Coronation Street fans lash out at ‘blunder’: ‘Get your act together!’ | Soaps

Coronation Street fans have been left scratching their heads after spotting what they believe is a major mistake during Megan Walsh’s (Beth Nixon) upcoming trial, with many questioning how Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) has suddenly become a barrister.

The ITV soap is gearing up for the next chapter in Megan’s dramatic storyline, which sees her finally face court following the shocking events involving Will.

Over recent weeks, viewers have watched Megan’s behaviour become increasingly disturbing, with her actions towards Will prompting many fans to brand the character ‘vile’ and even call for her to be sent to prison.

Now, with her day in court arriving, another talking point has stolen the spotlight.

Rather than focusing solely on the outcome of the trial, viewers have instead become fixated on Adam’s role in the courtroom, with many insisting there’s one major problem.

Adam has long been established as Weatherfield’s resident solicitor, but in the latest scenes he’s seen representing Megan in court in what appears to be the role of a barrister.

The apparent switch hasn’t gone unnoticed.

One confused viewer wrote: ‘I didn’t know Adam Barlow was a barrister!’

Another quickly replied: ‘He’s not!’

Others questioned whether they’d somehow missed an important development in Adam’s career.

‘Since when did Adam become a barrister?!!’ one fan asked, while another echoed: ‘Have I missed a chapter here, since when was Adam a barrister?’

A fourth simply pointed out: ‘Adam isn’t a barrister, he’s a solicitor.’

One viewer, who claimed to have worked in the legal profession, suggested there could be an explanation but felt it hadn’t been properly addressed on screen.

‘They are struggling through it the best they can, no Adam is not a Barrister but a solicitor who all of a sudden has become solicitor advocate,’ they wrote.

‘When I worked in a big law firm in London we instructed Barristers, solicitors never stood in as Barristers despite the fees they charged which were eye watering.’

Another fan was even more critical, arguing the entire courtroom storyline lacked realism.

‘Such an unrealistic storyline. No way in the real world would a barrister be allowed to represent someone he knows, let alone go into the local boozer where the prosecutor’s family run the pub! Come on script writers, get your act together & write true to life court drama!’

While fans have labelled it a blunder, there may be more to the situation than first appears.

In England and Wales, solicitors can gain additional rights of audience and become solicitor advocates, allowing them to represent clients in higher courts. There’s also the separate route of transferring to the Bar, enabling a qualified solicitor to become a practising barrister.

However, if either of those routes applies to Adam, Coronation Street has yet to mention it on screen, leaving many viewers confused about exactly what qualifications the character now holds.

However, a spokesperson for ITV has confirmed that Adam’s role does allow him to make representations in court. They told Metro: ‘Adam is in fact a solicitor advocate who can defend in court like a barrister. This is the same as Imran and Dee-Dee previously. Adam has the same advocate qualifications.’

They also went on to advise that ‘Solicitors in England and Wales were granted extended rights to appear as advocates in the higher courts (such as the Crown Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal) when the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 came into effect in 1994. This legislation broke the historic advocacy monopoly held by barristers.’

That said, it does seem unusual for a neighbour and regular of the local pub that is ran by the prosecution to suddenly be representing someone in such a life-changing trial. It’s easy to see why viewers have been left questioning it. Of course, soaps often take a few creative liberties for the sake of the drama, so we do need to take things with a pinch of salt sometimes.

The legal debate comes as emotions continue to run high over Megan’s storyline itself.

Viewers have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, with many insisting Megan deserves to be jailed following her treatment of Will. Her actions have sparked fierce discussion online, with fans branding her behaviour ‘vile’ and arguing she should face the full consequences if found guilty.

As her trial unfolds, the verdict is set to have huge repercussions for everyone involved.

But for many fans, it’s Adam’s unexpected courtroom role that’s proving to be the biggest talking point of all, with viewers hoping the soap will soon clarify exactly how Weatherfield’s familiar solicitor ended up leading the defence.

Whether the show addresses the apparent career change remains to be seen, but until then, fans are convinced something doesn’t quite add up.

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