Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon tells us all about the massive fountain fight Maria and Eva have in tonight's double bill and promises Maria gives as good as she gets!

It’s all happening in Coronation Street this week – and if you think you’ve seen the best of the drama, we can promise that there’s way more to come.

In Monday’s second episode, Aidan Connor’s spurned mistress, Maria, gatecrashed his wedding to Eva Price, and revealed to Aidan and the stunned congregation that the “pregnant” bride wasn’t pregnant afterall.

In tonight’s double bill, a furious Eva – who’s been secretly plotting revenge on her cheating fiancé - will end up scrapping with her love rival in a water fountain. How very Dynasty!

"Eva runs out after Maria, and there ensues this huge fight in a fountain, where we both get extremely wet," revealed Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria. "I was dreading it, thinking Eva was going to trounce me, but I think Maria gave as good as she got!"

Off-screen, of course, Samia and co-star Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva, are great mates – and Samia admitted that filming the fight was a breeze, because whilst the water may look ice cold, it was actually lovely and warm.

"We were in the fountain for two hours, and we had this hose of hot water. So we were spraying each other with hot water inbetween takes to keep ourselves warm, and we were brought bottles of coke and stuff. So it was great - we were actually having a nice time!"

Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley talks wedding day showdowns, scary stunts and reveals what her hubby Tom makes of Eva's bunny-boiler antics

Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley talks wedding day showdowns, scary stunts and reveals what her hubby Tom makes of Eva's bunny-boiler antics in an interview with TV Times.

What's the story?

She’s plotted, lied and duped her fiancé into thinking she’s pregnant! Ever since Eva discovered Aidan, the love of her life, was cheating on her with crimper Maria, the heartbroken knicker-stitcher has been on a secret mission to destroy her man. If Aidan was irked by his fiancée splashing his cash on bubble pink cars and designer clothes he’s got no idea what’s about to hit him.

This week Operation Payback culminates as a vengeful Eva gears up to expose Aidan and unleash her venom on their double wedding day. Will it go to plan?

Here Catherine Tyldesley talks to TV Times

TV Times: She started off fully fired up for revenge but has had a few wobbles along the way. As the wedding day approaches, what’s Eva’s state of mind?

Catherine Tyldesley: "She’s all guns blazing! When we shot the hen night scenes I felt so sorry for Maria because she takes the brunt in a massive way. The stuff that Eva comes up with is fantastic. You’re talking Mean Girls territory, with relish."

TVT: What’s it been like for you to show her conniving, bunny boiler side?

CT: "Heaven! I’ve absolutely loved it. When I first came into the show she was very feisty and catty, so to see that come back and prove she can kick ass when she needs to, is brilliant."

TVT: Do you think she still loves Aidan?

CT: "Yes, she absolutely loves him but she’s so angry. She’s been cheated on by every single boyfriend and her own dad walked out on her when she was three, so she’s already got trust issues. She finally thinks she’s found somebody, this is the one and then and he hurts her so badly."

TVT: Does Eva fancy Adam at all or is she just so into Aidan?

CT: "She thinks Adam’s an attractive bloke but that’s where it stops. She’s completely in love with Aidan. Adam tried to kiss her recently but she’s like, ‘Woah, let’s not complicate things."

TVT: What is the main goal for her?

CT: "It’s the wedding. It’s to get there and to expose Aidan’s true colours. The big thing about Eva is she never ever thinks about consequences. She just jumps straight in with whatever she wants to do and obviously a plan of this size has massive consequences."

TVT: But she’s blind-sided when Aidan confesses to his affair with Maria on the morning of the wedding. What happens and does she tell him she already knows?

CT: "No she doesn’t! He comes clean because he genuinely loves her. He gets to the morning of the wedding and tells her, ‘I love you so much, I cannot walk down the aisle with this in my heart, this is what I’ve done.’ After his confession he’s left wondering if Eva will even turn up for the wedding."

TVT: How many wedding dresses did you have for filming?

CT: 'Six identical ones. It’s so tight I actually thought I was going to snap a rib or lose an ovary. I chose it myself, I pick all of Eva’s clothes. I said to the lady who owns the shop, ‘She wants to be a princess’, and it was the first one she pulled out. I was filming in it for six days and had to take it off for lunch, but then I didn’t want to eat too much because I knew I had to get it back on!'

TVT: Maria, who’s starting to suspect Eva, bursts into the ceremony. Can you tease what happens?

CT: 'It’s epic. Six dresses and a stunt double give you a hint! Although we didn’t actually use the stunt double. Stupidly I did my own stunt! Maria's not going to know what's hit her. I saw Samia's (who plays Maria) face after filming and I was like, "I am so sorry". It's fantastic but harsh. I think viewers will be gobsmacked!'

TVT: Eva has lied about being pregnant. Is she terrified of what Aidan will do when he discovers there’s no baby?

CT: "Again she’s not thinking about consequences. She thinking, ‘I’ll jump off that bridge when I get to it.’ She’s almost convinced herself she IS pregnant."

TVT: It’s not just Aidan she’s gunning for is it?

CT: "When she finds out that his dad Johnny knew about the affair she thinks, ‘Well if Johnny knew, they all knew’, so she wants revenge on the whole family. That’s what leads her to arrange the double wedding. She’s like, ‘I’m not just gonna wreck Aidan’s day, everyone’s gonna get it!’'

TVT: What do you and Shayne Ward (who plays Aidan) do to relieve the tension in between filming emotional scenes?

CT: "We recreate movie scenes! I think my favourite one we’ve done is Men in Black. I cried laughing that day. Shayne’s hilarious and we have an absolute scream. People are constantly going, ‘Oh my god, they’re off’. And we sing all the time. We must be really annoying! Shane’s like my gay straight best friend. He’ll be thrilled with that comment!"

TVT: Does your husband Tom (Pitfield) watch Corrie?

CT: "Yes and he often helps me learn my lines so when it’s on screen he’s like ‘Oh, I remember this!’ I sent a picture of me in Eva’s wedding dress and he was like, ‘You look great!’ but he’s slightly scared of psycho Eva. He’ll see a glint and say, ‘I’ve seen that look before!’."

TVT: And Tom’s become a regular on TV giving out exercise and nutrition advice on ITV’s Eat, Shop, Save. How do you feel about that?

CT: "I’m so chuffed for him because he’s so knowledgeable. He’s loved doing it so touch wood there’ll be another series. But he hates watching himself on TV. He just won’t do it! All his friends are like, ‘You’ll be going in the jungle next!’, and he’s like ‘Shut up.’"

TVT: And the pair of you have set up a special Instagram and twitter account, The Pitfields, helping to motivate families into a healthy lifestyle.

CT: "That came about purely because I was getting a lot of fan mail and twitter DMs from new mums in particular. Some of them were really heart breaking with a lot of people just hating their bodies and Tom was the same with a lot of clients asking about specific things so we said ‘Do you know what, we’re both so passionate about it’ which is why we started The Pitfields."

TVT: You’ve said Corrie is like a second home to you. Could you imagine Eva growing old on the cobbles?

CT: "I would love to see her, eighty odd, boobs up here, bleached blonde hair, wreaking havoc. I’d like think there’ll always be a place for me at Corrie because I will never fall out of love with this place. I’m a massive, massive fan."

TVT: Eva obviously gets a kick out of revenge – are you someone who like revenge?

CT: "No! I hate confrontation. A taxi driver lost it with me one day and I just went ‘Alright, thankyou, bye!’ It’s very rare that I’ll have an argument with anybody. I like channeling it through Eva though. It’s like therapy."

As Adam Barlow ramps up his revenge plan against the Connors, he realises he has growing feelings for fellow plotter Eva Price! Corrie’s Sam Robertson explains all...

Adam Barlow’s plans to get back at the Connor family take an unexpected turn when he finds he’s falling for his partner in payback Eva Price in Coronation Street.

“Initially, he just saw Eva as someone to help him wreak havoc on the family he feels stole his dad’s [Mike Baldwin] business empire,” Sam Robertson told Soaplife. “But as Adam and Eva have been plotting together, he’s started developing feelings for her, which has really taken him by surprise!’ And there are more surprises to come…

Does Adam tell Eva how he feels about her? “Yes, but with actions rather than words. He can see how Eva [Catherine Tyldesley] is genuinely hurt by what’s been happening to her and, when he suggests that it might be an idea to go to France to spend some time with her mum, Stella, she thanks him for everything he’s done for her. In that moment, seeing her so vulnerable, Adam acts on instinct and kisses her.”

How does she react? “That would be telling, but she does take off for France to get out of Weatherfield for a while.”

What is it that draws Adam to underdogs? There’s Chesney and Mary as well as Eva… “He sees himself as a bit of an underdog, too, and that makes him want to fight their corner against people who treat them badly. Adam’s always been a lone wolf. His parents died when he was young and he’s had to fend for himself. There’s something in helping these people that comes from the feeling of being an outsider.”

Maria Connor suspects that Adam and Eva are plotting something… Does Adam have any inkling about this? “No, he’s oblivious to the fact she’s starting to suss something is going on and that she’s told Aidan. It’s a dangerous position for Adam to be in because there’s no love lost between him and Maria – or Maria and Eva, either.”

How do you think Adam has changed since he first returned to Weatherfield? “He’s more rounded than he was. He isn’t really a player where women are concerned. His fling with Rosie Webster has developed into a fun friendship and he does seem to have genuine feelings for Eva. He also doesn’t think Aidan is good enough for her.”

What is his ultimate game plan? “To get the factory and the girl. He wants it all!”

Coronation Street, ITV

Serial groom Steve McDonald could be on wife number six if Leanne Tilsley agrees to marry him. But will she?

It hasn't worked out for Leanne living above the Rovers with Toyah and Robert in Coronation Street. Eva suggests she move in with her and Aidan, but then Steve McDonald insists it will be good for both of them if she lives with him and they can share childcare.

But when things start to get cosy and Leanne turns down a girls' night out to stay in with Steve and the kids, he seizes the opportunity to ask her to be Mrs McDonald No.6!

Leanne Tilsley and Steve McDonald in Coronation street

But she is shocked when it leads him to ask her to marry him!

But she is shocked when it leads him to ask her to marry him!

She rushes out and, over a drink, Leanne tells Toyah and Eva about Steve's proposal.

Her sisters start teasing her about serial groom Steve...

Leanne gets defensive and sticks up for Steve. Will she have a change of heart?Find out in Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, July 31

Eva intervenes when Adam threatens to reveal Aidan's affair next week! Why?

When Eva secretly found out about Aidan and Maria's affair, she vowed vengeance on him and decided to stay silent about his cheating ways in Coronation Street. Since then, she's convinced Aidan that she's pregnant, after a first at-home test proved positive while the second was negative.

So Aidan is going nowhere, thinking he has a baby on the way, while fuming Eva quietly plots to bleed him and his business dry... But what will happen when blackmailing Adam barges in, knowing full well what Aidan's been up to with Maria? Will Eva's plan be finished before it's even started?

Elsewhere, lovebirds Brian and Cathy take their relationship a stage further, Phelan is mad at Seb, David and Shona join forces to help Bethany's plight and Craig makes a decision...

When Adam rolls up demanding money over the photo evidence he has of Aidan's affair with Maria, is the cheating cad about to admit all?

When Adam rolls up demanding money over the photo evidence he has of Aidan's affair with Maria, is the cheating cad about to admit all?

When blackmailing Adam has no luck in getting Aidan to part with his cash, he demands the love rat tells Eva EXACTLY what's been going on!

Eva's plan of revenge will be ruined if Adam spills the beans on Aidan's affair, so she manages to to get him to stay quiet, telling him she needs to put her 'pregnancy' first...

Eva's next stage of her plan to ruin Aidan, is to get behind a desk at Underworld. But how will the others take it when Aidan announces the arrival of new employee Eva?

At the Rovers, Toyah confides in Leanne that she might be pregnant at last and later hugs and congratulates a guilt-ridden Eva…

Loved-up Brian tells an admiring Cathy about his additional duties as litter enforcement officer, hence the helping hand of a large megaphone…

But with intimidating Phelan being his first offender after discarding a sweet wrapper on the cobbles, will Brian regret his extra responsibilities?!

Clearly in a foul mood, Phelan takes it out on employee Seb and fires him! But what has the lad done?

Meanwhile, Nicola calls round to Eileen's to ask if Phelan will do a DNA test to find out once and for all if he's her real father... or not!

As Pat willingly agrees to the DNA test, he hands the swab to Nicola. She promises that she'll be in touch with the results...

David and Shona team up to try to convince another of Nathan's victims, Lara, to grass him up to the police so he'll finally get his comeuppance. Will she agree?

Back at No.8, Craig encourages Bethany to tell all to the police about Neil and his involvement with nasty Nathan. But will Craig feel the wrath of the dodgy copper?

Craig tells Neil that he's going to stay in the force but wants a new mentor. How will the sinister officer react and will he get his just deserts? Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, July 17

Eva Price went against character by maintaining her poise during her shock discovery of fiance Aidan Connor's affair in Corrie

Coronation Street’s Eva Price is out for revenge after finding out about her fiance Aidan Connor’s illicit affair.

Dramatic scenes in Monday night’s episodes of the ITV soap saw Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) find messages between Aidan (Shayne Ward) and Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie), revealing he was cheating on her.

Devastated, she stormed off to confront Aidan, but managed to compose herself and decided to keep quiet about what she had discovered.

The final scene saw Eva telling a stunned Aidan she is expecting their baby – but is she telling the truth, or is it part of a plan to make her cheating man pay?

Corrie viewers were gripped by the tense instalments and excited about the prospect of a long drawn-out payback plan.

One person wrote on Twitter: “Eva’s SO going to make Aidan and Maria pay for their cheating ways. But, not just yet.

“This revenge is best served ‘ice’ cold.”

“Eva’s never been the sharpest tool in the box but she’s about to play a blinder,” tweeted another.

“I love Eva, take him to the cleaners!” urged one viewer.

Many fans on social media said they doubt Eva is expecting.

One fan suggested: “Reckon Eva’s not pregnant but will pretend she is, to give herself time to wreak revenge off the scale.”

“Why do I suspect Eva isn’t actually pregnant. Sure shes doing it 2 panic Aidrn, y else wud they hav the pregnancy tests mix up,” said another.

Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon has branded her character Maria Connor a "massive fool" for allowing herself to become the other woman.

Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon has branded Maria Connor a "massive fool" as love rival Eva finds out about her affair with Aidan.

Next week’s episode will see Eva discover that her boyfriend Aidan Connor has been having an affair with her pal, and it’s safe to say that she’s not going to take the news lightly.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Samia said: "I feel like banging her head against a wall. When I read the scripts, it was so frustrating because I’m like, ‘she should’ve learned by now’.

“She should’ve learned about 16 years ago when Tyrone cheated on her with Fiz! But yeah, she does think that Aidan is going to dump Eva, because he keeps telling her he’s going to, but there’s always a reason why he doesn’t.

“To Maria, it seems like a valid reason at the time.”

The plot thickens when Eva drops the bombshell that her and Aidan are expecting a baby, and Samia admits Maria finally wakes up.

“That’s a complete game-changer, because I think she realises in that moment that he has been stringing her along. And also, when she finds out that Eva is pregnant, Aidan runs out to her outside and she says, ’This is it now, you need to sort your head out.

“'I’ve watched Liam grow up without a dad and I wouldn’t wish that on any child so I’m done’.

“So that is where her head’s at when she finds out, so that is a bit of closure of her in a way.”

Samia even admitted she would love to see Maria hook up with best friend David Platt.

She said: "I think Maria and David should get it together. I keep saying that to Jack [P Shepherd].He’s not opposed to it. Jack rarely gets excited about stuff. I’m halfway there, he’ll be up for it.

“I love working with Jack as well. I think in some ways, they’re quite similar in that they’ve both had their husband/wife murdered, they’ve both got kids, they’ve both worked in the salon all these years and grown up together and know each other inside out.

“But in a way I quite like playing that they are such good friends that you want them to get together and they won’t so it’s quite nice playing it like that.”

Eva discovers Aidan and Maria have been having an affair, reveals star Catherine Tyldesley. And she plans to make them pay!

Eva’s world falls apart when she finally finds out that fiance Aidan is cheating on her with her so-called friend Maria in Corrie.

“Eva is devastated, but also very angry – she’s madly in love with Aidan and feels so betrayed by him. Not only that, Maria, whom she regards as her best mate since Kylie died, has gone against the sacred ‘girl rule’,” Catherine Tyldesley told Soaplife.

And, to complicate matters further, Eva discovers she may be pregnant!

OMG! “I know! Eva’s experiencing so many different emotions. If she’d found out she was pregnant before she found out about Aidan [Shayne Ward] and Maria [Samia Longchambon], she’d have been over the moon. All she’s ever wanted is to meet her Prince Charming, settle down and have a family. Now she’s discovered she doesn’t have anything that she thought she had.”

How does she find out about the affair? “That would be telling, but it’s brilliantly done.”

Does Eva feel foolish because she trusted Aidan and Maria? “Totally. Eva can be quite naive and likes to see the good in people, but she does have trust issues because every boyfriend she's ever had has cheated on her, plus her own father walked out on her when she was a toddler. The ‘bunny boiler’ gene has been lying dormant for a while, but now it's back with a vengeance.”

She wants revenge then? “Totally. Eva the Diva is back! She wants to make Aidan hurt as much as she is hurting and she thinks what she is planning is the best way of doing that.”

What’s the end goal? “She wants to see Aidan with nothing. She truly thought he was the man she would spend the rest of her life with. She’s given herself to him completely and now he’s done this. Eva will stop at nothing to make sure he is deeply, deeply hurt. But it’s going to be hard for her because she does love him – and then there’s the baby…”

It’s fortunate that Eva gives good poker face! “I know. I couldn’t begin to do what she’s planning. Personally it’s not what I’d advise her to do, but for me as an actress it’s fantastically juicy stuff. When I first read the scripts, I was literally scared to turn every page. I was like, ‘Oh my God, what is she doing?’ and I just couldn’t put it down. Eva's just so extreme in her response. Aidan – and Maria – should be very afraid.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Eva Price uncovers Aidan and Maria's affair - at the same time she thinks she might be pregnant!

It's a dramatic week for many of the Street's residents, especially Eva Price, who has some big news to share with fiance Aidan just as he prepares to say goodbye to her!

Maria thinks Aidan is about to call things off with Eva and they'll finally be together...

But Eva is about to make a shock discovery when the penny drops that Aidan and Maria have been having an affair!

A fuming Eva rushes to confront Maria, but has second thoughts when she sees young Liam by her side

When a guilt-ridden Kevin helps out Dev, there's a definite spark between the mechanic and Erica. But will it turn into a flame?

When Michelle bumps into her ex, Will, she agrees to join him for a catch-up…

Will is sympathetic as he listens to Michelle's recent troubled times with Steve

Will admits to a pang of jealously as Michelle tells him about her new partner, Robert. But will Michelle be tempted to get involved with her ex again?

Phelan keeps his day ahead a secret from Eileen when he sets off for 'work', but suspicious Eileen spots him getting into a car with Nicola...

Phelan is accompanying Seb and Nicola to Liverpool for a talk, but will he tell her the real reason he's trying to get close?

Phelan is on a mission to find out more about unsuspecting Nicola's parents and the likelihood that he's her real dad…

WK26-Coronation-Street-The-Week-In-Pictures12

But as persistent Phelan quizzes unsuspecting Nicola, she becomes uncomfortable and suggests they head home..

Later in the week, Phelan gathers more info on Nicola, but it's not so secret when she walks in to find him snooping on her!

When a concerned Nicola demands an explanation, flustered Phelan blurts out a reason, but will she buy it?

And what will happen if Phelan does turn out to be Nicola's real dad?

Robert's old 'mate' Rich turns up at the Bistro demanding money from the chef

But Robert doesn't take too kindly to the visit and tells Rich to sling his hook! What does his pal want?

After Gemma encourges Chesney to win back Sinead, will the lad be successful or will she be won over by Daniel again?

Tim's fuming after discovering that Gina has sneaked behind his back, but will he find out what else she's done? Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, June 26

Corrie's Cath Tyldesley has hinted that things are about to get interesting for Eva Price. Are Aidan and Maria about to get found out?

Corrie star Cath Tyldesley has hinted at a huge storyline for her character Eva.

Coronation Street producer Kate Oates recently revealed six storylines to watch out for this summer, and Eva's revenge for boyfriend Aidan and Maria Connor's affair was high up on the list.

Kate revealed: “The Aidan and Maria story is getting very delicious. Eva is about to find out the truth and how she responds to that is very Eva the Diva-ish. There is possibly a long plan of revenge for her."

Today Cath teased at a juicy storyline as she tweeted to her followers: Aaaaanndd breathe... #corrie #scripts and a brew! Can't put them down!!! SO excited!!!! #staytuned #EvaTheDiva

Aidan set his sights on Maria before she was sent to prison for her scam marriage to best friend Pablo Durate.

And when she was released from prison in March Aidan was waiting for her at the prison gates.

Samia Longchambon, who plays the tortured woman on the side, recently revealed her character is deeply in love with Aidan and believes he will choose her eventually.

But there is about to be a spanner thrown in the works in Monday's episode, when a besotted Eva decides to propose to Aidan in front of Maria.

If Catherine's tweet is anything to go by, there's trouble brewing on the cobbles.

Will it be a welcome return for love rat Underworld boss Aidan Connor in Corrie?

Aidan Connor has been away in Spain, after he left Maria to face prison on her own in Corrie, despite saying he'd ditch girlfriend Eva so that he could be there for her!

Now he's back, but he's going to wish he he hadn't swapped the Costas for the cobbles when Maria's son, Liam, comes to live with him and Eva, and he finds out what Jenny's been up to at the factory in his absence…

Aidan's annoyed when he sees Jenny has taken charge at Underworld

Aidan's annoyed when he sees Jenny has taken charge at Underworld

After Maria reluctantly agrees that Liam can stay with Aidan and Eva, how will Aidan react when he finds out?

And would Eva have agreed to it if she'd known about Aidan and Maria?

Meanwhile, when retailer Richard Drake backs out of a deal with Jenny, she resolves to win him round with underhand tactics. What she's got up her sleeve?

Eva takes Liam to visit his mum in prison

It's an emotional reunion

How long will it be before Eva finds out Maria and Aidan's secret... Watch Corrie on ITV from Monday, February 20

Corrie actress Catherine Tyldesley tells Soaplife about her new album and why she may be taking her toddler son, Alfie, on tour!

Catherine Tyldesley was delighted when her Corrie co-star Shayne Ward agreed to duet with her on her debut album. She tells us more about her burgeoning singing career and Corrie...

Tell us about your debut album, Rise… “It’s a compilation of some of my favourite songs. I cover some of the classics made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Doris Day, then there’s The Carpenters’ hit Close To You (below), which I absolutely love. Making my album Rise is a dream come true and I’m thrilled with the reception it’s getting.”

https://youtu.be/Iq8faiEkBvc

Which is your favourite song on the album? “Probably the final one – Baby Mine. It’s the song I sing to my little boy, Alfie, most nights and I sang it to him every day when I was pregnant.”

Tell us about the track you recorded with your Corrie co-star and X Factor winner Shayne Ward... “It’s called Get Here. It has beautiful lyrics and it was something of a favourite for the troops in the Gulf War, so it’s very meaningful for a lot of people.”

What was it like making music with him? “Obviously, I knew Shayne had a great voice but now I’ve worked closely with him, I’m his biggest fan. We’re always singing together on the Corrie set and we’ve even done a few live gigs together. I was thrilled when he said ‘Yes’ to being on the album.”

You’ve recently done a few live dates on your own, haven’t you? “Yes. I’ve done a couple in London and a couple in Manchester. It’s terrifying before you go on. I always say to myself, ‘Why am I doing this? Never again!’ But once I’m up there and I’ve got the first song out of the way, I really love it, I’m hoping to do some more dates next year – a kind of mini tour – but it depends on my Corrie commitments.”

Will you take Alfie on tour if and when you do one? “I told my agent from the off that my family comes first and that, if we go on the road, Alfie, who’s two in March, comes, too. He’s already been to a few rehearsals and he came with us when we recorded the album. He’s very musical and he bobs around when mummy is singing.”

Any New Year’s resolutions for 2017? “I always make the same resolution - to be happy, healthy and spend as much time as I can with those I love.”

We can’t let you go without asking if you call your real-life husband, Tom (pictured), ‘Babe’, like Eva’s forever calling Aidan? “No. I think both he and I would find that slightly irritating. I actually call Tom ‘Pickle’!”

It's judgment day for Maria as she has her day in court for Caz's 'murder'

Maria's friends are determined to make it a Christmas to remember, as it could be her last before a stretch in prison. And Aidan in particular is going to miss her if she's sent down – when he declares his love for her!

Maria's in the dock, but what will be the verdict?

Fearful for the future, Maria turns to drink and drunkenly begs Aidan to spend the night with her

Will he agree?

Later in the week, the tables are turned when Aidan tells Maria he's fallen in love with her

Does she feel the same?

Maria's friends gather to celebrate an early Christmas, with Eva still unaware of Maria and Aidan's affair

How can they keep up the façade in front of her?

But Maria and Aidan's affair may be all over if she's found guilty of murder

Will it be Maria's last Christmas in Weatherfield? Tune in to Corrie on ITV from Monday, 19 December

Ofcom has cleared a line of dialogue in Coronation Street which referenced the US slavery novel Roots and received almost 500 complaints

An episode of Coronation Street which was accused of racism over a comment a character made about her hair did not breach the broadcasting code, the regulator has ruled.

The episode, broadcast in August, saw Eva Price, played by Catherine Tyldesley, visit Audrey’s hair salon, where she remarked about her dyed hair: “I have more roots than Kunta Kinte.

“No idea who that is, by the way, just something my mum used to say.”

The comments, which led Coronation Street to 'apologise if this dialogue has caused offence', sparked 473 complaints to media watchdog Ofcom.

Kunta Kinte was a character from the novel Roots: The Saga Of An American Family, which was adapted into a hit TV miniseries.

Based on a real-life ancestor of author Alex Haley, it tells the story of a young man taken from Gambia and sold as a slave.

But Ofcom said the episode, which screened in August, did not breach the broadcasting code.

ITV said Eva Price’s light-hearted play on the word 'roots' was both a reference to her dyed blonde hair needing to be retouched and the title of the US historical drama, Roots.

It said that as Eva used the comment without understanding its meaning, this reflected 'her slightly foolish and shallow character'.

An Ofcom spokesman said: “We recognised that the character’s comment caused offence to some viewers. There is a long history on British television of soap characters behaving controversially and in ways that develop their characters.

“In this case, the character said that she did not understand the meaning of her comment, which served to illustrate her naivety. Therefore, on this occasion we found that the comment was justified by its context.”

Ground-breaking 1970s slave drama Roots is returning - and it’s set to be even more brutal

Corrie’s kind-hearted Eva Price unwittingly pushes love rat Aidan back into Maria’s arms, star Catherine Tyldesley tells Soaplife…

Eva has no idea her fella, Aidan, cheated on her with Maria. So she doesn’t know the heartbreak she could be setting herself up for when she encourages their friendship, Corrie's Catherine Tyldesley explains to Soaplife.

Why does Eva tell Aidan to spend the night at Maria’s flat? “Maria’s in a very bad way because of the fallout from Caz Hammond’s disappearance and fears over the repercussions of her sham marriage to Pablo. So Eva, being a good friend, says Aidan [Shayne Ward] should stop over at Maria’s to make her feel more secure.

"Eva’s a very caring person and she really sympathises with Maria [Samia Ghadie] because she’s going through such a lot. She just wants to be a caring friend. Eva also feels a bit guilty because her life seems so good right now.”

What kind of state is Maria in when Eva comes to her rescue? “She’s in a bad way. She’s suspected of murdering Caz [Rhea Bailey], plus there are the repercussions of her illegal marriage to Pablo to deal with. Maria even pushes Michelle [Kym Marsh] in the pub because she thinks the mum-to-be is gossiping about her. And there’s more…”

What? “A big row with Aidan’s sister, Kate, who is Caz’s ex and wants to know what happened to her. This makes things awkward for Eva because she sees Kate [Faye Brookes] as family. Then an increasingly hysterical Maria finds a pair of bloodied scissors in her hairdressing bag!”

OMG! “Eva immediately comes to the rescue and orders Maria and Aidan to get rid of them.”

Is this when Eva suggests that Aidan stay with Maria? “Yes. Maria’s very scared, so it makes perfect sense to Eva that big, strong Aidan stops over for the night. Eva’s completely unaware that in a roundabout way she’s pushing Maria and Aidan closer together. She feels confident enough for her man to stay at another woman’s house – and that’s a massive leap for Eva because she has been cheated on so many times.”

How does Aidan react to the suggestion? “Aidan’s shocked and he also feels slightly awkward. He doesn’t want to show his feelings for Maria too much, but he does agree to the idea in the end.”

Eva’s bound to find out about Aidan and Maria. How do you want her to react? “She’ll want revenge on them both, but she’ll really gun for Maria. The ‘girl code’ about not cheating with a friend’s man is very important to Eva.”

Are we talking cat fight? “I hope so! It would be loads of fun and, although I’ve poured a lot of pints over heads, I’ve yet to have a full-on cat fight. Eva will go for it – and, personally, I think Maria deserves a kick up the backside!”

Coronation Street, ITV

Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Eva Price in Corrie, says she's in an ideal place to play a wronged woman as she's been cheated on in real life

Catherine Tyldesley didn’t need to do much research for her Corrie role as a scorned woman – because she’s suffered the same fate herself.

The actress, 32, plays Eva Price, whose boyfriend Aidan Connor is unfaithful to her in the ITV soap.

She told Woman’s Own magazine: “I have been cheated on. I’ve poured nail varnish into game consoles and thrown phones in canals.

“I’m perfectly qualified to play a woman scorned!”

On Friday, Corrie fans will see Shayne Ward’s character Aidan cheat on Eva with Maria (Samia Ghadie).

Catherine, who has settled down with husband Tom Pitfield and their one-year-old son Alfie, told the magazine: “Every single boyfriend has cheated on Eva, so she sticks firmly to that girl rule where you don’t go with another girl’s guy.

“So it can’t be long before the truth will out and it hits the fan.”

Read how Shayne Ward feels about his character Aidan Connor's behaviour.

He's devoted to God and has helped Coronation Street residents through personal crises, but could Billy (Dan Brocklebank) now be in a spot of bother himself?

When Eva sees him handing over cash to a stranger, she assumes he's helping out a homeless young man. But why is Billy so keen to play down the incident?

Eva's strolling down an alleyway when she catches Billy handing over £20 to someone she doesn't recognise.

What she doesn't know is that Billy has already received a phone call from the young man, whose name is Lee.

Billy sidesteps questions about his generous act, but later Lee calls him again, begging for more money. So who is he? And will he have an impact on Bily and Sean?

Watch the mystery unfold on Corrie, ITV, from Monday, April 25

Trouble arrived in Coronation Street in the shape of slave labour girl Marta (Edyta Budnik) when she escaped the clutches of Richie O'Driscoll by hiding in the back of the Underworld van driven by Aidan Connor.

Marta hid out in the Underworld factory and was discovered by Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley), who took pity on her and promised to keep her secret. But when Marta's hiding place was rumbled, she did a runner from the Street.

Eva's been worried about her ever since, and she gets a shock when Marta shows up again and needs her help. Will Eva take pity on Marta once again?

Eva discovers Marta lurking near the factory at night. She's in a terrible state and desperately needs help…

Worried what might happen to Marta if she doesn't help, Eva takes her home to the flat where she lives with half-sister Leanne (Jane Danson).

Leanne's concerned when she gets back to find distressed, ill Marta wrapped up on the living room sofa… Will Eva be able to persuade Leanne to let Marta stay?

Find out on Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, February 15

The truth about Marta, the runaway woman hiding at Underworld, means trouble for Eva and Aidan, Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley tells Soaplife.

How has Marta has ended up in Underworld?

“Unknown to Eva and Aidan [Shayne Ward], she jumped into the back of their van after they left a dinner party at the O’Driscolls, the people who could be putting a lot of business Underworld’s way. The O’Driscolls who have been keeping Marta as a slave, but Marta doesn’t tell Eva this – she just says she’s Polish and has run away from a wealthy couple who have been keeping her locked up.”

What does Eva do?

“Initially Eva just feels very sorry for Marta [Edyta Budnik] and gives her some food and helps her to keep warm. She really doesn’t know what to do for the best.” 

Does she plan to tell Aidan? 0

“If she knew about the O’Driscoll connection, I think she’d tell Aidan immediately but, because she doesn’t, she decides to wait for a while – which turns out to be too long.”

Why?

“Marta makes a run for it and gets away! Everyone in the factory is stunned to see her. Eva doesn’t confess to the factory girls that she knew Marta was there, although she does then tell Aidan. He’s shocked by what she tells him. But there is nothing they can do as they have no idea where Marta has gone.”

This can’t be the last we’ve seen of Marta, though…

“No. At this point it doesn’t seem like too big a deal, but it is in the coming weeks, when the storyline develops in such a way that it will have consequences for the factory, and potentially Aidan and Eva’s relationship. Eva will make some decisions that could blow up in her face.”

Such as 'outing' the O’Driscolls as, literally, slave drivers?

“It will come out eventually that it is the O’Driscolls who are keeping Marta a slave. And that will really put the Connors – and Eva - in a difficult position…”

Coronation Street, ITV

Polish teenager Marta (Edyta Budnik) escaped from the O'Driscoll home when she secretly hid in the back of the Underworld van driven by Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward) on Coronation Street.

Unknown to Aidean, frightened Marta sneaked into the Underworld factory and has been hiding there ever since.

The factory girls are suspicious of new cleaner Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) when food and a tenner went missing, but Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) discovered who was really responsible when Marta revealed herself and claimed she was being used as slave labour.

Eva promised to help Marta and keep her secret, but will everyone learn the truth when there's uproar on the factory floor next week?

Believing Marta's story, Eva heads into work early with some food for the hideaway. Marta complains she's cold and Eva promises to find her a coat.

Later, Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) is furious when he discovers his new coat has gone missing, and as the factory girls argue about who could have taken it, Marta breaks cover from behind some boxes.

Everyone's shocked as Marta makes a dash across the factory floor and sends Izzy Armstrong (Cherylee Houston) flying.

Izzy's hurt when she falls and Marta gets away. Will Eva and Aidan catch up with her and find out the truth behind her story?

Watch Coronation Street on ITV1 from Monday, February 8

Coronation Street's Eva ends up in Aidan's arms on New Year's Eve, Catherine Tyldesley tells Soaplife…

Has Eva fancied Aidan for ages?

"She’s not been actively looking for a relationship, but she’s loving the flirting and the obvious chemistry between Aidan [Shayne Ward] and herself. He’s very easy on the eye."

So they get together on New Year's Eve?

"The attraction is mutual and, at the New Year’s Eve party, they end up snogging the face off each other. Then they relocate to Eva’s bedroom and have a private party of their own."

Is it just lust?

"I don’t think it is. Eva’s no pushover. She needs to feel a connection with someone before letting it go any further." 

But next day Eva hears Aidan and Kate talking…

"Kate [Faye Brookes] comes into the pub and tells Aidan he owes her a drink as she bet him he’d sleep with Eva – and he has! Eva’s furious and throws the drink over Aidan’s head. It isn’t the best start to the relationship!"

Will she forgive him?

"He’s going to have to work very hard to win her round. After what she’s been through with guys in the past, Eva won’t settle for someone who messes her around. She wants someone she can trust."

Is Eva really ready for a new relationship?

"Eva likes having a man in her life. She’ll always have feelings for her ex, Jason. He’s a genuinely nice guy but he hurt her."

Do you think Aidan would be good for her?

"He does seem to bring the best out in her. We have a more serious storyline coming up between them, so you’ll see a different side to Eva."

Coronation Street, ITV.

Look who's back on Coronation Street! It's Eva, who left Weatherfield earlier this year to go to France, where she met the man of her dreams. Or so she thought. With the wedding off, she's returned home, dumped her bags, and headed to the Rovers to drown her sorrows.

Already heartbroken, who's the last person in the world she wants to see propping up the bar? That's right. Todd... The man whose scheming wrecked her previous romance with Jason.

It's no wonder Eva turns ugly and lays into Todd for ruining her relationship with Jason. Having had her say, she throws her drink over him – much to the amusement of Sarah.

But the question on everyone's lips is: will Eva and Jason get back together? They certainly seem to be picking up the threads of their friendship as they catch up with each other after meeting in the street.

But it only takes one misplaced word… and when Eva innocently calls Jason a softie, he's none too pleased – well, he has just tried to batter Callum to pulp! Can the former lovers put their differences aside and reunite?

Watch Eva return to Coronation Street, ITV,  on Wednesday, September 16

Eva Price makes a dramatic return to Coronation Street in the coming week and “she could have done with a bit of waterproof mascara”, says Catherine Tyldesley, who plays the much-loved barmaid.

“Eva’s not one to have a subdued entrance,” Catherine reveals. “She gets out of the taxi and the first person she bumps into is her lovely sister, Leanne [Jane Danson].”

And Eva clearly needs her big sister.

“She’s crying and picking up her clothes, which emptied onto the street when she dropped her case,” Catherine reveals.

“Have you been drinking?” Leanne asks.

“I might have had one or two,” Eva wails.

“Right,” says Leanne. “Shall we have a little chat?”

“Yes, please,” sobs Eva.

“And Eva tells Leanne all about the dramas she’s had while she’s been in France,” says Catherine.

She met a French guy on the rebound from Jason, she’s got engaged and then she catches him cheating on her…

“I looked through the window and there he was, with another woman…” Eva tells Leanne.

“What were they doing?” Leanne asks.

“Well, they weren’t playing flaming Kerplunk, were they?” says Eva.

“So Eva comes back, not in the best of moods,” Catherine continues. “And nobody’s really that fussed about this little minor engagement problem she’s had. Everyone’s pretty consumed with their own lives.

“Eva decides the one place she’ll surely be made to feel at home is the Rovers Return, where she’s served by Sarah-Lou [Tina O’Brien].  They have a bit of a barney, Eva starts hurling abuse and Sarah throws her out.

“As she leaves the Rovers, still hurling abuse, who does she bump into? Jason [Ryan Thomas]… You always see your ex when you look a little bit minging and you’re in an awkward situation, don’t you?

“Will they get back together? I don’t know. I hope so. But Eva is definitely back with a mahoosive bang.”

Eva returns to Coronation Street in the episode airing on ITV, Wednesday, September 16, 7.30pm.

Coronation Street continues on ITV, Monday, September 14, 7.30pm.

Eva was supposed to be getting married to her new bloke in France, but now she’s back in Weatherfield - alone. What’s going on? Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley reveals all…

Is Eva back for Jason?

“In her heart of hearts, she’s hoping she might rekindle something with Jason [Ryan Thomas]. Eva’s finished with the guy she’s been seeing in France because it was a rebound thing and her heart wasn’t in it. The truth is she’s still very much in love with Jason.”

What happens when Eva sees Jason?

“Eva and Jason run into each other in the street. All her feelings come rushing back, but she’s a bit drunk and she’s angry.”

Why is she drunk and angry?

“She’s been boozing on the plane and, once she’s back in Weatherfield, she heads straight for the Rovers. She doesn’t stay long - just long enough to see Todd [Bruno Langley] and throw a drink in his face for his dirty tricks that wrecked things with her and Jason. Then she storms out into the street and bumps into Jason.”

How does he react?

“It’s the same for Jason as it is for Eva. Cupid’s bow shoots and the arrow strikes them both!”

Would you like to see Jason and Eva get back together?

“Yes. They work well together and they’re a sweet couple who’ve had some bad relationship luck. They deserve some happiness - and they still love each other.”

Is Eva’s sister Leanne surprised to see her?

“Yes. The last Leanne [Jane Danson] heard, Eva was supposed to be marrying this Frenchman. Leanne’s pleased to see her, though, and she’s happy to let Eva stay with her. Before Eva left, Eva and Leanne’s relationship was stronger than ever.”

You’ve been on maternity leave… What’s it like being a working mum?

“I’m really lucky because I’m not even 10 minutes away from home, so if I’ve got a scene off, I can nip home and get my kisses and cuddles with [son] Alfie. It’s like I’ve never been away in terms of returning to the studios. We’re like a big family, nothing’s changed and I don’t think I’d realised quite how much I’d missed it.”

How are you feeling about the live episode?

“I’m really excited, but I’m also slightly nervous. However, my background is in theatre, so I buzz off that live atmosphere and it will be great to have that kind of adrenalin rush again.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley has revealed she got very emotional when she read her exit storyline.

The actress’s character, Eva Price, is set to leave Weatherfield – and boyfriend Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) – while in real life, the 31-year-old is taking maternity leave to have her first baby.

Eva confronts Jason (ITV)

“I got upset reading the script, because as a viewer, I think they’re one of the few Corrie couples that stand a chance of a happy ending!” she told Radio Times. “Jason will be like a bear with a sore head without Eva. They’re so right for each other.

“In some of the final scenes between Jason and Eva, Jonathan Harvey’s writing had me in bits. It was very emotional,” the actress said. “It was also sad for me because I won’t be working with Ryan for a while – I’m going to miss him a lot!”

The couple’s romance is headed for the rocks after Jason jumps to the wrong conclusion that Eva is having an affair with his dad Tony (Terence Maynard) – the seeds of which were sown by Jason’s brother Todd (Bruno Langley).

Brothers Jason and Todd (ITV)

“Eva is utterly shocked and disgusted with Jason’s behaviour. She wants to spend the rest of her life with Jason. The way he reacts and the fact he didn’t trust her has broken her heart,” Catherine explained.

“Once Jason knows the truth, he panics. He loves Eva just as much as she loves him and he knows he’s messed up on a huge scale. He’s scared he’ll lose her now. And yet nobody has any idea that Todd is hugely responsible for the mess.”

Jason books tickets to New York to win back Eva, but she turns him down and decides to visit her gran Gloria in France instead.

Catherine admitted her pregnancy may have made her more emotional than usual.

“I’ve had a really good pregnancy. I’m very fit and healthy, but I can’t deny that it has been very tiring at times. Especially with the more emotional scenes!

“It was sometimes hard to stop crying because you have to go to a bit of a dark place. Poor baby was very confused, I imagine!”

Ryan Thomas reveals to Soaplife what happens when Jason sets out to catch Eva and Tony together, after being convinced by Todd that they’re having an affair...

Eva’s phone is answered by a hotel receptionist… Why?

“Unknown to everyone - including Jason, of course - Todd [Bruno Langley] has stolen Eva’s phone and handed it in to the reception of the hotel where Eva and Tony have gone for a property auction. It’s another of Todd’s dirty tricks.”

Yeah, Todd’s been working on this evil plan for a while…

“It probably really started when Todd encouraged Jason to go to Eva’s flat to look for her. Jason walked in and found her sat with Tony after they’d been to view some flats together. They told Jason Tony had given Eva a lift from home from town, but Jason felt uneasy about it. Plus, of course, there are Todd’s other subtle but lethal hints.”

Does Jason honestly believe that his dad and girlfriend would do the dirty on him?

“Jason has always felt a bit threatened by his dad around Eva [Catherine Tyldesley]. Tony’s a charmer and Eva’s always got on with him. At Christmas, for instance, Tony [Terence Maynard] bought Eva her favourite perfume whereas Jason got it wrong. None of this would be enough to make Jason seriously think Eva and Tony were having an affair, but Todd’s stirring puts ideas into Jason’s head. When he then keeps finding them together, whispering and giggling, he thinks there must be something going on.”

So what happens when Jason turns up at the hotel?

“Eva and Tony are sitting in the bar drinking champagne. Even though he’s had suspicions, to see them looking so intimate knocks him sideways. He completely sees red with Tony and can’t hold back…”

He hits him?

“Like I say, he can’t hold back.”

Then Jason finds out that Tony’s actually bought them a house…

“And he’s absolutely devastated. He can’t believe he’s let his paranoia grow to this extent. Jason’s mortified he caused such a scene before finding out the facts.”

Is that why Jason proposes to Eva?

“Jason is desperate to make things better and to show Eva how much he loves her. He doesn’t know what else to do. Todd encourages him to do it as well because Todd knows that it will annoy Eva.”

Is he certain she’s the one?

“Positive. He loves her to bits and is devastated to think he might lose her and it all be his own fault.”

Coronation Street, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

Coronation Street's Catherine Tyldesely tells Soaplife that Eva’s dangerously determined to buy a place with boyfriend Jason...

There’s no doubt in Eva Price’s mind that Jason Grimshaw is most definitely 'the one'. So when Jason’s mum Eileen moans about the lack of space at No 11, it makes perfect sense to Eva that she and Jason to get themselves on the property ladder.

“Eva is really nervous about putting the idea to Jason but when she plucks up the courage over a homemade dinner - the true way to Jason's heart – and he tells her he'd love them to get a place together, Eva’s ecstatic,” Catherine tells Soaplife.

So will they stay in Weatherfield?

“Oh, yes. Ideally they’ll stay close to Coronation Street so they can be near family and work.”

But then Jason (Ryan Thomas) gives Eva some bad news…

“He looks over his accounts and says they can’t afford it at the moment. Eva’s gutted, but she’s a positive person and will think of another way of getting a deposit.”

Such as?

“Tony [Terence Maynard] – Jason’s dad. He is loaded, Eva gets on very well with him and, while I doubt she’d come straight out and ask Tony to help them financially, if he offered she certainly wouldn’t refuse.”

Jason might!

“Absolutely. Jason's pride would be dented. He’s very much an alpha male, like his dad, so anyone else offering to help him and his girlfriend would rub salt into his wounds.”

Would Eva go behind Jason’s back?

“I think she might. She’ll hope that once she and Tony have found somewhere, Jason will be so blown away by the prospect of living there he’ll forgive Eva for being a bit devious.”

It won’t be that simple, though, will it?

“Of course not! Eva confides in Todd [Bruno Langley] - she knows what he’s like, but regards him as a friend. But Todd, the little sod, is feeling hard done by. He’s jealous of Jason and Tony's relationship so he sets out to hurt Jason by dripping poison in his ear regarding a non-existent affair between Eva and Tony!”

No!

“Yes! And if Eva ever gets to the bottom of things, then Todd will be in a lot of trouble…”

Coronation Street, ITV. Click here for dates and times.

It was a night of surprise star turns at the glitzy Mirror Ball charity bash in Manchester, with Coronation Street's blonde bombshell Catherine Tyldesley dazzling guests with her dramatic strapless red sequinned gown reminiscent of the infamous curvaceous cartoon character Jessica Rabbit.

And inside the event the transformation was complete when Catherine delighted guests by singing Why Don’t You Do Right - just as Jessica Rabbit did in the hit 1980s movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit.

It was a spectacular performance - although Catherine told Manchester Evening News she was full of nerves.

“I get so nervous before singing I always wonder why on earth I agree to it!

“But it’s for a great cause tonight, and Andrew had said he would love me to do the retro style of songs, so I thought: why not go for glamour with the dress, too?”

The annual ball is organised by celebrity hairdresser Andrew Trott-Barn and raised money for the community charity Forever Manchester.

“Our aim was to make this year’s Mirror Ball bigger and better and it certainly was," said Andrew. "The highlight was the stunning Catherine Tyldesley and her show-stopping voice and dress.  What a superstar.”

Also heading on stage during the night to act as DJ was Emmerdale's new heart-throb Anthony Quinlan, who plays Pete Barton.

Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley reveals Eva will get passionate with her mum Stella's ex-lover Jason!

The 29-year-old actress, who plays Eva, told TV Times that things get steamy when Jason asks her character for a quiet drink at his place.

"She really thinks that a quiet drink is all it will be," explains Catherine. "It comes as a bit of a surprise to both of them that they kiss. They're just drawn to each other."

So why is the unlucky-in-love machinist seeing builder Jason in a new light?

"She realises what a nice guy he is. Not only is he great looking, but he's also really genuine and sweet."