Coronation Street's Jacob makes emotional decision as big new story begins

Coronation Street spoilers follow.

Coronation Street's Jacob Hay reaches a crossroads tonight (January 4) as his big new storyline with his dad Damon gets under way.

Jacob's world has been turned upside-down following the arrival of his estranged father, who's played by former Shameless actor Ciarán Griffiths.

So far, Damon has claimed to be sticking around in Weatherfield to make amends with Jacob after years of not being in contact.

Wednesday's episode sees Damon's true intentions start to become clear as he puts pressure on Jacob to do his bidding at the Bistro.

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Jacob has already agreed to do part-time work at the Bistro, juggling the commitment alongside his existing sales role at Underworld.

In the latest visit to the cobbles, Damon goes a step further by offering Jacob a full-time position at the restaurant.

Damon promises Jacob that he can expect double the money that he's getting at the factory, claiming to have already cleared it with Nick Tilsley and Leanne Battersby.

Jacob goes ahead and hands in his notice to Carla Barlow, but finds it difficult after she was the only one willing to give him a chance on his path to redemption last year.

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Carla warns an emotional Jacob that he's making a mistake by leaving a job that he clearly loves.

Damon orders Nick not to interfere with Jacob's fresh start, threatening to tell Leanne everything if he doesn't cooperate.

Later, Damon instructs his son to expect a delivery of a mysterious package at the Bistro. Sensing that this isn't above board, Jacob starts regretting his decision already.

Corrie bosses have previously confirmed that Damon will force Jacob to get involved in drugs deals now that he's in place at the Bistro.

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Jack James Ryan, who plays Jacob, recently explained: "He's literally devastated, but everything happens really quickly and Jacob realises he's in way too deep from the offset.

"There isn't a way out of this and in a weird way I think he does want to protect his dad as well. He doesn't want his dad to go down so he's between a rock and a hard place where he realises he's going to have to do this to protect him. Even though Damon has never done anything to protect Jacob, he feels that responsibility now.

"It all just happens so quickly, he doesn't have the time to process it, he just wants to find a way out that won't affect anyone, including his dad."

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