The Solicitors Regulation Authority may not be everyone’s favourite quango, but it has managed to get not one but two namechecks on Coronation Street. Fame at last.

For those who don’t watch the long-running ITV soap, here is a brief plot recap: duty solicitor Joel Deering was behind the disappearance of teenager Lauren Bolton: after weeks of grooming her, he attacked her and left her for dead.

A few months later, Lauren returned to Weatherfield – pregnant with Joel’s baby. Joel was engaged to Dee-Dee Bailey, a partner at Barlow Legal Services, which is run by Adam Barlow, grandson of the legendary Ken Barlow.

First mention of the SRA came when Dee-Dee informed Lauren that she had reported Joel to the SRA. ‘What’s the SRA?’ asked Lauren.

The regulator was mentioned again after police received a tip-off that Dee-Dee’s family had allegedly been involved in insider trading.

‘I’ve been on to the Solicitors Regulation Authority and I’ve told them you’re straight as a die,’ Adam told Dee-Dee.

The SRA is predictably chuffed, with one stern caveat. ‘We’re not sure a character reference from Adam Barlow is going to help Dee-Dee that much!’ one insider told Obiter.

Let’s just hope Joel gets his comeuppance. Obviously we don’t want to prejudice the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, but we’d have thought his record merits considerably more than a reprimand.

Joel Deering Corrie

Dee day: Joel Deering reported to the regulator

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