Nick's life is on the line after Leanne learns about his latest vendetta against Peter in Corrie

When Leanne eventually calms down following Nick's meddling in Peter and Toyah's deal to buy the Rovers off Steve, she's determined they should all bury the hatchet and orders them to meet her in the Bistro.

Nick arrives with Simon and, in an effort to impress Leanne, suggests they put their differences aside and all have a day out at the seaside instead.

But after they arrive, a kick-about on the beach quickly descends into a petty squabble… Will the situation escalate into one that ends up costing Nick his life?

Nick's alone and in deep trouble… Will anyone hear his cries for help?

Nick's alone and in deep trouble… Will anyone hear his cries for help?

Earlier, after arriving at the seaside and having some fun on the beach, a squabble develops between Nick and Peter… and Leanne is within earshot.

How will Leanne react when she hears Nick reveal to Peter that he knows her alibi for him on the night of Ken's fall was a lie because he saw Peter himself that night?

Realising that Nick could have cleared Peter's name but chose to keep quiet, Leanne heads home, leaving the men to sort out their differences…

Following another exchange of words with Peter and Steve, a dejected Nick is left alone, looking out to sea…

After trudging along the beach, Nick suddenly finds himself sucked into quicksand. His cries for help go unanswered, then he drops his mobile!

Up to his waist in it, a panicking Nick realises he's sinking FAST… Will he be rescued?Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, May 29

Cocky Adam Barlow is the latest suspect to be arrested in the 'Who pushed Ken?' case… Star Sam Robertson explains what happens

As Adam Barlow becomes the main suspect in the attempted murder of Ken, Soaplife caught up with Corrie actor Sam Robertson to get the inside story...

How does Adam feel when he’s arrested, Sam? “As a trained lawyer, who knows what’s required to escape prosecution, Adam acts quite casually because he feels there is not sufficient evidence to pin anything on him. But he’s also a duplicitous fellow and could either be being clever or he really is guilty.”

How will Adam cope if he’s sent to prison? “Not very well – he likes his home comforts and the good things in life. I had to do a scene in the police cell and that was bad enough, I don’t want to be doing too many of them!”

Is Adam scared deep down? “The arrogant front he has covers up his insecurities. It’s a protective thing, but it starts to crack under pressure. He’s really quite damaged and that starts coming out. It’s great to play him as a more three-dimensional character.”

Would Adam see a member of his own family go to prison if it meant saving his own skin? “It would depend on which member of the family it was. He would take the hit for Amy [Elle Mulvaney], but he wouldn’t take it for Tracy [Kate Ford]. I don’t think he would do it for Daniel [Rob Mallard], either, but he might do it for Peter [Chris Gascoyne]. It’s interesting.”

Do you know who pushed Ken? “I’m still in the dark. I did wonder about asking if it was Adam, but then I decided it was better to play it not knowing. I keep coming back to thinking it was Adam, though.”

What are the long-term consequences for the Barlow family, post 'Push-gate'? “The whole investigation has opened up some old wounds and it is hard to see how they can all come back together. Adam returned to Weatherfield under the pretence that he is part of a happy family and he wanted to feel safe and secure, but he has come back to this madness. The Barlows are very ready to believe it was Adam who attacked Ken [William Roache]. If it turns out he didn’t, the damage has still been done.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Peter swears he didn’t push dad Ken down the stairs! But he’s struggling to prove his innocence, Corrie’s Chris Gascoyne reveals… And Chloe isn’t helping!

Only one person can give Peter Barlow the alibi he needs to prove he didn't try to kill his dad, Ken, in Corrie  and that’s Chloe Tipton. But she’s intent on making even more trouble for him.

“Having pleaded with Chloe to tell the police he was with her on the night Ken was pushed, Peter’s astonished to find out she’s reported him for assaulting her!” actor Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife. “This is a nightmare for him because, apart from being charged with the assault on Chloe, it also definitely puts him in the frame for Ken’s attack!”

How does girlfriend Toyah react to his assault charge? “She seems to believe him when he vows that Chloe’s stitched him up. But it must be very hard for Toyah [Georgia Taylor] with Peter’s track record and the lies that he’s told about Chloe in the past.”

After all the women Peter’s wronged, how does it feel to have Chloe calling the shots this time? “Ha-ha! It’s karma, isn’t it? He’s met his match with Chloe [Jo Ann Knowles]. Even Carla Connor [Alison King] and Leanne Battersby [Jane Danson] didn’t manage to set him up and destroy his life. He always managed to do that for himself. Now this woman he’s tried to help has become his worst nightmare and she’s very clever.”

How does Peter feel knowing his dad suspects him of pushing him? “If he’s innocent, he’ll be very hurt that his dad could think he’d do that. But all the Barlows have a motive and times when they’re not accounted for. They’re all claiming to have had nothing to do with it. But, if it was a heat of the moment thing, it could easily have been Peter because he was very angry with his dad.”

Do you suspect who’s to blame? “It could be Peter, but he might be trying to shift the blame. I have my own suspicions, but it’s so cleverly written, I may be wrong!”

Could someone from outside the family be the real culprit? “It looks as though it’s one of the Barlows, but that could just be a big red herring and it could be someone else entirely. There are lots of twists and turns to come.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Another tumultuous week in Weatherfield sees the cabbie accused of assaulting Chloe in Corrie

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned – as Peter is about to find out when the police come knocking on his door. Having rejected the advances of deranged Chloe, she wants revenge, telling officers the cabbie attacked her the night before Ken was flung down the stairs in Corrie.

Meanwhile, another hectic week on the cobbles sees police also have a quiet word with Tim, whose determination to protect Sally from her stalkers gets out of hand…

As Peter prepares to set off for the IVF clinic with Toyah, the police come calling

As Peter prepares to set off for the IVF clinic with Toyah, the police come calling

Earlier, Toyah prepares for her appointment

But with Chloe having told police that Peter assaulted her, the cabbie is arrested. How will he be able to support Toyah?

In the tanning salon, Bethany begs Nathan to give her another chance

Meanwhile, Maria confesses to an intrigued David that she had an affair with Aidan

Over at the Town Hall, Sally is determined to carry out her duties, despite fearing an attack by her stalker

Tim is there to keep an eye on her – and suddenly thinks he's identified her online troll!

Taking matters into his own hands, he snatches the woman's mobile

Security intervene to break up the fracas. Has Tim made a terrible mistake?

Rosie and Sophie, however, are on the trail of Sally's stalker. Will a trip to the local paper's offices pay dividends?

Meanwhile, all is not well with Michelle, who's sacked by Jenny from her role as her wedding planner

When Johnny stumbles in front of Kate, it seems he's suffering from pre-wedding jitters. But could he have a health problem?

In the Rovers, Gary is incensed to learn that David has been left a tidy sum by a late hairdressing client.Catch a dramatic week on Coronation Street from Monday 10 April

As Ken comes out of his coma, he's shocked to discover that one of his own offspring could have been responsible. But who could it be?

Suffering from concussion, broken ribs and a punctured lung, Ken is shocked to learn that the police have launched an investigation into his attempted murder in Corrie and have placed the entire Barlow clan, (as well as Phelan and Sinead), under suspicion!

So who could have done the dirty deed and will an incriminating voice message put Peter in the frame?

Nick plays the incriminating voice message in front of Peter and a horrified Toyah.

Nick plays the incriminating voice message in front of Peter and a horrified Toyah.

Earlier, Ken regains consciousness and is shocked to learn that a family member could have been responsible.

Learning that he's been named in Ken's will…

…a nervous Adam blackmails Rosie into giving him an alibi.

Peter retrieves Simon's confiscated mobile when he learns that an incriminating voice message has been left on it.

Frustrated that he can't access the phone, Peter smashes it up...

… and when he retrieves the SIM card, he cuts it up. But is this the end of his worries?

A heartbroken Sinead drowns her sorrows as she continues to blame Ken for her decision to have an abortion…

…then she alarms Beth when she wishes Ken dead!

corrie, soap spoilers

After launching her attempted murder investigation, DS Mckinnon refuses to let the family see Ken…

…but she wants to speak to Daniel alone.

Tracy is shocked to learn she's been cut out of Ken's will…

…and confronts Adam, who has been named in the will.

Peter is terrified when Nick plays the incriminating voice message…

...which convinces the family that Peter attacked Ken! Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday 2 April.

Peter Barlow’s in such a bad way that he may start hitting the bottle again, Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife! And that’s not the only Barlow family drama!

When it comes to arguments, Peter Barlow and his dad, Ken, have had some proper humdingers over the years. But they’ve always managed to make up. Not this time, though. This time it’s terminal. “Having spoken to Peter’s admirer, Chloe Tipton, Ken tells Toyah Battersby that Peter’s having an affair with her, which, of course, he’s not,” actor Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife. “But Toyah believes Ken and leaves Peter.”

How does Peter react to Toyah leaving? “He’s always expected his dad and Leanne Battersby [Jane Danson] not to have faith in him, but he thought Toyah believed in him. The fact she so readily accepts what Ken tells her and refuses to listen to Peter’s explanation is devastating for him. When Toyah walks out, he feels there’s nothing left for him.”

Does he feel betrayed? “He’s done such a lot for Toyah [Georgia Taylor] by agreeing to start IVF. It’s trying to find money for the treatment that’s landed him in trouble. He probably brought some of it on himself by slightly leading Chloe on, but he was doing it for the right reasons. However, in true Peter style, it all blows up in his face.”

What’s going on in Peter’s head when he considers drinking whisky? “He storms into the Rovers, grabs the bottle and takes it back to the flat. He’s literally staring at temptation and he’s putting all his good work at real risk. Everyone thinks he’s bad, so he’s thinking he may as well prove them right by drinking himself into oblivion and forgetting all his troubles that way.”

Does Peter know lots of people are arguing with Ken right now? “He’s aware there are tensions in the family, but that’s nothing new. He doesn’t know Ken told Adam [Sam Robertson] to leave. He thinks his nephew’s gone to Canada for work because that’s what Ken’s told everybody. He knows Ken and Tracy [Kate Ford] aren’t seeing eye-to-eye, and there are problems with Daniel [Rob Mallard]. The Barlows are such a dysfunctional family that things never really run smoothly between them.”

We hear it’s a massive fortnight for the family… “It’s very exciting! The upcoming events will have huge consequences and it could change the Barlows for ever. It’s a story that affects every single one of them and several other people in the Street.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Tempers flare as Ken despairs over his family and Peter is tempted to go back on the booze

It's fair to say Ken is reaching the end of his tether when it comes to his disruptive brood. Ever since Daniel and Adam resurfaced in Weatherfield last year there has been constant feuding among the Barlows, and now Ken is ready to blow a fuse. Meanwhile, Peter fears he's lost Toyah and needs someone to blame for all his woes – and that person is Ken…

With both men at a low ebb, Peter accuses Ken of wrecking his life

With both men at a low ebb, Peter accuses Ken of wrecking his life

Earlier on he's distraught because he's seen Toyah drive off with her husband, Toby, in the mistaken belief Peter has betrayed her

Tracy's also got a bone to pick with Ken, accusing him of sidelining her and Amy

Amy's behaviour is becoming suspicious. Slipping away from a recital, she makes a mystery phone call…

With all sorts of bees in his bonnet, Ken confronts Phelan about his work on the Barlow kitchen. But is it wise to pick a fight with the dodgy builder?

Elsewhere, Daniel has an awkward heart to heart with Sinead over her "miscarriage"

Feeling he's somehow responsible for Sinead's plight, Ken gets into a bitter war of words with Peter

Having clashed with Tracy, Phelan and Peter, it's understandable Ken is in no state of mind to deal with Daniel's grief over Sinead

Meanwhile, with Amy having disappeared from the recital, an anxious Tracy and Luke search for her in the alleyway

Little do they know that someone is watching them!

At home, despairing Peter gazes longingly at a bottle of booze. Is he about to fall off the wagon? Catch a dramatic week on the cobbles from Monday 27 March

Toyah finally thinks she and Peter are heading in a positive direction regarding their future and starting a family together but is that about to be blown out of the water when Peter's secret comes to light?

Cabbie Peter's passenger problem recently presented itself in the form of clingy, persistent… and attractive 'Chloe'.

Although the glamorous brunette doesn't seem like much of a problem to flattered Peter yet, it looks like the situation is about to spiral out of control when Chloe makes her intentions clear.

Later on it all hits the fan when Toyah gets suspicious about her other half and a surprise source reveals exactly what Peter's been up to.

Will Toyah put the brakes on her relationship with Peter and what secrets is flirtatious Chloe, hiding?

When taxi driver Peter tells Toyah that he's worried about one of his regular fares and how they're being pestered by their ex, Toyah encourages him to help them. But she assumes he's talking about a male passenger...

When taxi driver Peter tells Toyah that he's worried about one of his regular fares and how they're being pestered by their ex, Toyah encourages him to help them. But she assumes he's talking about a male passenger...

Having had 'permission' from Toyah, Peter turns up at 'worried' Chloe's place to fix extra locks to her doors, which she's very grateful for...

Chloe's so grateful, in fact, that she makes a move on Peter… and tries to kiss him! How will the Barlow bad boy respond?

Back at home, Toyah discovers the stash of cash Peter has been hiding, having received generous tips from a persistent Chloe. What will she make of it and will she confront him?

When Peter returns, concerned Toyah keeps her counsel and doesn't question him. But she's secretly fretting about what he's hiding...

When Peter visits the Rovers, which he hopes will soon be his and Toyah's, he's shocked to learn there's a new cash buyer on the scene...

A furious Peter erupts when he realises it's Chloe who wants to gazump him and ruin his plans with Toyah. Having witnessed the outburst, a naive Ken later listens to Chloe's fantasy tales about her 'affair' with Peter, among other shocking lies...

So when a concerned and gullible Ken enlightens Toyah about Peter's 'cheating and boozing', how will she react? Watch Coronation Street on ITV from Monday, March 20

Peter Barlow plays a dangerous game by making room for both Toyah and Chloe in his life, Corrie’s Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife

Recovering alcoholic and gambler Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) is a chancer – and he’s taking chances with lover Toyah by playing along with flirty cab fare Chloe, just for her big tips…

Peter must know he’s leading Chloe on! “Peter knows Chloe [Jo-Anne Knowles] fancies him but, while he does find her attractive, he’s really in it for the money – he’s become her designated taxi driver and also her odd job man. He knows full well that he’s giving her the wrong idea by being available when she calls. Peter being Peter thinks he’s got it all under control but he is enjoying the attention.”

 How are things between him and Toyah right now? “Pretty much back on track - things are going well. All the money he gets from Chloe is going into the IVF fund and Toyah is pleased he’s so busy although he is not letting on exactly how he is getting the money.”

He seems to enjoy moaning to Chloe about Toyah! “He lets Chloe think Toyah [Georgia Taylor] is a bit of a nag and a bit needy. When he’s at Chloe’s, Peter kills Toyah’s calls when she phones. This makes Chloe think she has more of a chance with him.”

Is he tempted to stray with Chloe? “Right now, he’s committed to Toyah but you know Peter!”

How does Peter really feel about going ahead with the IVF? “He would be happy not to go through with it but he’s determined to go ahead for Toyah’s sake. However, he is apprehensive and knows it will be difficult.”

Peter wants to sell the flower shop - why? “He finds out Toyah is getting money from the sale of her and Toby’s house. Peter wants to invest in another business and use the profits to pay for the IVF.”

How do his family react to his plan? “Ken [William Roache] is not at all happy and doesn’t think Peter’s thought it through but when Peter talks to Chloe about it, she’s very supportive.”

Has he thought it through? “He thinks he has and feels he is doing it for the right reasons. He’s angry at the lack of support he is getting from his family and also from Toyah.”

Do you personally think Peter and Toyah can go the distance? “I think they could but then there’s Peter’s self destruct button - even if he doesn’t do something wrong on purpose, things have a way of falling apart around him so outside forces could enter into it and cause the relationship to struggle. He should really come clean to Toyah about getting paid to ferry Chloe around but he doesn’t. As usual, he makes some seriously flawed choices.”

Coronation Street, ITV

Tracy is left stunned when Peter reveals he is selling the flower shop – what’s he planning?

Toyah tells Peter she’s going to book them into the IVF clinic and start the ball rolling. Meanwhile Tracy’s shocked when an estate agent arrives at Preston’s Petals explaining he’s putting the premises on the market. As Tracy rails at Peter for pulling the rug from under her, Peter reveals his plans for the money to a shocked Tracy and Ken.

When Ronan then orders a bouquet and insists that Tracy must deliver it Adam’s worried sick. What is Ronan’s game?

Bethany apologises to Nathan for his mum interfering then lays into Sarah for not trusting her judgement. Sarah reveals she’s worried as she once got involved with a weirdo in an internet chat room.

Leanne confides in Toyah that she’s promised Steve he can have access to Oli but she’s dreading telling Nick.

Watch this clip from the episode;

Corrie's Georgia Taylor explains why she returned to the Street and reveals there's fireworks ahead when the identity of Toyah's mystery boyfriend is uncovered by Leanne...

It’s set to be a huge week for Corrie’s Toyah Battersby when Leanne looks in danger of discovering her big secret – that her sister’s new boyfriend is her very own ex husband, Peter Barlow!

Actress Georgia Taylor tells us about the possible ramifications for the Battersby siblings, and reveals that she loves playing Peter Barlow’s latest lover…

What did you think when you found out that Toyah was going to be Peter Barlow’s love interest? "That was honestly one of the main reasons I agreed to come back to Coronation Street. I just think Chris Gascoyne (who plays Peter) is such a great actor, and there is always going to be drama around that character and the fact that he was previously married to Leanne. So I was coming back to guaranteed drama and guaranteed storylines with great people."

What is it like working with Chris? "Just brilliant. My first day’s filming was in bed with him all day at a hotel. We were thrown in at the deep end – literally in a bed all day! But it ended up being the best way to start working together, because it broke the ice and we just had to get on with it. We ended up having a proper laugh and it made us very relaxed. You can’t have any inhibitions if you want the audience to believe that these people have been together for six months and are genuinely in love and at that very passionate stage of their relationship."

What is it about Peter that attracts Toyah? "He has that twinkle in his eye and is very charismatic. Chris has a natural charm about him that you can’t deny, which comes across on screen. But I think that because Toyah has previously worked and trained as a counsellor and she has found herself drawn to someone who is a recovering alcoholic, who has a huge amount of his own demons, then ethically and morally that could be questionable. The fact that she comes professionally from that background and now she is with an addict, maybe she thinks she can fix him. And in trying to fix someone else, you can ignore your own demons."

What do you know about their relationship history? "The story is that Toyah was visiting a friend in Portsmouth and they bumped into each other in a bar and got chatting. She was in a very vulnerable place as she was in a relationship that wasn’t working. Had she been happily married it would probably have just been a brief chat and a drink and they would’ve gone their separate ways. But it is all to do with timing, and they ended up having an affair."

Why haven’t they told Leanne about their relationship before now? "Because Toyah is fearful of what the reaction would be. She doesn’t think Leanne is still in love with Peter, she can see how devoted she is to Nick, but still it is kind of strange isn’t it, getting involved with your sister’s ex husband!

"The initial plan was not to keep it a secret; they made the pact at Christmas to 'rip the plaster off and deal with it', but then Leanne had a scare with the pregnancy and was told stress could be bad for her and the baby so that moment was gone. Again it is all to do with timing. From then on there hasn’t been a right time and it drags the process out. But along the way, other people have found out so they are living on borrowed time."

What do you think it will it mean for the sisters' relationship when Toyah's secret comes out? "I think the biggest thing is the act of betrayal. Leanne would get over the fact that she is with Peter if only she had been honest with her. Jane Danson (who plays Leanne) and I have talked about this. They grew up together and went through so much together. They are sisters not in blood, but in every other way. They are best friends and she hasn’t told her about a significant relationship – or that her marriage was in trouble because of going through unsuccessful IVF treatment. It is the betrayal of that sisterhood and Leanne feeling that they are not as close as she thought they were."

Toyah wants to become a mum. Do you think Peter Barlow would be a good father for her children? "When he is on good form and he is sober and at his best, he has glimmers of being a wonderful dad. But obviously, his behaviour and addiction has got in the way in the past. If he stays on the straight and narrow then potentially, he could be. But this is soap so is he going to stay in the straight and narrow?"

Georgia Taylor: 'It was horrendous watching old Corrie episodes. I didn't recognise myself!'

Georgia Taylor on rover Toyah Battersby’s grim return to Corrie!

‘I don’t want to mess things up,’ says Corrie’s Georgia Taylor about her return as Toyah

It's a bad week for a broody Toyah when she learns that Peter doesn't want children with her, and Leanne walks in on them together...

Toyah's torn when her husband, Toby, informs her that the fertility clinic are asking what they want to do with her frozen embryos, and he wants to give their relationship another chance in Corrie.

She was pinning her hopes on playing happy families with lover Peter, but he leaves her devastated when he tells her he doesn't want any more kids. When Peter finds out about Toyah's secret IVF attempts, he begins to wonder what other lies she's told him. And when Leanne walks in on the couple together, it throws their whole relationship into chaos.

Will Leanne put two and two together and realise her sister is having an affair with her ex?

Will Toyah go back to her husband when she realises she may not have the future she wants with Peter?

Will Toyah go back to her husband when she realises she may not have the future she wants with Peter?

Earlier, Toby tells her he wants to make another go of things

But is he the man Toyah really wants?

When Peter finds out about Toyah's secret struggle to have a baby, he begins to doubt whether he can trust her…

Peter goes for coffee with a glamorous taxi fare, Chloe

Is he up to his old tricks again?

When Leanne tries to sort out Toyah's love life by secretly replying to a text from 'Fred', knowing he's her secret lover, she'll be in for a shock when she sees Peter…

Will Leanne realise what's going on between Toyah and Peter? Watch Corrie on ITV from Monday, January 30

Fed up with Nick's behaviour, Peter warns him he'll spill the beans about the real identity of the father of Leanne's baby

Nick was none too pleased when Peter returned out of the blue a few months back, and is jealous of the close bond that still exists between Leanne and her ex in Coronation Street.

So when Peter hears of Nick's latest plan to stop him being with Leanne by taking her and son Simon to live in Scotland, Peter flips – and vows he'll humiliate Nick by revealing that Steve is actually the father of his and Leanne's unborn baby!

Peter knows Nick and Leanne's secret, and he's not afraid to publicise it

Peter knows Nick and Leanne's secret, and he's not afraid to publicise it

Earlier, Nick and Peter's squabbling had led to Simon getting a nasty injury

And when Simon turns to Peter for comfort, it only adds to Nick's hatred of his love rival

Meanwhile, Liz is mortified when a Moses basket she ordered for baby Ruariri arrives, so she suggests that Leanne should have it instead

How will Nick feel about the gift?

How will Nick deal with Peter's threat to reveal the father of Leanne's baby?Watch Corrie on ITV from Monday, January 23

Nick’s paranoia over nemesis Peter Barlow threatens to jeopardise his future, Corrie actor Ben Price tells Soaplife…

Nick’s paranoia over nemesis Peter Barlow threatens to jeopardise his future, Corrie actor Ben Price tells Soaplife…

Why is Nick so convinced that Peter is up to no good? “I actually think Nick has reason to suspect Peter’s motives and it’s a feud that can go on forever – they don’t like each other, they know how to rub each other up the wrong way and they’re like chalk and cheese.”

 Does he doubt the strength of his relationship with Leanne? “He knows very well that relationships can go wrong – he was going to remarry Leanne before but it didn’t happen, then it all went wrong when he married Carla Connor. He’s been unlucky enough to know that things don’t always work so I think it’s understandable he worries.”

There’s an altercation when Peter picks Nick and Simon up in his cab – what happens? “They start winding each other up. Nick’s struggling to find his place with Simon. He is not his father, but he provides for Simon and he is a stable man for him. Peter is Simon’s father, but he’s not a great father, so both Nick and Peter are coming at it from different angles with Simon in the middle. ”

Does Nick resent Peter being Simon’s real dad? “Peter doesn’t realise what he’s got – he’s had so much and thrown it away and continues to throw it away, but he always gets what he wants. Nick wants so much, but is always unlucky. But, in the end, Peter is Simon's father and Nick has to realise that.”

Does he worry he’ll be humiliated if the truth comes out about the identity of the father of Leanne’s baby? “No, he has been humiliated enough – the Tilsley-Platts are very good at humiliation. Nick’s worries run deeper – that he could lose Leanne, lose the baby and be on his own again.”

How does Nick feel when Peter reveals he knows about Steve and the baby? “Angry because he knows Peter will use it against him. Now, that is humiliation to Nick because it is Peter getting one over on him.”

What is going through his mind as he comes up with a plan to move to Edinburgh, with Simon and Leanne in tow? “He comes up with this plan to give Simon a better life. It is also to test Leanne a bit, but it is a selfish move.”

Does Nick wish he’d never got involved with Leanne’s baby lie? “No, because he loves her and always has. It is true when he says he will always be there for her.”

We asked Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne some fun questions about the kind of Christmas he will be having this year!

We're getting an idea of what sort of Christmas Corrie's Peter Barlow will be having – one full of drama involving his ex Leanne (Jane Danson) and her new man Nick (Ben Price).

But what sort of Christmas is looming for Chris Gascoyne, who plays lovable rogue Peter? And what makes Christmas special for him? Here's what Chris revealed…

What are your plans for this Christmas? “I will just be having a quiet Christmas with all my family.”

What does Christmas mean to you? “It’s memories isn’t it, really, once you get to a certain age? It’s also a nice time to be with your family. I do really like Christmas and it reminds me of when I was young, spending time with my family and, of course, you miss the people who aren’t here any more. It’s a time for reflection.”

What is the best Christmas present you have ever received? “It was a football game called Subbuteo in the 1970s and I loved it. Another boy who lived down the road from me had it for quite a while before me, so I was just thrilled when I got that.”

What will you be watching on TV this Christmas? “I’m not sure yet because I haven’t got my TV mag! I like to go through it and ring all the programmes that I want to watch – that is how boring I am! I love all the television programmes at Christmas and I’ll be watching Coronation Street on Christmas Day.”

What is your secret to a stress free Christmas? “Break it up a bit as you don’t have to be together all the time. Go and do something else: go out, go for a walk, do other things. But I don’t think there is any such thing as a stress-free Christmas, is there?”

Coronation Street, ITV

What's the true motivation behind Peter Barlow's attempts to get closer to his half-brother Daniel?

Few people would choose the hapless Peter Barlow as a big brother figure, but his half-sibling Daniel is starting to look up to him. "They’ve formed a bond," actor Chris Gascoyne who plays Peter tells Soaplife.  "Peter sees himself in Daniel and can relate to what the boy has been through - they both have Ken as a dad so share the feelings of abandonment and loneliness." The new caring/sharing Peter is even trying to build bridges with Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), but he’s having none of it!

Has Peter turned over a new leaf? "He’s certainly trying to make a fresh start and he’s managed to find some level ground. He likes the fact that Adam [Sam Robertson] and Daniel [Rob Mallard] are on the Street, he’s building a very good relationship with Leanne and is trying with Nick. However, Nick is not really playing ball."

Tell us more about his relationship with Daniel."There is definitely a bond between them but Peter is also suspicious of Daniel because he's quite evasive. He needs to know who Daniel really is to welcome him as a proper member of the Barlow family. He also rightly believes that Daniel is lying about his circumstances."

What does Daniel say about his mother Denise?"He explains that she has gone missing. Peter really wants to involve Ken [William Roache], but he is in no fit state to deal with any emotional impact. Peter and Daniel go to the police station to report Denise missing. He's looking out for Daniel, there is nothing in it for him and he genuinely wants to help."

How does he feel about Nick?"He wants Leanne to be happy and if Nick can do that then great.  He's willing to try to build a few bridges. He senses that Nick is jealous of his relationship with Leanne [Jane Danson], though."

Does Nick have cause to be jealous?"Peter and Leanne have a great relationship. They have very deep roots because of their past and the fact that they are both parents to Simon. Sometimes Nick’s actions are valid as he always seems to know when Peter’s up to something, but Nick is also a real worrier and gets paranoid."

Is he bothered by Nick? "That’s an interesting one because the balance always shifts. I kind of like the fact that nobody wins and nobody loses overall - it is like Mike Baldwin and Ken Barlow. Nick likes to say things like, 'I’m a better man' but Peter finds that embarrassing and thinks Nick’s an idiot."

Coronation Street, ITV

Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife it wasn’t entirely his idea to return to Corrie as Peter Barlow. His wife Caroline was pretty keen for it to happen, for her own reasons!

Peter Barlow actor Chris Gascoyne talks to Soaplife about his return to Corrie, and reveals what he's been doing during his time away from Weatherfield – besides getting under his wife’s feet!

So, why was your wife, Caroline, so keen to get you back to Corrie? “I was getting under her feet! It was like I was retired or something and I didn’t know what to do with my time. I had a lovely time with Caroline and the family, but it got to a point when she said it was time for me to be Peter in Corrie again. I thought so, too.”

Apart from getting under your wife’s feet, what else have you been up to? “I went back to the theatre. I did the Samuel Beckett play Waiting for Godot with David Nielson, who, of course, plays Roy Cropper in the Street. It was very different to Corrie! I also did The Rise and Fall of Little Voice with Vicky Entwistle, who played Janice Battersby, plus a couple of pantos.”

Did you do anything else other than acting? “Yeah, we went on holiday. I went over to New York for a week, which I loved. We had a couple of little holidays, too. I spent time with family and then it got to a point, like I say, where Caroline's like, ‘You need to go away now, go and earn some money’!”

Why did you decide to come back to Corrie? “I always intended to play Peter again. I felt I’d been away for long enough. Then when I met Kate Oates, the producer, I thought it seemed like the right time to do it because I liked everything Kate was saying. I felt excited about it.

"Now we’ve got more Barlow boys – Sam Robertson, who plays Adam, and Rob Mallard who plays Daniel. Plus Kate Ford and Bill Roache as Tracy and Ken. It’s great when you’ve got so many characters in the family.”

Do you see yourself staying for a long time? “I don’t think about how long I'll play Peter for. There’s no point, is there? They might say it’s not working out for whatever reason. For now, it’s good.”

Do you tend to live for the moment, then? “I’m trying. I really am trying. And I don’t mean that has to be a really intense moment or anything. It’s just being more present with where I am. Not keep chasing my tail. That way makes the job more manageable.”

Is it very different on set? “There’s a lot of people I don’t know, so I’m still saying 'Hello' to folk. But there’s a lot of people coming back as well. Georgia Taylor, for example, who plays Toyah Battersby.”

But, sadly, there’s no Anne Kirkbride... “No. Annie’s not there, which has been sad. The last time Peter was in Weatherfield, it was for Deirdre’s funeral. Then I left for a year and a bit and, you know, I’ve let Annie go. But now I’m back there and it's a bit weird. I’m thinking about her a lot.”

Coronation Street, ITV

New Corrie boss Kate Oates speaks about making the Barlows the heart of the show with the return of Peter Barlow, plus Adam Barlow and Daniel Osbourne's imminent arrival

Coronation Street producer Kate Oates revealed her excitement at bringing the Barlow dynasty back to the heart of the show with, first, the return of Peter Barlow and soon the arrival of Adam Barlow and Daniel Osbourne.

Kate told What's on TV it was a no-brainer to bring back Peter (Chris Gascoyne).

"Chris has such a love for the show I think there was always the hope that he would come back," she said. "I think it was good mutual timing thing really. I think he lights up the screen, he's so charismatic, he's such a fantastic actor, he's so deeply dedicated to what he does, he thinks about every word and every nuance, he loves the craft of it.

"So having Chris back is great not just for the viewers, but for the people behind the scenes. Everyone loves him, so I think that when Peter is here you have a more whole Coronation Street."

Kate said expanding the Barlow presence in Corrie was a logical step. "There was no bringing back or creating new characters, you know, long-lost siblings. These characters already existed. You've got Mike Baldwin's grandson and Ken's son. Historically Mike and Ken were always at loggerheads, so the idea of having their two offspring arrive at the same time and having that dynamic between them was just too good to pass, so I'm really excited to have that nice, strong Barlow core at the centre of the show."

Kate has been in the job at Corrie for six months and before that was series producer at Emmerdale for three years. She said Corrie and Emmerdale share more than they differ.

"There is a different element because you're dealing with cast who've been here [at Corrie] such a long time and because they've been through such change and so many producers. When you sit and talk to some of the actors who have been here since the beginning, the stories and the anecdotes, you could just stay chatting to them for days on end and not get bored. It's fascinating stuff."

She continued: "You do get a sense of the history and the icons as you work on a show like this. It's important not to dwell on it too much because you'd probably be so terrified of doing anything that you wouldn't get out of bed! But it is a privilege."

Watch the interview with Kate Oates, above.

The prodigal Barlow boy brings trouble, as always, when he returns to Weatherfield, comeback Corrie star Chris Gascoyne tells Soaplife…

Apart from a flying visit for stepmother Deirdre’s funeral, Peter Barlow hasn’t been seen in Coronation Street for almost two years, but now he’s back.

Soaplife talked to Chris about returning to the Street and what he's been doing for the past two years.

Peter’s been living in Portsmouth… why has he left? “He tells everybody he’s been sacked from crewing the ships because he’s had a fall out with someone - that’s possibly true, but it’s not the real reason he’s returned.”

On a scale of 1 to 10, how much drama is Peter going to bring to the cobbles this time? “Ten! It all kicks off very quickly and it looks like Peter is hiding a few secrets. He may be older and he’s sober, but he’s still very troubled.”

How does his return go down with the rest of the Barlows, Simon and Leanne? “Not very well. Although Peter hasn’t been totally absent from Simon’s life – he’s Skyped and stuff – he didn’t turn up for Simon’s football presentation. So Simon and Leanne are upset with him, so is Ken, and Tracy’s not happy either because he’s asking for money straight away.”

How does Peter deal with this? “Peter wants to put things right and he’s really trying, he knows that he’s going to walk back into this minefield and he’s taking it all on the chin. He knows he’s messed up, but he wants a chance to come back and be accepted again.”

Yet it’s not long before he’s rowing with his dad! “Peter stays out till the early hours and Ken is convinced he’s been drinking. They start arguing with Ken having a go at Peter about abandoning Simon. Peter admits he hasn’t been a good dad, but that he wants to try and make up for it. Ken keeps pushing and pushing Peter until he just loses it. This is the start of a catastrophic time for the Barlows.”

What does Peter think about ex wife Leanne now being with his nemesis, Nick Tilsley? “Peter just wants Leanne to be happy and he’s pleased she is, but he wishes she wasn’t with Nick.”

Does he still have feelings for Leanne? “He’ll always love her, but he’s not in love with her. He can’t resist flirting with her, though.”

Chris Gascoyne is back fired up for Corrie: 'As I get older I have more passion' (VIDEO)

Actor Chris Gascoyne has brought back a renewed vigour and a real passion for his bad boy character Peter Barlow in Corrie, he explains...

Corrie black sheep Peter Barlow returns to the Street next week and actor Chris Gascoyne says he's bringing a renewed passion and fire to the loveable rogue.

What's on TV asked Chris if he'd returned to the ITV soap energised after a two-year break.

"Definitely. You know, because you're two years older, you've had two years to work things out or just to be and do other projects, which fires you up and makes you think in a different way and you feel different... As I get older I seem to have more passion for stuff, so I have come back with an enormous amount of passion and things I'd like to explore and put into the show... 'That's interesting. I wouldn't have done it like that two years ago. I didn't feel like that two years ago.'

"There was a moment when I came back and I thought 'Oof, what do I do?' And then I was all right. Once I put the jacket and the boots on it was OK..."

Peter's mysterious return to the Barlow's residence leads to a disaster.

"He tells Ken he's been for a job interview, in the middle of the night, which comes straight off the top of his head, so obviously it's not true," said Chris. "They argue and in classic Ken style, Ken brings up that Peter been this and that, but it's only the things that Ken's been!

"He says, 'You let everybody down' and Peter says 'OK I know, but I'm trying not to' and then he pushes him and pushes him and Peter comes back at Ken with the argument that he's using and that's when disaster strikes, so it's very early on. I think I've only been back for a few scenes... and it hits the fan."

Watch the interview with Corrie star Chris Gascoyne, above.

The Corrie character is desperate to avenge his wife Kylie and is willing to sacrifice his life to get even with Weatherfield villain Clayton

Corrie fans should prepare for chaos and catastrophe as two families are plunged into crisis in five explosive episodes over the course of one week.

After the death of his wife Kylie, David Platt is dealt another agonising blow when he hears her killer Clayton may not get the justice he deserves!

Determined to take matters into his own hands David’s plan is devastating and disturbing; he intends on driving his car, laden with petrol, to blow up Clayton. But when Gail discovers a farewell video he’s made for the kids, it becomes clear that his revenge plot to kill his enemy is also a suicide mission.

Desperate to stop her son acting out his reckless plan, Gail locks David in the cellar, but she is terrified when he escapes and sets off to find Clayton. Whether he reaches his wife's killer remains to be seen, but soap bosses have hinted that David's actions will have far-reaching consequences - and not just for the Platt family!

But it's not just the Platts who suffer a shock next week, because Peter Barlow will be returning to the cobbles and he doesn't get the warmest reception!

Peter’s says he’s lost his job, but with a cut to his face and his night-time disappearances it soon becomes clear that there’s more to his sudden re-appearance than he’s letting on. Ken’s suspicious of the secrets Peter is hiding and when he tackles him in the early hours, no one can predict the consequence!

Corrie series producer Kate Oates has announced the show is bringing back Chris Gascoyne as Peter Barlow and teased many other storylines

Corrie bosses have revealed some explosive storylines coming up in the autumn including a shock return for one character, while a love triangle is set to grip viewers tuning into the soap.

Peter Barlow is to make his return to the famous cobbles, sending 'ripples through the street' following his departure from Coronation Street in 2014.

And ITV bosses have said that something will happen when he arrives back on the soap which is 'completely unexpected' – meaning he has to stay.

Chris Gascoyne, who plays Peter, will be joined by nephew Adam and half-brother Daniel, it was revealed.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, producer Kate Oates said she was excited to bring Peter back and urged viewers to 'watch this space'.

She said: “I think that strong family dynasty on those cobbles – the first family of soap, as it were – here, big, strong, sending ripples through the street is going to be really exciting and I am really looking forward to seeing that unfold.”

She teased: “He may have someone in his sights. When he returns he may not be completely honest.”

The former Emmerdale chief said that when she came to the show she was striving for a greater breadth of storylines with the 'great ensemble cast' whose talent she said she wanted to make use of.

She added that Chris Gascoyne had a love for the show and that she had 'always' wanted to work with him.

“One of the things I am most excited about and something which I consider a real privilege is that I am lucky enough now to work on the longest-running soap and one of the longest-running families on that soap is the Barlows – and why would you not want to strengthen that family?”

She added: “It felt like a really organic thing. Peter is always one you want to work with, he has such an amazing presence and great energy on screen.

“I love the idea of Ken as the head of the family, which has Tracy, Simon, Amy. I am excited to bring Peter back to the show. I am delighted to meet Daniel Osborne, who is his child with Denise, and I am excited to bring back Adam, who is Mike Baldwin’s son and Ken’s grandson.”

True to tradition, a big stunt is set to unfold in the autumn which could involve the Platt family.

And Oates has promised 'big drama' surrounding David’s current storyline in the wake of wife Kylie’s death which is set to play out in the autumn.

Oates said the two actors – Jack P Shepherd and Paula Lane – had played it 'completely brilliantly' and that she had been 'blown away' – especially considering how heavily pregnant Lane had been in real life.

She said: “In the chapel of rest scenes, we have basically seen David promise to avenge Kylie’s death. However he also promised Kylie when she was dying that he would be a brilliant parent and he would look after the children and protect them.

“Those two promises are in direct conflict with each other. I’m looking forward to seeing how that affects the Platt family,” she continued.

But she added that viewers would be left asking which promise would envelop the other as David plans to get his own back 'at all costs'.

Oates added: “We have got some really good drama coming up. I think we are going to see some amazing performances from all the cast involved.”

No soap is complete without a good love triangle and Aidan, following a few too many glasses of wine, finds himself in bed with Maria, who is currently dating tolerant Luke who took on her young son.

But although Aidan, played by Shayne Ward, and who is in a relationship with Eva (Cath Tyldesley), regrets it straight away, Maria is keen to break it off with Luke – terrifying Aidan.

Oates said: “He is worried she might come after him and he hears little rumours about when she was contacting Fizz and Tyrone.”

Speaking about the planned six episodes per week, Oates said she was looking at introducing new characters and building new studio space.

She dismissed accusations saying that staff were unhappy, adding that they were 'excited'.

She added: “I’m just excited about the storylines we have got, we know where we are going with the characters, we know by the time that hits we have loads of stuff brewing and the cast feel really galvanised by that.

“Corrie is famous for having the humour and storylines which aren’t necessary about huge character development or about huge story arcs but about life and what is funny. It’s a balance act, but it also feels quite natural.”

As the residents of Weatherfield gather to pay their respects to their much-loved neighbour Deirdre Barlow, her stepson Peter returns to Coronation Street to support his grieving family.

Chris Gascoyne, who plays the recovering alcoholic, has hinted that sparks are going to fly between Peter and his ex-wife Carla when they bump into each other on the cobbles.

Alison King plays Carla Connor in Corrie (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

“You’ll have to wait and see what happens,” the actor tells Inside Soap.

“I think there’s still a spark there for Peter. Carla was his wife and he messed it up. If he could have her back, he would do so in a heartbeat!”

Chris, who had played the character for 15 years, left the ITV soap in 2014 alongside Marc Baylis, who played Rob Donovan, with their final scenes airing on the show last November.

He says it was a no-brainer to reprise the role so he could say goodbye to Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre, along with former co-stars such as William Roache, who plays his screen dad Ken Barlow, and Kate Ford, his screen sister, Tracy.

Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre Barlow (ITV)

“I was very happy to come back. I was very close to Annie Kirkbride and, when I heard she’d passed away, I thought Peter should come back for both her and Deirdre’s sake,” he says.

“All the drama centres around Deirdre, which is paramount. (The family) end up talking about all the good times and bad times they had around that tables with Deirdre and her mum Blanche, and it was great to film.

“It was wonderful to see Bill and Kate and everyone else at Corrie who’ve been so kind. Being able to talk to the cast again has been quite moving.”

However, he admits that filming the scenes was “odd”.

Peter’s back in Coronation Street (ITV)

“It felt weird to be doing a scene about Deirdre’s funeral – it still feels slightly odd. There were moments when I was flipping between thinking about Deirdre and remembering Annie. They were a strange couple of days – ones I’d hoped wouldn’t come for many years.

“Annie has gone and we’ll all be in a poorer place without her, but at least now I feel I can put that to rest and accept it.”

Chris Gascoyne (Ian West/PA)

The actor, who has been appearing in the stage production of The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, says he wouldn't rule out making a more permanent return to Weatherfield.

“I hope so!” he says. “I’ve been playing Peter for so long that he’s become part of my life, and I do miss him.

“I know it’s a cliche, but it’s a nice big family here at Corrie. I’ve probably missed them all – more than I thought I was ever going to.”

A familiar face is returning to Weatherfield to join the locals in saying a final farewell to Deirdre Barlow.

Following the death of actress Anne Kirkbride in January, Coronation Street’s bosses are planning a send-off for the character who she played for more than 40 years. 

Talking to the Birmingham Mail, actor Chris Gascoyne – aka Peter Barlow – has revealed that he has been asked to return to the soap for the funeral of Peter's stepmother Deirdre Barlow.

"We will be saying goodbye to Deirdre but also to Annie, so it is bound to be very emotional,” said Chris, 47. “I worked with Annie for 15 years and I loved her, she was a really lovely woman and I miss her."

Chris, who left the soap in November 2014, will be reunited with his soap family – dad Ken (William Roache) and sister Tracy (Kate Ford) when he appears in a few episodes in June.

He added that he didn’t have to think twice about returning to the famous cobbles. 

"They asked me to go back to the street for a couple of episodes and of course I said yes,” he said. “It is only right that Peter would be there, and if I can I will always want to keep that continuity."

Friday night’s moving scenes on Coronation Street saw Peter Barlow say goodbye to son Simon and estranged wife Carla (Alison King).

How did it all go so wrong for Peter?

Here, Chris Gascoyne, who played hopeless drunk Peter, picks his top 5 Peter episodes - and they all go a long way to revealing just how Peter had everything - and lost it.

First, the night Peter returned to his flat drunk, fell asleep with a cigarette in his hand, and nearly burnt himself and Simon to death… “It was quite high up in Peter’s alcohol career,” Chris remembers…

http://youtube.com/v/G6PEfuy8l0A

Also right up there in Peter’s life as an alcoholic, is the night he rocked up at the opening of the bar he opened with then-wife Leanne (Jane Danson)… “It shows how much Leanne suffered because of him. He wasn’t supposed to be drinking but he got smashed through the episode,” Chris remembers. “He doesn’t realise how much he’s trashed the opening night. It was comic on the surface but underneath it was tragic.”

http://youtube.com/v/kqhhQ45oadE

There was a whole episode devoted to Peter, too… “It gave a deeper insight into to him,” Chris explains. “He falls off the wagon [again] when his AA sponsor dies.”

http://youtube.com/v/lCFqb_xuVwI

Another of Chris’ favourite Peter moments was also to do with Alcoholics Anonymous, when the whole Barlow family went to a meeting with him. “I dedicate it to Maggie Jones [who died in 2009], who played Blanche,” Chris says. “It’s her scene really. She was brilliant.”

http://youtube.com/v/VNfcSO8ZQq0

And, finally, there’s the undoing of Peter and Carla. “This sums up their relationship,” says Chris. “Peter comes home drunk, having missed their baby scan. When Carla was looking at their baby for the very first time, he was out drinking.”

“If me and this baby aren’t enough for you we have no chance!” Carla shouts at Peter. “Not one chance.”

And they didn’t.

http://youtube.com/v/U35M4GWGrns

Coronation Street continues on ITV on Monday, November 17, 7.30pm.

Peter finally goes on trial for Tina's murder - but can he count on his friends and family to keep him out of prison? 

Coronation Street ramps up the tension in a spine-tingling new video showing killer Rob, innocent Peter and tearful Carla before Peter’s murder trial begins.

“Here’s a thought for every man who tries to understand what’s in his hands,” says Rob (Marc Baylis), as he has flashbacks of the terrible night he beat Tina to death…

“He walks along the open road of love and life, surviving if he can” Peter (Chris Gascoyne) continues, remembering his confession to Carla of his affair with Tina…

“Bound by all the weight of all the words he tried to say,” says Carla (Alison King), mourning what she and Peter had and all they lost…

“Bound by all the weight of all the words he tried to say,” adds Peter. “And as he faced the sun, he cast no shadow.”

If the words sound familiar, it’s because they’re lyrics from Cast No Shadow by Oasis.

Watch the video below.

Coronation Street continues on ITV on Monday, September 29, 7.30pm.

http://youtube.com/v/U3suUjrtCLs

Coronation Street’s Alison King reveals to Soaplife how Carla becomes totally confused when Peter opens his heart to her - and she’s hit by the shocking truth!

Carla’s been happy to let Peter rot in prison… until she hears his drinking has landed him in hospital and he’s probably going to die. To Rob’s horror, Carla decides to visit Peter… And what Peter reveals really throws Carla: he says he knows she killed Tina but he’ll take her secret to his grave. “Carla’s completely taken aback - she’s gobsmacked that Peter actually thinks she could have killed Tina,” Alison tells Soaplife. “But when she’s finally able to process what he’s saying, she realises that if he genuinely thinks she killed Tina, then he obviously didn’t,” adds Alison.

What are Carla’s feelings when she sees Peter (Chris Gascoyne)?

“She’s seen Peter at rock bottom before, but this is different. Peter truly is at his lowest ebb and Carla realises he really might not survive. Ken persuaded her to visit Peter and she’s pleased he did. Although she hates Peter for what he’s done to her and blames him entirely for losing the baby, she would never forgive herself if anything happened to him and she hadn’t gone.”

And that’s when she gets the shock of her life, isn’t it?

“Yes. Peter thinks he’s going to die so there’s no reason why he’d start playing mind games about the murder. He tells Carla he will take the blame for Tina’s death, for her sake. It’s a moment of clarity for her as she realises Peter isn’t guilty at all.”

What does Carla do?

“Caral can’t keep this to herself because she’s incredibly troubled by it. She confides in Michelle [Kym Marsh] first, and Michelle agrees that if Peter is this convinced that Carla killed Tina, then it means he can’t have done it. Once they say it out loud, both realise this means Tina’s murderer is still free. Then Carla confides in Rob, too…”

And?

“He’s automatically defensive, telling her to forget what Peter said. He says Peter’s just playing his usual mind games, and making her feel like she’s done something wrong so that she will believe him when he says he’s innocent.”

But Carla tells Rob (Marc Baylis) she’s thinking of telling the police what Peter said…

“And he must be quaking inside, but hides it. Rob tries to tell her Peter’s probably had all sorts of medication in hospital and doesn’t know what he’s saying.”

Does this make Carla suspicious?

“Carla thinks Rob is just trying to keep her away from Peter. But she does question why Rob can’t understand that she thinks she needs to do the right thing by helping find Tina’s real killer so an innocent man can be released - even if that man is Peter.”

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

Jim finds his troubled fellow inmate collapsed after Peter drinks his secret alcohol stash in Coronation Street

Tina McIntyre is laid to rest in Coronation Street, but her funeral and burial are anything but restful as a fight breaks out.

Peter turns up at the funeral drunk and when David notices him while reading the eulogy denounces him as the reason Tina died!

But that drama is nothing compared to the fracas that occurs at her graveside...

Watch the scoop on this and other storylines in Coronation Street:

Photos of the dramatic storyline in Coronation Street

Peter Barlow is only just coming to terms with Carla's pregnancy when mistress Tina reveals that she too may be pregnant in Coronation Street.

The shock news is too much for the thin-skinned recovering alcoholic to take and he hits the bottle, going on a bender that's only stopped when Steve McDonald sees him and puts him into a hotel for the night. Peter then realises with horror the next day that he's told Steve everything!

Watch the scoop on Coronation Street:

Chris Gascoyne tells TV Times magazine why he’s fallen out with his Coronation Street character, and reveals why Peter Barlow’s dalliances are destined to end in pain and heartache…

We'd never have thought that Peter Barlow would have some of Corrie's most beautiful women falling at his feet!

"It is bizarre! The thing is, whatever the scriptwriters write, you’ve got to make work. So I don’t question it – I just get on with it. I do find it strange being labelled as a sex symbol, though – I’m getting on for 50, you know!"

The ink was barely dry on his marriage certificate to Carla Connor, and now he's embarked on an affair with Tina McIntyre!

"As an actor, no matter how bad your character is, you have to love them and understand them. What’s interesting is that when Peter had the affair with Carla, he did it because he genuinely fell for her. But this time, I’m not liking him, because I know that it’s not for real – he just wants to have some excitement and fun. I know he’s not genuine and he knows he’s not genuine."

What's the reaction been like from everyone to the storyline?

"I get lots of blokes going 'Wahey!' out of their car window. And my eldest boy, Freddie, is 18 and my other one, Pip, is 16, and, apparently, all the young lads think it’s great."

Would you trade your real life with Peter's?

"God, I wouldn’t like to be where he is. To be running round, chasing his tail like that? It’s horrible!"

How have you found it acting out this storyline?

"It is knackering. You’re going from one emotion to another, and your body and your mind don’t really comprehend that it’s not real sometimes. You can go home feeling depressed, but you have to shake it off. It’s easier for me now than it used to be, but I’m always thinking about it – maybe if I did this, maybe if I tried that…"

Do you have any techniques to help lose that stress?

"I meditate for about 15 minutes or half an hour every day. As an actor, you’re constantly thinking about a character and what’s the most interesting way to play it. It can consume you and send you a little bit insane. If you find something like meditation, you just sit down and you come back to yourself – you don’t let the fantasy intrude on the reality. It is a big part of my life and I’m glad I found it."

You revealed you'd be leaving Coronation Street later this year. Do you know yet whether Peter will be killed off or if the door will be left open?

"I’d like to keep the character alive and have some experiences, because you need energy and a different mindset to get you through. When I came back in 2008 [having done two, separate stints], in my mind, I had only come back for a couple of years, and I’ve done six – and it’s a long old six years with not much of a break."

What would you like to do going forward?

"I’d like to do a play because I’ve not done one for a long time and it’s a different thing, altogether – you can’t stop and say 'Can we do it again?' And I’d like to go to a Buddhist retreat in France. That’s something I’ll do for myself. A couple of weeks there would be nice."

Coronation Street’s Michelle Keegan tells Soaplife that Tina’s living in fantasy land if she thinks Peter will leave Carla for her…

It must be hell for Tina seeing Peter so loved up with Carla?

“It is, but she’s totally blinded by love for him. It worries her, too, but her feelings for Peter and the urge to have him overrides everything else. She can’t understand how he can want to be with her and then quite easily flit off to his wife.”

Does she think Peter loves her?

“She believes he does and she still thinks she’ll get him to leave Carla. The reality is that Peter lusts after Tina, but it’s not love. He does care for her in a way, but he loves Carla and will never leave her. Tina’s setting herself up for heartbreak.”

But Peter does eventually tell Tina he loves her…

“And she’s over the moon - but he doesn’t really mean it. He just knows it’s what she wants to hear and he’s right. But Tina can’t see Peter for what he is.”

She tells Steph about a ‘friend’ who’s having an affair, but Steph susses she’s talking about herself… 

“Tina’s shocked and embarrassed, but also relieved to have someone to really talk to. It’s a very lonely time for Tina and I think she needs someone to confide in. However, when Steph tells her it will all end in tears, Tina doesn’t want to hear it.”

Carla thinks she might be pregnant… How will Tina react?

“Tina would be devastated. She really wants a child, but Peter tells her he doesn’t and therefore he’s not good for her. To find out that he actually does want children - just not with her - would be a total slap in the face.”

Might Tina get pregnant herself?

“I don’t think she would purposely get pregnant with that intent, but she would like a child with Peter. If she does get pregnant again, she knows she would never be able to get rid of the baby.”

Chris Gascoigne tells Soaplife that Peter's need for quick thrills is satisfied when Tina agrees to be his other woman…

So Peter missed Tina when she was gone, then?

"He was constantly thinking about her - she really brings out the passion in him. But he also felt a sense of relief because temptation was removed."

So how does he feel now she's back?

"He thinks she's back because of him. He's disappointed when she tells him she's only back for the rest of her belongings and he's jealous when Carla tries to set Tina up with Rob."

And he quickly gets her back in his bed, doesn't he?

"Yes, their affair heats up. Peter even hands Tina the keys to his flat and tells her they'll have plenty of time together because Carla's going to be in Paris all week. There's a hiccup when Carla surprises him with a ticket to Paris for Valentine's but he sleeps with Tina before he leaves and jumps straight back into bed with her when he returns!"

And they nearly get caught!

"Steve sees a light in the flat and lets himself in to check that everything's OK because, of course, he thinks Carla and Peter are in Paris. But Peter's come back ahead of Carla."

He's asking for trouble, isn’t he?

"Well, isn't it inevitable they'll be found out? Peter's caught up in the moment, though. Consequences aren't crossing his mind."

Doesn’t he feel guilty?

"Lust has taken over - he has a beautiful wife and a beautiful mistress. He must feel a bit guilty but he can't help himself."

Is this his perfect life: a wife and a mistress?

“Right now it is. He really likes and fancies Tina but he loves Carla and doesn't want to lose her. As long as nobody finds out, then he reckons nobody gets hurt."

What if Tina gets pregnant?

“That'll be a nightmare for Peter. As much as he likes Tina, he will never leave Carla for her."

Tina is another bad habit that Peter Barlow has to break, but it's hardly likely to happen at Christmas time on Coronation Street.

Peter is furious to learn of her tryst with Rob and goes to see her, ostensibly to talk about the care of Simon. As he tells her they have to keep their distance, the passion strikes and they fall into each others' arms. Only, Carla's key is in the door...

Get the scoop on this and Hayley's last Christmas on Coronation Street:

Coronation Street star Chris Gascoyne has revealed that his alter-ego Peter Barlow is a 'completely split' man, as he kisses Tina McIntyre on his wedding day.

The 45-year-old actor, who has portrayed Peter on the ITV soap for over 13 years, found himself in a passionate moment with the barmaid (Michelle Keegan), hours before his wedding to factory boss Carla Connor (Alison King).

"He's totally conflicted. He's a completely split man," he told Coronation Street's official website.

"I think Peter is feeling very apprehensive on the run up to the wedding. There's a lot of tension between Peter and Carla at the moment and actually, she's done nothing wrong. It's supposed to be a special time, but actually it's getting ruined."

Chris teased that Peter will remain in emotional turmoil, right up to the last minute when he says his vows.

"I think he loves Carla and I think he would like to (marry her), but I think only at the moment of the vows will he know in his heart whether he wants to do this or not," he added.

He admitted that his character doesn't know how to be happy, with three failed marriages behind him.

"(Tina)'s offering him something Carla can't, or he thinks that she is - and not for the first time. He gets himself into these positions. I don't think he dare be happy," he said.

The hour-long wedding episode will be shown on ITV1 tonight (December 4) at 7.30pm.

Carla and Peter are both at the venue – but will their wedding ceremony go off without a hitch?

Carla Connor's running around like she's got a wedding to prepare in Coronation Street next week. But where's her groom?

Peter is preoccupied by shock news that Simon is being bullied and he turns to Tina for help... Simon feels much more comfortable around her than Carla. In fact, so does his dad!

It's not long before Tina and Peter's shared worry over Simon reveals itself as something else – a fast-growing attraction.

Watch the scoop on Coronation Street:

Coronation Street stars Michelle Keegan and Chris Gascoyne tell TV Times magazine about the growing attraction between Peter and Tina….

What are Peter and Tina’s feelings for one another?

Michelle: "Peter had never come on to Tina’s radar before, but suddenly, she feels completely out of control. She has never felt like this about anyone before. She didn’t really have a passionate relationship with Tommy, but she can see herself having one with Peter."

Chris: "Peter is really lustful for Tina. I think he almost sees a younger Carla in her somewhere. He found it really exciting when she put up a fight against Tracy. He admired her spirit and started to see her in a different light."

Are they tempted to do something about their feelings?

Michelle: "Tina is troubled by her feelings because she really likes Carla and she’s not the sort of girl to do that to another woman. It is hard because she finds herself weakening whenever Peter is around. It gets to a point where Tina tells Peter that it might be best if she stops looking after Simon because she feels so out of control around him."

Chris: "Peter adores Carla, but he feels a bit neglected. He even tells Tina that despite everything Carla has done for him, he’s still not happy. Peter knows it’s not a good idea to be around Tina, but he really doesn’t want to stop seeing her."

Do they realise that they're playing with fire?

Michelle: "Of course Tina knows that it is completely wrong to fall for a man who is about to get married and who has so much baggage. She does try and make an effort to stay away."

Chris: "Peter does, but then he’s a dab hand at this sort of thing. Whenever his life is sorted, he likes to do something to turn it upside down and ruin everything. It’s in his DNA. He is telling himself that he lusts after Tina, but that it is Carla he loves."

Does anyone else notice their mutual attraction?

Michelle: "Liz is onto them both. She warns Tina to stay away from Peter. She knows it’s a recipe for disaster and Tina knows she’s right."

Chris: "Peter realises Liz is onto them, but he thinks they have a good cover for being around each other because of Tina’s relationship with Simon. They are going to have to watch out for Liz though. She doesn’t miss a trick."

So when will the passion be too much to resist…?

Michelle: "It is just a question of how long Tina can resist. She is desperate for Peter and can’t help herself."

Chris: "Let’s face it; Peter is hardly one to resist temptation is he? He is an addict."

Where is it going wrong with Carla?

Michelle: "I don’t think it helps that Simon loves Tina and he doesn’t have that same bond with Carla."

Chris: "Simon is bullied and Peter is really thankful that Tina is there. Carla finds it hard to relate to things like that, she is also busy planning the wedding and looking after the factory. Peter feels a bit emasculated as Carla is making all the decisions. Carla’s wedding fuss is making him angry. I think it is a case of Tina turning Peter’s head whilst Carla is consumed with the factory and the wedding plans."

Will Peter go through with his wedding to Carla?

Michelle: "If he does, I am not sure Tina will enjoy sticking around to watch their marriage unfold. The thought of being the other woman pains her."

Chris: "Put it this way, Peter Barlow and a wedding is bound to spell disaster. It certainly won’t be dull. Whatever happens, it will be brilliant. Peter’s had a good go at weddings – this will be his fifth. That tells you something!"

Michelle, congratulations in your engagement to Mark Wright – are you glad you’re not marrying Peter Barlow?

Michelle: "Yes! I’m lucky to have Mark in my life as my partner and my best friend. He is a gentleman and so much fun to be around."

Chris: "I go home after a day at Corrie and I am always glad that I am not Peter. I couldn’t bear all that drama."

Chris, are you worried you’ll get lynched in the streets for cheating on Carla?

"The viewers are great. It is mostly good humoured, friendly banter. I’ve been called a tosser once in 10 years, so that’s not bad. It’s always nice to be recognised in any way."

We're really sad to hear you are leaving, Michelle...

"I’d been thinking of leaving on and off for a couple of years. I will miss Corrie, but after six years, it’s the right thing to do. I don’t want to look back in 10 years’ time and think ‘What if…?’ They are leaving the door open for me which I am very grateful for."

David and Peter fight, Nick loses his temper and Simon is bullied this week

Chris Gascoyne is reportedly quitting Coronation Street after more than 13 years playing Peter Barlow.

It's previously been revealed that recovering alcoholic Peter is set to have an affair with Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan. And now The Sun reports that Chris will leave Coronation Street on the back of the explosive storyline.

Chris will stay in the soap for one more year, after recently signing an extension to his contract until October 2014. But insiders claim Chris is looking forward to some time away from Corrie to spend with his family and pursue other roles.

However, his alter-ego Peter Barlow will not be killed off as the 45-year-old actor is keen to return to the street eventually.

Chris joined Coronation Street in 2000 and stayed for three years as troubled bad boy Peter. He returned to the show full-time in 2008.

A spokesman for Coronation Street said: "Chris has signed a new one-year contract which takes him to autumn 2014, and he is involved in some of the biggest storylines of the next 12 months. It is too early to comment beyond that."

Michelle Keegan is also set to leave the soap, along with Michelle Collins.

Coronation Street couple Carla Connor and Peter Barlow are set to get hitched at Christmas, and the cast have been seen filming the scenes.

Alison King, who plays Carla, was spotted on set wearing a full-skirted white wedding dress and veil, while Chris Gascoyne's character Peter looked a bit more casual with his tie missing and shirt open at the neck in photos from the Daily Mail.

Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, was also on set as Carla's bridesmaid, dressed in a long, glittery gold frock with matching platform heels.

Other guests included Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh), Maria Connor (Samia Ghadie), Rob Donovan (Marc Baylis) and Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine).

Chris recently told the TV Times he didn't expect the wedding to go smoothly: "Peter is not very happy. He's lost the bookies and doesn't know what he's doing in the factory.

"It's Peter doing the same old thing. Whenever things are going well he presses the self-destruct button. As for the wedding, if it happens, it can only be a disaster if it's got a Barlow in it!"

In an attempt to show downbeat Peter how much he means to her, Carla proposes!

Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne talks to Soaplife about Peter's latest addiction: gambling - and how it could cost him everything…

Things go badly wrong for Peter, don’t they, when he tries to save his business in Coronation Street?

"Yes. Peter's feeling under a lot of strain. Carla's doing so well and he's doing very badly. He's always happy for Carla and her triumphs, but he can’t help being overtaken by his own situation. It's really dragging him down.'

In a desperate bid to come out on top, he offers crazy odds at the bookies…

"Yes. At first he does make a bit of money and then he thinks he’s made the right move. Deep down Peter knows he’s wrong but he wants to be back on top too quickly. Carla tells him to go slow and steady with the business but there’s something in Peter that tells him it’s better to be reckless and fast because that’s how he’s always been. He wants too much too soon."

Peter gets a buzz out of offering such crazy odds, doesn’t he?

"Because he’s given up the drink he’s always looking for that little bit of escapism. Even when his reckless gambling puts his business on the line it’s actually quite exciting for him."

But he’s gambling with his future!

"And it’s sad. Even though he has lots more going for him in his life, the thought of losing his bookies makes him feel as though he’ll lose everything - including Carla."