Architect Will Chatterton is determined to win back his ex Michelle Connor whatever it takes, reveals Coronation Street actor Leon Ockendon

Will Chatterton has been a shoulder to cry on for old-flame Michelle Connor - and a breath of fresh air for her partner Robert Preston as he’s offered to help redesign the Bistro. But it’s all a front. Behind the scenes, Will’s scheming to bring down Robert and so become the man in Michelle’s life. ‘I think Will’s absolutely convinced that Michelle would be better off with him, so he just starts working through the obstacles in order to achieve that and get rid of Robert,’ actor Leon Ockenden told Soaplife.

Why is Will so obsessed with Michelle? “Although he has all the outward trappings of a successful life, he’s middle-aged, single and very lonely. I think he has looked back through his life and he’s kind of fixated on the first person he fell in love with. He is stalking her and is actually the most dangerous type of stalker because he was once intimate with her. He feels he has ownership over her because they’ve had a previous relationship. His ‘relationship’ with Maria is just an excuse to get close to Michelle.”

He locked Michelle in a car boot and terrorised her – how could he do that to a woman he claims to love? “He’s banking on the fact that she’ll never know it was him. Will’s been able to be the shoulder to cry on – the strong man who can comfort Michelle, take her away from the chaos with Robert and give her a nice life.”

And now Will is plotting to cause even more chaos for Robert. . . “Yes. Robert has to go to court for his hearing and implores Michelle not to accompany him. Will comforts her but then he invites Maria to meet him for lunch at the Bistro. While nobody’s looking, he plants drugs in the first aid box. He then tips off the police and excitedly watches as they arrive with sniffer dogs. He’s positive Robert is going to get done.”

Guess you’re not going to tell us if he is? “No but I will say there are some big scenes coming up at Will’s very flash house.”

As a baddie Will is bound to get what’s coming to him, isn’t he? “Probably but look at Pat Phelan – he’s a very bad guy and yet he’s still on the Street!”

Who do you prefer playing - smooth Will or unhinged Will? “The unhinged Will. It’s always more fun to do that, I mean you don’t want to be James Bond do you? You want to be a villain.”

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.

With the passion still flowing between Maria and Aidan... will it be an affair to forget when someone spots them in Corrie?

Following her release from prison, Maria's kept her distance from love rat Aidan, who's still very much with long-term partner Eva in Corrie.

But the cheating twosome have recently given in to the chemistry between them and are playing a dangerous game. After all, Eva's a good friend of Maria's and has been there for her and her son, Liam, when she was behind bars. Greedy Aidan wants to have his cake and eat it, but at what, or whose, cost?

When Maria and Aidan are spotted getting close, will the love cheats' secret be exposed or will they continue their illicit encounters? Either way, it's looking very dicey and with guilty Maria turning nasty towards Eva because she can't look her in the eye, it seems no one's going to escape this love triangle unscathed...

Since resuming their affair, Maria and Aidan can't keep their hands off each other, but will they get caught?

Since resuming their affair, Maria and Aidan can't keep their hands off each other, but will they get caught?

Although Aidan is smitten with lover Maria, he has to keep girlfriend Eva happy, too. Is he on the verge of being found out?

After enjoying a night out with Eva, Aidan gets a text from a lustful Maria, who's available to meet...

But as Maria and Aidan get cosy in the ginnel, they're spotted by David Platt!

With Maria feeling ever more guilty about deceiving her pal, she decides to 'unfriend' Eva and turns into a mean girl! But will this make her look even more suspect? And will David speak up about her ginnel antics? Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, May 8

Maria Connor is getting an early release from prison and her secret lover Aidan Connor is panicking in Corrie…

Corrie’s gay magnet Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) got 12 months last Christmas for marrying her homosexual friend, Pablo Duarte, so he could stay in Britain.

Her secret lover Aidan Connor (her late husband’s cousin) thought he could breathe easy for a while, with Maria well away from his fiancée Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).

But Maria’s brother Kirk Sutherland revealed on Friday night that she’s getting out early and Aidan heard him… and his panic was written all over his face.

Aidan (Shayne Ward) made a bad situation worse when he visited Maria earlier this year and offered her and son Liam a free holiday when she got out.

“Are you trying to buy my silence?” Maria asked, as he squirmed.

“I’ve been a good little girl so far. Let’s see what happens next…”

And now he doesn’t have to wait long to find out what she meant.

Maria gets out on Monday and Eva can’t wait… She and Aidan have been looking after Maria’s son, Liam and now they’ll have their flat back to themselves.

“Babe, I am so stupidly excited for her getting back,” Eva says at breakfast.

Meanwhile, he’s choking on his toast at the thought of what Maria could say and do when she returns to the Street.

Eva notices Aidan doesn’t look so happy, though…

“Now that Maria’s back and taking Liam home we’ll be smiling a lot more often,” Eva says to him, with a cheeky wink.

But he clearly isn’t so sure. Maria could make their lives miserable. Will she?

See what she does when she returns in Coronation Street, ITV, Monday, March 13.

https://youtu.be/j4q7GxcwShU

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 favourite Samia Longchambon has admitted that her character Maria Connor frustrates her with her bad decision-making.

Coronation Street's Maria Connor is currently facing a year behind bars after telling police about her sham marriage to gay friend Pablo.

As a friendly favour, Maria got hitched to the hairdresser so he could come to the UK and be with his British boyfriend.

There's a chance she could have got away with it, but she confessed to police during her recent arrest for the murder of Caz.

In an interview earlier today, actress Samia Longchambon, who has played the Cobbles' favourite hairdresser for 16 years, admitted the character frustrates her with her poor decision-making.

Speaking to Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on today's This Morning, Samia said: "Maria's not completely faultless and she frustrates me like you don't believe.

"I love Maria but I don't always like her. Some of the storylines, I read and I'm like: 'Why are you making another bad decision after bad decision all the time?' but it's fun for me to play."

Maria has been playing the other woman to Aidan Connor  (Shayne Ward) who is in a relationship with Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).

She broke things off with the love cheat when he told her he wasn't going to leave Eva - and jumped into bed with Adam Barlow in an attempt to get back at him.

In next week's episodes, viewers will see Maria hit an all-time low.

Samia said: "Maria is at her lowest point. Aidan's been stringing her along, she slept with Adam and she didn't see that coming.

"She just did it to wind Aidan up and now she's trying to proposition Aidan."

Coronation Street continues next week with more shocking storylines in the run-up to Christmas.

Mary gets a shock when her son Jude turns up for Christmas dinner, but is she ready to tell him the truth about his father?

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

Aidan Connor spots Caz working at a client's factory. Is this the get out of jail card for Maria? Corrie star Rhea Bailey reveals all the latest on the storyline

Crazy lady Caz Hammond has gone AWOL so everyone will think Maria has done away with her. Poor Maria is now in the nick on suspicion of murder, but could the truth be about to be revealed? Former star of The Bill Rhea Bailey has the story...

Why has Caz embarked on this reign of terror against Maria? “In her mind she’s been rejected by everybody – her family, the army, Kate... When Maria, who had been very kind to Caz, started losing patience with her, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. In her head, she’s thinking, ‘You have hurt me and now I’m going to hurt you’. She doesn’t see her behaviour as unreasonable – she’s very damaged.”

But isn’t framing Maria for murder rather extreme? “Any lies she’s told, even having Maria burgled, achieved what she wanted so she decided framing Maria for murder would get people’s attention. She’s tried to do positive things and even tried to help when the explosion happened, but nobody thanked her. Nobody said, ‘You were so great. You’re the only woman who helped lift that car’. So she vowed to do the worst thing she could think of.”

So there’s no guilt about Maria? “I don’t think she feels any guilt at all – it’s all about getting attention. In her head she still thinks she can make everyone like her at the end of all of this.”

Aidan spots Caz alive and kicking at a factory he visits… how does Caz react? “She just knows she’s got to get away from him and try to disappear again. She can’t think about anything else.”

Will she be redeemed or is Caz destined to get her comeuppance? “It’s so much more exciting to have a baddie out and about, but I think, long term, it would be better if Caz were redeemed. I don’t know how, though.”

How will Caz cope if she ends up in prison? "I think she’ll be OK – she’s used to having a strict structure to her life. She’ll find herself a new girlfriend and it will be like the new Orange Is The New Black!"

After Johnny finds Maria's bloodied scissors, it looks like the troubled hairdresser could be facing a long prison sentence in Corrie!

Since rebuffing Caz's advances, Maria's life has turned into a living nightmare in Corrie, leaving the poor hairdresser a nervous wreck.

When she opened her hairdressing bag and found her scissors covered in blood, it was clear someone was out to frame her for Caz's murder – only Caz is still very much alive.

Eager to help out a panicked Maria, Aidan quickly got rid of the scissors. Or so he thought...

Maria's world falls apart as she is arrested in front of a shocked Kirk and Aidan

The police come calling shortly after Jenny and Johnny decide to do some rooting around in the bins at Underworld

Of course, the factory bins are where Aidan disposed of Maria's bloodied scissors!

With Johnny having found the scissors and handed them over to the police, Maria is soon arrested

With Johnny having found the scissors and handed them over to the police, Maria is soon arrested

As Maria is ushered towards a police car, Aidan fears for her future

And those fears seem justified when, later, Maria is charged with murder! Watch the dramatic arrest on Corrie, ITV, from Monday, November 14

Preview of all the key storylines in Coronation Street, including Maria's increasingly ragged behaviour at the hands of Caz's manipulations

You would think things couldn't get any worse for Maria Connor in Corrie, when all her clients cancel after word gets round that she is a murder suspect. But they do, when she realises someone is definitely setting her up.

Meanwhile, with Anna recovering from her injuries, Kevin tells David he will pay for the crash that caused them. The Nazirs are still in turmoil, Bethany's still unlucky in love, and Luke is warned to stay away from Tracy. But it's not all bad, as Michael gets one up on Phelan. But at what cost?

Maria is horrified to find her hairdressing scissors covered in blood. Someone wants to see her framed for killing Caz…

Earlier, she had thought Tyrone and Michelle had been bitching about her in the Rovers

She confronts them, but has she made a mistake?

She confronts them, but has she made a mistake?

Michelle tries to explain, but Maria is in a rage and shoves pregnant Michelle, endangering her baby!

Meanwhile, when David says he's going to visit Anna, Gail and Michael go instead, for fear that David will come clean about the crash

Kevin tells David he will never forgive him for causing Anna's injuries. Watch your back David!

Bethany's having a bad week, too, as she spots mum Sarah cosying up to Gary, even though she'd planned a romantic dinner with him

Over at the Rovers, Michael can't stand by and watch Phelan and Vinny fleece Freddie, when Phelan suggests a poker game. So he pulls up a chair and joins in

Michael must have kept his cards close to his chest, as he ends up cleaning out Phelan. But will Michael end up the loser now he's made an enemy of the crooked builder?

With the Nazir family blown apart by last week's revelations, Yasmeen discovers that husband Sharif has gone to stay with cousins in Newcastle. Will he ever return?

After causing Tracy to drop her phone and smash it, Luke offers to buy her a drink as way of an apology

But Robert warns him off, saying she's a headcase. Will she prove Robert right?Watch Corrie on ITV from Monday, 7 November

Maria returns from her trip to London and makes a horrifying discovery in her flat, Corrie star Samia Ghadie reveals to Soaplife

It’s a horrifying Halloween homecoming for Maria in Corrie, as Samia Ghadie reveals to Soaplife...

 Maria’s flat is a bloody mess, isn’t it? “It’s in a state and there’s blood on the walls! At first, she thinks her brother Kirk [Andy Whyment] has pulled a Halloween prank, but then she realises Caz [Rhea Bailey] must have something to do with it. But she has disappeared.”

 So why doesn’t Maria report her to the police? “Caz knows that she married Pablo illegally so he could get a visa. If Caz tells the police, Maria could go to prison.”

But the police come to investigate Caz’s disappearance… “And Maria tells them that Caz has gone AWOL on purpose. She knows that Caz is a little crazy, but at this point I don’t think she realises just how unhinged she is. She is mortified when the police imply she is involved in Caz’s disappearance because she knows she has done nothing wrong. She’s also frustrated and angry.”

Then the stuff about her stalking Tyrone in the past comes out, doesn’t it? “Yes and Maria is mortified again because she knows it makes her look bad. She tries to explain that she was in a bad place back then and isn’t the same person any more. But she soon realises the police aren’t buying it and she feels like they are gunning for her.”

Do Maria’s neighbours believe she’s innocent? “Kate [Faye Brookes], Caz’s ex, is adamant that she is guilty and says as much to the police, which is really unhelpful. Fiz [Jenny McAlpine] and Tyrone [Alan Halsall] have told the police things, too, so all this convinces them that she has something to do with it. We will see that Caz has left no stone unturned in setting her up.”

How will Maria get out of this one? “I really don’t know and can’t believe how bad this is for her! It’s just awful. The one person who is actually there for Maria is Aidan [Shayne Ward]. He is trying to help her get a grip, but she is losing it rapidly as it really is getting out of control.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Maria is branded a killer when the finger is pointed at her over missing Caz in Coronation Street!

When Caz spreads the word about receiving terrifying texts and then suddenly vanishes in Corrie, it's not looking good for Maria when police are called to her bloodstained flat in search of the former cadet…

Kate confronts Maria after finding a voicemail message from a terrified Caz on her phone

The message from Caz describes how she's locked herself in the bathroom – away from Maria – and fears for her life…

So when worried Kate calls the police, what will this mean for Maria?

With Kate convinced that something has happened to Caz at the hands of Maria, she calls the police and the hairdresser has some serious questions to answer…

With Caz missing under sinister-looking circumstances, will her whereabouts be discovered or is Maria about to be charged with murder? Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, October 31

Maria is shocked when Caz kisses her in Corrie. But she doesn’t make Caz leave. So, is she asking for trouble? Oh yes, she certainly is!

Maria is in shock when Caz kisses her… And this could be the start of a dangerous obsession. Samia Ghadie reveals all to Soaplife...

Did Maria have any idea Caz fancies her? “She just thinks Caz [Rhea Bailey] is clingy because she is the only person who’s helped her out when she has nobody else.”

Does the kiss change the way Maria thinks about Caz? “She’s really not sure how to take it at first. It’s not like a full-on snog and she questions whether she imagined it to be something more than it actually was. She’s very confused. But she realises it wasn’t just a friendly kiss when she tells Audrey [Sue Nicholls] and Sophie [Brooke Vincent] about it, and they joke she’s clearly a ‘gay magnet’!

"They all laugh, but Maria’s actually rather put out. Caz walks in at this point, hears them laughing about her and she runs off.”

Why is Maria worried about that? “She really doesn’t want to upset Caz. She knows she’s the only person Caz has. She also knows Caz has nowhere to go, so she’s worried about her whereabouts. She feels guilty Caz heard them laughing about the kiss and she wants to make it right again. She feels sorry for Caz and she can’t stand to think of her being alone with nowhere to go.

But she finds her and brings her home. Doesn’t she realise she’s fuelling Caz’s obsession with her? “It doesn’t cross her mind, although maybe she’s just forcing herself not to think about it. She does try to see the best in everyone and she can be a bit naive, so all she wants is to put things right and say ‘sorry’. Caz agrees to forget about the kiss, which pleases Maria.”

Then Aidan warns Maria off Caz… “Aidan [Shayne Ward] is understandably wary of Caz because of what happened between her and his sister, Kate. But Maria thinks he’s just telling her to steer clear of Caz because he’s protective of Kate [Faye Brookes]. There’s also been some tension between Maria and Aidan since they slept together.”

Is Maria denying her feelings for Aidan? “A bit. She keeps making snide digs in front of his girlfriend, Eva [Catherine Tyldesley], but she can’t help herself.”

Is there high drama in store for Maria, Aidan and Caz? “Yes and I’m excited about it – especially as Caz might turn out to be a bit of a bunny boiler!”

Emmerdale, ITV

Maria Connor ends up in bed with Aidan, the cousin of her late husband Liam, in Corrie... And she'd like seconds!

Corrie’s Maria Connor cheats on new fiance Luke – and keeps it in the family by two-timing him with Aidan, Samia Ghadie tells Soaplife

How does Maria end up in bed with Aidan? “Maria has had a row with Luke [Dean Fagan]. Then Aidan comes round to see Maria, they have a few drinks, get chatting and realise that they’ve got lots to talk about. He tells her she’s funny, beautiful and is generally very charming and they end up sleeping together!”

How does Maria feel afterwards? “She knows she’s done wrong, but doesn’t exactly regret it! She realises that she would never have slept with Aidan [Shayne Ward] if she were truly in love with Luke. He’s a nice lad, but he’s a lot younger than her and they’re constantly bickering.”

Does she really like Aidan? “Yes – more than she ever realised. The next day she sees him in the street and she’s smiling, thinking, ‘Is he going to suggest we do it again?’ But he doesn’t. He tells her it was a massive mistake and that they can’t let Eva [Catherine Tyldesley] know. Maria feels like a bit of a fool then, like he has used her.”

But she still dumps Luke, doesn’t she? “She knows there’s no future in them. He is absolutely gutted because he feels like it’s come out of nowhere. They were engaged and talking about dates for the wedding, but Maria’s thrown him this curve ball.”

Will Maria tell Eva about what happened with Aidan? “I don’t know. Aidan keeps telling her that they can’t tell Eva, and because she likes him, she says she won’t. But Eva is really annoying her. When Eva knows that Maria and Luke have split up, she’s in Maria’s face, going on about her relationship with Aidan. Personally, I’d love her to tell Eva, but I do think that Maria would be quite scared there’d be a fight.”

Should Maria get back with Luke or chase Aidan? “She should just stick with being on her own for a while. I don’t think Luke is the guy for her, but I don’t think Aidan will be, either. Liam [Rob James-Collier] was the love of her life and she’s never really found anyone who matches up to him.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Coronation Street's Maria and Aidan are set to cheat on their partners, Luke and Eva, as a kiss leads to them going to bed together

Here are the first pictures of Maria (Samia Ghadie) and Aidan’s (Shayne Ward) one-night stand, which starts with a kiss on Maria’s sofa.

The scenes - set to air on August 12 – will take many fans by surprise, as Maria is living with fiancé Luke and Aidan has been keeping Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) company in bed for a few months now.

What are they thinking?

Maria’s morning-after reaction is to dump Luke.

But that panics Aidan. Is she going to tell Eva?

Corrie boss Kate Oates recently revealed a bit of what is to come for these two love cheats.

“No soap is complete without a good love triangle! We have got Aidan, who has had this one-night stand with Maria, and he’s regretted it.

“Maria hasn’t quite so much, though, which is quite inconvenient for Luke!

“She breaks it off with him and it terrifies Aidan. He’s worried she might want him.

"He's heard rumours about when she lost the plot, so he starts to think, 'have I just slept with a crazy lady?'. "

We can also reveal, though, that Maria might not be the “crazy” lady that Aidan has to worry about…

Coronation Street continues on ITV, Monday, August 1, 7.30pm.

Coronation Street’s Maria returns from Cyprus with a secret next week… she’s got a new husband! Samia Ghadie reveals all to Soaplife…

Ummm, Maria’s got some explaining to do…

“What’s happened is she’s married a gay guy called Pablo [Shai Matheson] from Argentina so he could get a visa.”

First a gay boyfriend, now a gay husband!

“I know. I imagine quite a lot of alcohol was involved. The whole reason Maria has married Pablo is because he’s in love with his boyfriend, who viewers don’t get to meet but who lives in the UK. Maria took pity on Pablo and came to his rescue.”

What about Luke, who’s been waiting faithfully for Maria?

“He’s fuming, as you might expect. He comes in the bistro to surprise her with a big bouquet of flowers and she’s there having lunch with Pablo! Obviously, at first, Luke [Dean Fagan] doesn’t know Pablo’s gay and presumes he’s a boyfriend Maria’s brought back from Cyprus. Then she introduces Pablo as her husband! Luke’s gobsmacked!”

No wonder!

“Maria keeps telling him she can explain, but then she doesn’t really. She can’t justify why she’s done what she’s done to him.”

Is that why she kept it a secret?

“Yes. She knew Luke wouldn’t be very happy about it.”

What does she do to try to win Luke round?

“It’s a weird one, which ends up with me dressed like a lion… It starts because one of Audrey’s clients is in the Weatherfield Amateur Dramatics, so Audrey has been telling her how to do her hair like a lion. She brings the costume in and Maria ends up wearing it. It’s basically just an excuse to get me in a lion outfit and make me look stupid!”

Maria makes a fool of herself to make up for making a fool of Luke…

How does Luke react to her new look?

“Maria’s trying to apologise to Luke. It’s like she’s saying, ‘I’ve made you look stupid by coming back with a gay husband, so now I’m going to make myself look stupid!’ That’s the thinking. She still wants to be in a relationship with Luke.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Coronation Street's Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) loves being a stock car racer, but does he love it enough to put it before his feelings for girlfriend Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie), who's already told him they're over if he doesn't give it up?

Well, Luke's put to the test when Jamie (James Atherton) turns up at the garage on Monday and tells him he's entered him for an upcoming race. All Luke has to do is refuse, so what makes him react so badly towards Jamie?

When Jamie tells Luke about the race, the mechanic says he's promised Maria he won't race again and he intends to stick to his word. Jamie says he needs cash from the race to clear his debts and, when Luke still says 'no', he gives him a nasty surprise!

Luke can't contain his fury when Jamie produces his mobile and shows him some lurid old photos of his sister, Steph (Tisha Merry), scantily clad from the time she was his girlfriend.

Despite Luke's anger, Jamie warns that if he doesn't race for him, he'll make the pictures public!

Troubled Luke faces a dilemma when he sees Maria, who's about to leave for Cyprus after learning her mother has broken her hip.

He again promises Maria his racing career is over, but he's desperate to protect his sister. Will he give in to blackmailer Jamie's demands?

Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, 19 October

Monday’s episode of Coronation Street sees the arrival of good-looking Jamie (ex-Hollyoaks actor James Atherton) - Luke’s stock-car racing buddy.

Luke (Dean Fagan) looks happy to see him and Maria’s intrigued - but Luke’s sister, Steph (Tish Merry), is not at all happy.

Why? Well, first, he’s an ex of hers and, secondly, he’s got Luke “into a few scrapes” in the past.

“Maria’s going to love him,” Steph tells Andy (Oliver Farnworth), her voice dripping with sarcasm.

But what if Maria really does love him - and leaves Luke?

Samia Ghadie, who plays single mum Maria, has already filmed her final scenes and is now on maternity leave, awaiting the arrival of her son with her fiancé Sylvain Longchambon and planning their wedding next summer.

So Maria is definitely disappearing soon - and Samia confirmed that there’s definitely some drama coming for her and Luke…

“Things have been going pretty well for Maria and Luke,” said Samia said recently "so I think Maria’s due a bit of drama. Judging from our recent scrips, the writers agree.”

And we think Jamie will be part of that drama. But we think what’s more likely is that Jamie will lead Luke into more trouble - serious, maybe even deadly, trouble.

And that will leave Maria heartbroken and in need of time away from the Street, taking son Liam with her.

Watch the drama start to unfold on Coronation Street, ITV, Monday, September 14, 7.30pm.

Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has promised the new live episode of the soap will be a 'treat' for viewers.

The soap’s bosses are planning another live event in September to celebrate 60 years of ITV. But Samia, who plays Maria Connor, confirmed she will not be involved in the special as she is currently expecting a baby with partner Sylvain Longchambon and will be on maternity leave.

Samia revealed in her OK! magazine blog: “I have already been lucky enough to be involved in two, but unfortunately I won’t be able to make it a hat-trick as I’ll be off for my maternity leave by then.

Maria Connor and boyfriend Luke Britton (Dean Fagan) (ITV)

“I have already planned a night in watching it at home with a take-out curry though. I’m sure everyone will do a fantastic job – it really is such an adrenalin buzz to be involved in it.

“I’ve already heard whispers of what might be going on in the episode and you will all be in for a big treat – it sounds very dramatic and exciting!”

Corrie first went live in 2000 to mark the soap’s 40th anniversary, and again in 2010 for its 50th year, with a dramatic episode featuring a tram crash destroying much of the street.

The latest special will be the first live episode to be produced from Coronation Street's new set at MediaCityUK.

Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie took to Twitter today (May 25) to announce her engagement to Dancing on Ice star Sylvain Longchambon.

Samia posted:

So @slongchambon and I have some more happy news to share!... Xxx — Samia Ghadie (@realsamia) May 25, 2015

And she added a picture of her diamond engagement ring on Instagram.

That’s the couple’s second big announcement this year.

In March they revealed that they are expecting their first child together.

Samia and Sylvain met after they were partnered on Dancing on Ice in 2013.

They didn’t win the contest - but they won each other.

Congratulations!

Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has said she feels so close to her co-stars after growing up around them that it felt weird to do a kissing scene with Alan Halsall.

Samia plays Maria Connor in the ITV soap, who recently tried to make a move on pal Tyrone Dobbs (Alan) while she was having a breakdown as a result of her break-up with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou).

“Alan and I have known each other since we were babies. It’s always funny when I have to try and kiss him because he absolutely does not want to go anywhere near me. I’m like a sister to him so it’s just so wrong.

“We had this scene where Tyrone had to pull back from me kissing him and Alan literally leapt off the sofa. They shouted, ‘Cut!’ and I was like, ‘Could you have moved back any quicker - am I that repulsive?’. He said, ‘I’m sorry, it just feels so wrong’.”

Samia said of her other past and present co-stars: “I’ve known Andy Whyment [Kirk Sutherland] since I was six. Andy, Ryan Thomas [Jason Grimshaw], Alan, Tina O'Brien [Sarah-Louise Platt] and Jane Danson [Leanne Tilsley] - we've all grown up together like we’re in the same big family."

Coronation Street, ITV, Monday, July 14, 7.30pm

Photos of the big storyline Coronation Street

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie warns Soaplife that Maria goes into meltdown when Tyrone finds out she's the one who has been terror-texting him… And so does he!

How does Tyrone find out Maria is behind the texts?

"Maria has just declared her love for him when he sees Fiz’s number flash up on her phone and he realises she's been pretending to be Kirsty. Maria has a complete meltdown then. Tyrone is quite aggressive towards her, which is really out of character for him and she just breaks down in tears. It’s a very dark time for Maria."

What does she say to Tyrone?

"She tells him she did it because she loves him. That makes no sense to anyone else but it makes complete sense to Maria, who's clearly not in a good place mentally and just not thinking straight. What would be weird behaviour to others just seems normal to Maria right now."

Does Maria really love Tyrone?

"I think Maria genuinely does want Tyrone back but she certainly hasn't gone about it in the right way. She's also not right in wanting Tyrone back as he's with Fiz and he's happy. What she's doing makes sense in her head because he was her first love and she thinks if she'd have stayed with Tyrone, then everything would be all right and none of this stuff with Marcus would have happened."

What if Tyrone and Fiz report her to the police?

"Maria will be terrified. She's basically had a nervous breakdown, she's not herself and I think it's a result of what's happened over the past few years. She's been heartbroken so many times and been through so much stuff. Finding Marcus with Todd just tipped her over the edge."

If Tyrone does take pity on her, what will she do?

"Hopefully leave Weatherfield for a while to sort herself out. It’s not just Tyrone and Fiz she's upset, she's also worried about what other people in the Street will think about her. She needs to get away from Weatherfield and Marcus and get back to being Maria."

Coronation Street’s Alan Halsall reveals to Soaplife how Tyrone’s shocked and horrified when Maria declares her love for him... And then he finds out she’s the terror texter!

Did Tyrone really have no idea that Maria had fallen for him again?

“Not really. He took the kiss as a silly mistake because Maria’s been in such a bad place.”

But he didn’t even understand Fiz’s concerns about Maria…

“He’s been a bit irritated by Fiz’s jealousy because she should know that he’d never cheat on her. Maybe he should have confided in Fiz about the Kirsty texts, but Tyrone feels Fiz’s reaction has caused more harm than good. Maria’s the only other person he could think of turning to.”

Is he at all tempted when Maria tells him she loves him?

“Maria may have been his first love, but Fiz is the only woman for him. Maria is his friend - no more. Although this may not be the case when Tyrone discovers the truth about Maria masquerading as Kirsty.”

How does he find out?

“He’s at Maria’s flat and he sees ‘Fiz’ flash up on her phone when it rings. He answers and it soon dawns on him Maria is behind the texts. It’s very disturbing for Tyrone to think a trusted friend could cause so much fear and heartbreak for his family.”

What does he say to Maria?

“He’s furious and disgusted, and can’t stand to be around her. Maybe he’ll forgive her at some point, but it won’t be for a while.”

What now for Tyrone and Fiz?

“Tyrone has a lot of making up to do. He’s hurt Fiz by dismissing her suspicions. They love each other, though, so hopefully they’ll come through this.”

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall has teased that Maria Connor will get more vengeful, especially when Marcus Dent returns to Weatherfield.

Maria (Samia Ghadie) has been texting Alan's character Tyrone Dobbs, pretending to be his terrorising ex Kirsty Soames, but the actor hinted things could soon become more unbearable for the unsuspecting mechanic when her ex-boyfriend shows up.

"I think things are going to get a lot worse. Maria's got so much going on, trying to confuse [Tyrone] and emotions going everywhere, and then Marcus turns up again," he told Coronation Street's official website.

"I think Marcus turning up again will push Maria to a limit. Maria's going to up her game a bit and then, who knows what she will do?"

Alan also admitted Maria's psycho tendencies will put pressure on Tyrone and Fiz Stape's relationship.

"There's lots of tension because of these texts from 'Kirsty' and that puts a hell of a lot of stress on Tyrone and Fiz's relationship. They've also got jobs and two kids and lots going on, and it puts their relationship under a lot of strain," he said.

"I think Maria is enjoying it - it comes from her being very sad as well, but she's making these problems so she can be a shoulder to cry on for him and I think she's loving that dependency."

The 31-year-old, who is married to former Coronation Street co-star Lucy-Jo Hudson in real life, said Tyrone has no idea about Maria's plans.

"He has no idea that Maria is harbouring feelings for him again. He's so clueless with it that he wouldn't have put two and two together. I don't think he'd think that Maria could do anything like that," he explained.

Marcus, played by Charlie Condou, will return to Coronation Street later this month.

– Press Association

Coronation Street's Samia Ghadie (Maria Connor) and Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape) tell TV Times magazine about being love rivals…

Tell us about your friendship, off-screen...

Jennie: "Samia and I have been friends since I came into Corrie, 13 years ago. Very early on, Fiz and Maria lived together in the salon flat with Toyah Battersby, played by Georgia Taylor, who we’re both still very good friends with. When you meet a friend on Corrie, it’s very special because you spend a lot of time together – more than what you spend with your own family. Samia’s very kind and loyal; she’d do anything for you."

Samia: "I’ve pretty much known Jen all my adult life and we’ve always got on really well. She’s a brilliant listener and she always has really good advice. She’s a great sounding board if you’ve got anything on your mind, and would never breathe a word to anyone. She’s like a wise old owl! It’s very strange that we’re going to be love rivals now!"

Maria continues to send Tyrone texts from ‘Kirsty’ this week. Does Fiz have any idea that Maria’s responsible?

Jennie: "She has no idea, she thinks it's Kirsty from the start because that’s what Maria wants them to think, and she and Tyrone have no reason to think that anyone would be pretending to be her."

Does Maria not feel guilty to see what a state Fiz and Tyrone are in?

Samia: "She keeps questioning herself but because Tyrone is leaning on her for advice and a shoulder to cry on, she likes it, so she keeps doing it. It’s addictive."

What are the girls’ feelings towards one another right now?

Jennie: "It’s jealousy on Fiz’s part, definitely. It creeps up on her. She sees Maria and Tyrone together and thinks nothing of it, but then she sees them again and things get mentioned and, before she knows it, it’s in Fiz’s head that something is going on. She thinks Maria’s got her sights set on Tyrone."

Samia: "Maria sees Fiz almost as an enemy. Things get so twisted in her mind. She’s really quite vulnerable and thinks that if she’d just stayed with Tyrone, none of the stuff with Marcus would’ve happened. She’s not thinking any further than ‘I need to get with Tyrone again’ and doesn’t care who else is affected."

Samia, do you believe Maria and Tyrone would actually make a good couple?

"I think Maria’s seeing their relationship through rose-tinted glasses – they are completely different from how they were when they got engaged at the top of Blackpool Tower! She was always a lot more aspirational than him, but I think she’s been through that much, all she’s craving is a family and a dad for Liam."

How will Fiz feel when the truth comes out, Jennie?

"You can’t comprehend someone doing that, certainly not a friend. She’s going to be so shocked. And the trouble is, Fiz can’t believe that Tyrone didn’t suspect anything because Maria is so unhinged; she’s like, ‘You were round there, having a brew with her – did she just seem really normal? Because she’s not!’ Her friendship with Maria is never going to be the same again because she can’t trust her."

Maria is normally so likeable – Samia, how do you feel about becoming a villain?

"It’s great for me because I’m being challenged and it’s nice to play her completely differently from how I normally play her. But I am a bit nervous as to how the public will see me. I’m definitely expecting to get shouted at when I’m out - I might leave the country for a few weeks!"

If not Tyrone out of all Maria’s other exes, who do you think would work as a boyfriend right now?

"Nick’s single and he’s gone a bit mad as well, so maybe that could be a good one! They’ve been engaged before. That was in the Adam Rickitt days – I’ve not been with Nick since he’s been played by Ben Price."

So is Maria the next Eileen Grimshaw?

"I don’t think she’d aspire to be like Eileen Grimshaw, but she’s probably heading that way! Someone compared me to Gail the other day – they said I was like the younger generation Gail because she never has much luck with men, either. I’ll have to wear polo necks and marry a few murderers!"

It was bad enough for Tyrone when he heard Kirsty had been released from jail and he was worried she might try to steal little Ruby and wreck his relationship with Fiz. But when he starts receiving texts from a number unknown, he’s convinced his violent ex-wife is stalking him. “Tyrone’s horrified and insists that he and Fiz barricade themselves in,” Alan tells Soaplife. “Then Maria arrives. Tyrone shows her the text and she pretends she knows nothing about it and comforts him.”

And life for Tyrone is about to become even more troubled, says Coronation Street star Alan Halsall.

Why does Tyrone confide in Maria rather than Fiz?

“Fiz hasn’t handled the Kirsty thing very well. She tries to call ‘Kirsty’ and shouts down the phone at her, but Tyrone thinks that she’s causing more harm than good. He also doesn’t want to worry her further when he receives more texts. The only other person he can think of turning to is Maria. Obviously, that’s the wrong choice as it’s really Maria sending the texts.”

Isn’t he wary of Maria after she tried to kiss him?

“I wouldn’t say he was wary, but he does feel a bit uneasy. He’s shocked as he wasn’t expecting her to try to kiss him. But Maria was so apologetic and mortified when Tyrone pushed her away, and he thought she was just not thinking straight.”

How would he feel if he knew that Maria was really sending the texts?

“Shocked and appalled. He trusts Maria, she’s his friend and I think he would feel completely betrayed.”

What does he think of all her talk about him being her 'first love'?

“Tyrone loves Fiz - it’s as simple as that. He does have feelings for Maria, but only as a friend. He’s fond of her, she was his girlfriend and he was in love with her once, but not any more.”

Do you think this is all going to end badly for Maria?

“Maria’s in a dark place and isn’t thinking straight. She’s deluded when she thinks she and Tyrone would be happy together. I think this is going to end very badly for Maria. She’s playing with peoples’ lives and that’s never going to end well, is it?”

Samia Ghadie reveals to Soaplife that Maria fools herself into believing she loves Tyrone and he loves her…

Heartbroken by Marcus’s betrayal, it’s hardly surprising Maria can’t cope, but her increasingly irrational behaviour is becoming a real concern. “She barricades herself and little Liam in the flat in case Marcus tries to snatch him, and later makes a pass at her first love, Tyrone!" Samia tells Soaplife. But there’s far worse to come…

Why does Maria suddenly start panicking that Marcus could snatch Liam?

“Kirsty – Tyrone’s abusive ex – has been released from jail and Tyrone’s worried she’ll snatch Ruby. Maria gets it into her head that Marcus might try to snatch Liam. She also thinks Kirsty might snatch him! So she barricades herself in the flat with her little boy. It’s completely irrational, but Maria’s just not acting normally.”

Is this a symptom of Maria’s worsening mental state?

“It’s definitely a sign something’s not right with Maria’s state of mind and is the start of a very dark, dangerous journey for her.”   

She’s leaning heavily on Tyrone for support… but what makes her try to kiss him?

“More than anything, Maria wants to be loved. She sees Tyrone and Fiz together and it’s a reminder of what she’s lost. It’s been forgotten that, years ago, Fiz took Tyrone from Maria, and Maria longs for the relationship they once had. She’s not thinking about Fiz at all.”

Does Tyrone kiss her back?

“He pulls away. Maria’s mortified, but in her head she thinks that because he’s comforting her, it means he likes her more than just a friend. She’s completely delusional. She believes she loves Tyrone and that he would make her happy.”

Does she apologise for coming on to him?

“She posts a present for Ruby through Tyrone’s letterbox by way of saying sorry. She sends a text afterwards but because Tyrone doesn’t have her new pay-as-you-go number, he automatically thinks it’s from Kirsty and is horrified. Maria doesn’t correct him."

Why not?

“Tyrone’s terrified reaction means he leans on Maria for comfort. He doesn’t feel he can confide in Fiz so he turns to Maria. It’s twisted, but Maria feels wanted by Tyrone and finds it difficult to stop pretending to be Kirsty.”

How does David work out what’s going on?

“He answers Maria’s mobile and hears Fiz shouting that Kirsty’s a twisted cow. Maria’s embarrassed and upset when David confronts her. He urges her to come clean about everything, but then Tyrone again turns to Maria so she sends another text. She knows it’s wrong but she can’t help herself. She’s in a very bad way mentally…”

Despite their best intentions, Marcus and Maria's relationship in Coronation Street has always been makeshift – and this week it falls apart, with help from Todd Grimshaw.

Maria tells Todd she's going to surprise Marcus at a showhouse, which gives him a devious idea. Soon Maria and Audrey arrive and walk in on Todd and Marcus snogging!

Is it curtains for the mismatched couple?

Watch the scoop on this and Kev's return in Coronation Street:

Coronation Street’s unlucky-in-love hairdresser Maria Connor is in line for yet more heartbreak - and Samia Ghadie, who plays her, is just grateful that her own love life is far happier.

Samia says she is relieved she shares no similarities with Maria, who is set to discover that her partner Marcus Dent has been having an affair with Todd Grimshaw.

Samia met her boyfriend, French skater Sylvain Longchambon, in 2013, when they were paired together on Dancing On Ice.

“I am so glad I met Sylvain and I think things happen for a reason. I am very happy,” she says.

But Maria’s world is about to be shattered.

“When she discovers that Marcus has been seeing Todd, she is completely devastated,” Samia told the Daily Express. “She feels embarrassed, humiliated and stupid. It is a complete bolt from the blue for Maria.

“She did have her reservations initially when Marcus didn’t tell his gay friends he was straight, but since then, she has put her trust in him.”

Over the next few weeks, Coronation Street viewers will be left on tenterhooks as they watch Maria’s distress unravel and Samia admits that she has enjoyed getting stuck into the gritty storyline.

“Maria actually beats Marcus up,” she reveals. “But I was the one who ended up with bruises! Charlie [Condous, who plays Marcus] was all padded up but I forgot to take my watch off when we filmed and I got a massive bruise on my hand!”

This is the lowest point ever for Maria and, over the next few weeks, she starts to unravel.

“I have always thought that Maria was making a mistake going out with Marcus,” continues Samia. “Whenever I get stopped in the street, people are very nice to me. I do think everyone will feel sorry for poor Maria.”

Now 31, Samia says she still loves working on Coronation Street as much as she did on her very first day back in 2000.

“I have grown up on the set. But I absolutely love being in Corrie. Some of us, like Jane Danson [Leanne], have known each other since we were teenagers and we are best mates out of work.”

And Samia, who is mum to four-year-old Freya, doesn’t have plans to move on any time soon.

“Dancing On Ice was the first thing I had done other than Corrie,” she explains. “It was refreshing but I missed the Street. I just want to concentrate on Corrie and do my best with this storyline.”

Photos of the big storyline in Coronation Street

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie tells Soaplife about Maria’s horror when she catches Marcus and Todd in the act…

Did Maria really have any suspicions about Todd and Marcus?

“No. She felt sorry for Todd and saw nothing sinister in his behaviour. She failed to see how much he’s been sniffing round Marcus. Marcus has constantly reassured Maria that she’s enough for him so she’s put any worries about his sexuality to the back of her mind. But they’ve been doomed from the start. Ultimately, Marcus is gay and there was always a danger this would happen.”

How does Maria discover Marcus with Todd?

“She goes with Audrey to meet Marcus at a show home and they literally catch Todd and Marcus in a compromising situation! It’s horrendous. Maria is completely stunned and it’s almost like it’s not happening. She just turns around and walks out. She’s devastated. Audrey whisks Maria away. Marcus follows them and tries to speak to Maria, but she loses it and lashes out at him.”

And she dumps him. Does she mean it?

“Yes - it’s not just a knee-jerk reaction. Maria’s worst fears have been realised and she can’t get past that. He’s done the one thing she was most scared of. Maria spent so much time defending their relationship and he’s betrayed her.”

And Todd?

“Maria wants to kill him. She is fuming with them both. She sees them in the Street together and presumes they are now an item. That’s another kick in the teeth.”

Does Maria still love Marcus?

“It’s so hard. She loved him so much and can’t just stop loving him - but she hates him, too.”

Then she falls out with Fiz. Why?

“Maria finds out Fiz had suspicions about Marcus and Todd, and is furious Fiz never said anything. Maria is angry at the world and feels as though everyone is laughing at her. She tells Fiz she doesn’t need enemies with friends like her.”

Is Maria going to fall apart?

“She’s heading for some sort of breakdown and there’ll be some unexpected behaviour from her. It’s one betrayal too far, so all of her past tragedies will come to a head. She’s got no trust in anyone any more. Marcus has shattered her dreams completely.”

Coronation Street star Charlie Condou has revealed he quit his role in the soap after making the decision to put his family first.

The actor, who plays Marcus Dent in the ITV soap, told the Mirror that his four-year-old daughter Georgia had influenced his decision to leave.

"It was just getting too difficult. Georgia is at an age now where she was saying, 'How long are you away for this week?' and 'When are you going to be back, daddy?'" the actor explained.

"At my busiest I was getting home late on a Friday night and going back to Manchester on Sunday afternoon. I just wasn't getting that time with my kids."

Charlie, who will leave Corrie this summer, will find himself in a love triangle with Maria and Todd prior to his departure.

The actor said the storyline would get 'darker and darker' ahead of his exit and added: "This is soap and Marcus and Maria was never going to end well. There was going to be no happy ever after."

However he said that despite the ensuing drama Marcus would not be killed off.

"The producer said the door would be left open," he explained. "That’s always a really nice thing to hear. I’m not under any illusions and saying I’m off to Hollywood.

"Obviously I want to do other things, but it’s nice to know that I could go back in the future."

Coronation Street hairdresser Maria Connor is set to have her heart broken again when she catches boyfriend Marcus Dent in bed with Todd Grimshaw.

Gay nurse Marcus, played by Charlie Condou, fell in love with female friend Maria (Samia Ghadie) and the pair are planning to buy a house together. But Maria is devastated when she walks in on Marcus and Todd (Bruno Langley) together in the house they were planning make their family home.

The storyline will mark the start of Charlie's exit from Coronation Street as he has announced he is leaving the cobbles this year. But it will also spark the start of a breakdown for Maria.

Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn explained: "Maria's world is going to be ripped apart - completely ripped apart. She's a woman on the edge of a mental breakdown, a nervous breakdown."

Maria is a single mum to son Liam, named after her late husband, who died when she was still pregnant.

Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has revealed she wants her character, Maria Connor, to get back together with her childhood sweetheart Tyrone Dobbs.

Maria is headed for more heartbreak in the New Year as gay boyfriend Marcus Dent is set to fall for Todd Grimshaw, with actor Charlie Condou, who plays Marcus, leaving the soap.

Samia told Inside Soap: "I really enjoyed her being with Tyrone. I think everyone fondly remembers Maria and Tyrone being together, which is nice.

"You never know, they might get back together - stranger things have happened."

Maria entered Coronation Street as Tyrone's love interest in 2000, but they called off their engagement two years later when Tyrone fell for Fiz Brown. Tyrone and Fiz have recently found love together again after both experiencing very difficult relationships.

Samia also admitted she would miss working with Charlie.

She said: "He's lovely, he's so easy to work with - it will be strange not having him around.

"Obviously I knew that Maria and Marcus wouldn't stay together, because Maria's love life never runs smoothly and Marcus is gay!

"I knew they were doomed, so I knew that me and Charlie wouldn't be working closely forever. But I was really sad to hear that he was going."

Samia Ghadie has told how she underwent an operation to enlarge her breasts because she wanted to feel 'womanly'.

The Coronation Street star, 30, posed with her Dancing On Ice partner turned boyfriend Sylvian Longchambon as she told OK! magazine about the op.

"I have had a boob job, but it wasn't something that was done on a whim," she said.

The mother-of-one, who plays Maria Connor in Coronation Street, told the mag: "I had been thinking about having one done for three years. After Freya was born, my boobs just disappeared. Anybody who knows me will know that it's something I talked about having done.

"I wanted to feel womanly again."

She added: "Just the thought of putting a bikini on when I was on holiday was making me feel a little depressed before, so I made up my mind to do it."

The star, who said she and Sylvian were 'pretty much living together now', was recently seen with a curvier look when she attended the wedding of Corrie's Helen Worth.