Coronation Street horror as Hope Stape is groomed online – and fans think they know who it is

CORONATION Street’s Hope Stape looks set to be the victim of a vile groomer – and fans know exactly who they think it is.

The tearaway child has been receiving secret messages from someone called Mad Dog who has been trying to get information on her family.

Speaking to Sam on their walkie talkies, Sam revealed Mad Dog had joined their game and kept asking questions of Hope.

“Maybe he fancies you?” said Sam as Hope brushed him off.

However fans are worried for Hope after spotting the messages from Mad Dog.

“What’s your mum and dad like?” read one question.

A second said: “Do you like your home?”

Another asked: “Do you get along with your mum and dad?”

A further question from the account asked Hope: “Do you have any brothers and sisters?”

With Hope’s complicated family history, the mystery Mad Dog could be Jade Rowan, her half sister on her dad’s side.

Jade had been desperate to take Hope away from her family, insisting Fiz had framed her serial killer ex-husband for her own crimes.

She was run out of town, but the messages suggest she has returned.

However fans have another chilling theory about who is behind the messages – and think Phill Whittaker is plotting revenge against Hope for ruining his life.

One wrote: “So school bullying and now online grooming. More joy and excitement on the street”

A second said: “Hope talking to someone named !Mad Dog!!!”

Another said: “Who is this mad dog on hopes pad , Phil ? trying to get revenge maybe?”