Coronation Street reveals Stephen's next target as he manipulates Elaine

 But will she fall for it?

Killer Stephen continues to prove that he's as ruthless as they come in scenes to air on Coronation Street next week, as he eyes up a new target who he thinks could help with his money troubles.

Viewers of the ITV soap know that Stephen's financial situation has led to him trying to con his mum Audrey out of her money, and that it led to the death of Leo Thompkins when Stephen pushed him off the roof of the factory.

Now Stephen is starting to pay a keen interest in Elaine, Tim's mum, after he learned that she has a large amount of equity in her home – and he can't help but see the possibilities of what her money could do for him.

Tim notices them spending time together and speaks to Elaine about it, but she tells him there's nothing to be concerned about, and that it is obvious to her that Stephen is nothing like Elaine's abusive ex-husband Geoff.

Tim remains concerned though and decides to speak to Stephen himself to fill him in about Geoff's controlling and abusive nature, and what he put his mother through in the years that they were together and after their divorce.

Unfortunately, Tim's good intentions backfire as callous Stephen decides to use that information to his advantage by pretending that he's received an abusive message from Gabrielle – hoping that Elaine will warm to him further as a result.

And his devious plot works like a charm as he tells Elaine he feels like he deserves what he gets from Gabrielle, and she tries to comfort him.

Elaine is quick to tell him all about Geoff while promising to be there for him to help him through it – which is playing right into Stephen’s hands.

Will Elaine or Tim work out what Stephen is up to, or will this be a con that Stephen is able to pull off before anyone realises what he is doing?

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