James is outed as gay
CAN HE CONVINCE THE PRESS IT’S A MISTAKE?
“James is so scared that he can’t tell the truth…”
There’s a PR nightmare for James this week, when the press finds out that he’s gay – and he’s forced to lie to both them and his football club.
The story breaks as James’ ex-fling Danny inadvertently outs him on social media and rumours spread. What’s sad is that the developing crisis happens while Aggie is taking the spotlight following her Weatherfield Golden Hearts Awards win. But soon the Bailey clan is supporting James, who is desperate to kill the story.
“James has worked hard to keep his sexuality private, and he’s devastated that he’s been exposed by Danny,” explains our Corrie spy. “Coming out publicly should have been his choice, and he feels betrayed and blindsided. The press is determined to chase down the story, and James is terrified that it will finish his football career.”
After a reporter confronts him on Aggie’s big night,
James denies the rumours and rushes off in a panic. The Baileys are devastated to see James in such a state, and don’t know what to do to calm him down. The next day, he goes to find Danny and gives him hell for his post, which has forced him to comment on his sexuality. Although Danny is genuinely apologetic, James isn’t willing to forgive him. Then, the lad is floored once again when the Weatherfield County boss asks him to attend a meeting with their in-house press officer. What will the club say?
“James is shocked, because the Weatherfield County team offers him its full support, and wants to protect him and help him manage the story,” shares our snitch. “But instead of being honest and allowing them to guide him through this, James flat-out denies the story. He’s just so scared and rattled that he can’t tell the truth, so insists to the manager and the press officer that he’s straight. It’s
a move that his mum Aggie is heartbroken he’s making.”
As the club officials suggest James doesn’t say anything in response to the story, Aggie and Michael worry that he will end up making things a whole lot worse. Meanwhile, Ed is relieved that James has seemingly killed the story. But as the press continues to circle him, how long can James stay in the closet?