weatherfield's history rather than introducing a returning villain without explanation.

However, there has been no confirmation that Debbie will become involved in Idris's storyline. For now, her history with Ray provides context for the fan theory rather than evidence supporting it.

Could Carla Save Underworld?

For Carla, the immediate concern is protecting Underworld and the livelihoods of the people who work there. Idris may see an opportunity in the factory's difficulties, but that does not mean Queen C is ready to surrender control of the business she has fought tirelessly to build.

Carla has faced major business challenges before, and her determination to keep Underworld operating has repeatedly demonstrated just how important the factory is to her. It represents years of work, difficult decisions and a commitment to the people whose jobs depend on its survival.

The possibility of Carla finding a way to secure the factory's future offers a more hopeful outcome than another business takeover, particularly with dedicated wife Lisa supporting her through a difficult period.

There are several ways the storyline could develop without Carla losing Underworld. She could uncover information that weakens Idris's position, secure financial support or negotiate an arrangement that protects the workforce while allowing her to retain control.

Those possibilities are speculation, but they offer a reminder that Carla is not simply waiting for someone else to decide the factory's future. She has the experience and determination to challenge a businessman who may believe he has found an easy opportunity.

Whether Idris is acting alone or has a larger plan remains an open question. Viewers will be watching to see whether his ambitions extend beyond Underworld and whether Carla can stop him.

And if Ray's name does eventually resurface, could his unfinished business with Weatherfield bring another confrontation with Debbie?

For now, there is no confirmed connection between Ray and Idris. But the comparison has given viewers another reason to examine Idris's intentions, while Carla's fight for Underworld could yet provide one of the most satisfying outcomes of the storyline.

Where to Watch Coronation Street

Coronation Street airs on ITV1. New episodes are also available from 7am on ITVX. For the latest episodes and any schedule alterations, visit SoapLandTV's What's On Tonight. Image credits: ITV