Coronation Street: Dee‑Dee Believes James Has Kidnapped Baby Laila in Emotional Twist
Heat and heartbreak intensify on Coronation Street as Dee‑Dee Bailey becomes convinced her brother James has kidnapped baby Laila. The storyline has plunged the Bailey family into chaos and sparked intense debate among viewers who fear for the safety and future of Laila’s welfare.

👶 Dee‑Dee Changes Her Mind — and So Does Her Motherly Instinct
Following a period of grief and trauma, Dee‑Dee initially offered joint guardianship of Laila to her brother James. However, after discussion and soul-searching, she reversed course—deciding she wants sole custody and plans to raise her daughter herself. (turn0search2) The decision was emotional, pragmatic, and resonated deeply as a turning point for Dee‑Dee’s independence.

😨 Panic Sets In: Missing Baby Alarm
The situation escalated when James disappeared with suitcases and doll items, leading Dee‑Dee and Ed to panic. They discovered Laila and her blanket were missing and assumed the worst. (turn0search10) Dee‑Dee, frantic, insisted they call the authorities—her worst fears confirmed when Laila couldn’t be found. Her conviction that James abducted Laila sent shockwaves through the family.

🔎 Michael’s Calm Intervention
Amid the fear, Michael Bailey played a calmer role. He appeared holding Laila and explained that James’ flight was delayed and that the baby was with him all along. James wanted his sister and Ed to know that he still cared but needed space to cope with emotional turmoil. According to Michael, James said, “It’s too painful for him right now.” (turn0search10)

Michael scolded the family lightly, suggesting they let James grieve his own way and avoid overreacting: “Honestly, I think it’s best he’s well rid of both of ya,” he quipped during an awkward moment.

⚖️ Dee‑Dee’s Changing Plan: From Guardianship to Full Custody
Later, Dee‑Dee shocked everyone at a formal facilitation meeting by rescinding the guardianship arrangement. She declared she intends to raise Laila herself—despite James’s hurt and betrayal. Her father Ed supports the decision, arguing it may be best for her and the child. Meanwhile, James expresses anger, hurt, and confusion over Dee‑Dee’s sudden reversal. (turn0search2)

💥 Family Fallout: Guilt, Anger, and Grief Collide
The aftermath reveals emotional fractures: James feels betrayed; Dee‑Dee is resolute, yet overwhelmed; Ed attempts to mediate but stands visibly on his daughter’s side. Viewers are left to wonder: Will this decision push James to flee Weatherfield—or force a fight for their niece’s future?

🎬 Public Reaction & Soap Sentiment
Fans have reacted strongly online—divided between sympathy for Dee‑Dee’s determination to be Laila’s mother, and criticism for how she treated James’s grief. Social media threads hint at a potential kidnappy scare or even custody battle. Meanwhile, the wider Joel Deering storyline—where Dee‑Dee struggled with betrayal and abuse—has left audiences emotionally invested in her path forward. (turn0news20, turn0news21)

Some viewers praised Corrie’s handling of racial injustice in maternity care and the adoption storyline, which introduced Laila with context that resonated across communities. But recent twists have reignited debate over how grief and control are portrayed onscreen