Coronation Street’s Shona and David Platt receive devastating news next week, when an ultrasound reveals that their unborn baby has developed a potentially cancerous tumour. During a routine scan, Shona and David spot an unusual mass on their child’s neck, which is later confirmed to be a tumour by a consultant.

The medic also goes on to explain that if Shona wants to go full-term with her pregnancy, she will need to undergo a high-risk operation.

The scenes air next week, with the drama starting when Kit Green pulls David aside in the precinct and accuses him of ribbing Sarah about their relationship.

True to character, David refuses to bow down to Kit and barges past him, which sends the corrupt copper into a spin.

Infuriated, Kit bends the law for the umpteenth time in his career – and arrests his rival for assaulting a police officer. It’s a total nightmare for David, not least because he was due to take Shona along to her latest pregnancy scan.

While Shona waits impatiently at the hospital with Sarah, David does everything he can to convince Kit to free him so that he can be with his wife.

Eventually, Kit gives up the tough guy act and drives David to Weatherfield General, which allows the couple to attend the ultrasound together after all.

Once the scan begins, Shona and David gaze lovingly at their unborn child, but the pair soon realise that they can see an unusual mass on the baby’s neck. Immediately, the gravity of the issue is written all over the sonographer’s face, leaving Shona and David shaken to the core.

A special Coronation Street episode later in the week will dedicate time to both David and Shona’s individual perspectives as they gear up for their appointment with the consultant.

First, viewers will see the world through Shona’s eyes, as well as hearing her inner dialogue, as she mulls over why her husband seems to be so unbothered by their terrible situation.

Then, David’s own feelings come to light, as he prepares for the day ahead by encouraging himself to be strong for Shona despite the agony that he’s feeling inside.

In the hospital room, Shona and David listen closely as the consultant confirms their worst fear: there is a tumour on their baby’s neck that could be cancerous. Stunned, Shona and David then receive information that if they decide to keep the baby, Shona will need to go under the knife.

Given the real danger that the procedure poses to both Shona and her unborn child, how will David respond? And will Shona make it through to give birth to her baby?