Coronation Street's Rita Sullivan is to be "left for dead" in heartbreaking Christmas storyline.

The beloved Weatherfield resident will fall after trying to set up fairy lights, and will be trapped under her Christmas tree for several days. According to The Sun, none of the other characters investigate her home being in darkness as she told them of her plans to go away for the holidays. She is said to escape after being found by a neighbour by chance. “Dev puts up the Christmas tree for Rita but doesn’t have time to sort the fairy lights," an insider told the publication. “She ends up putting the lights on herself but when switching them on she trips and falls, pulling the tree on top of her.” The soap source added that Corrie bosses are hopeful the storyline will highlight the loneliness that the elderly may feel during the holiday period. “Spending Christmas alone is a scenario many OAPs may find themselves in a few weeks," they said. And there will be more heartbreaking scenes on the cobbles this Christmas, as another plot line is set to see Robert Preston shot and killed. The tragedy takes place as Derek Milligan tries to take revenge on Gary Windass. It has been said that Derek gets drunk after his business relationship with Gary sours and, on Christmas Day, will bring a gun to the Rover's Return. The ensuing chaos will see Robert, played by Tristan Gemmill. fatally injured. Another Weatherfield resident will also be wounded in the fight. And while Robert will make it to the hospital, it's been said that he will suffer a heart attack and die off screen.