The actress doesn't have high hopes for the relationship.
Coronation Street actress Samia Longchambon has opened up about Maria Connor's surprise new romance with Gary Windass.
Corrie fans will soon see a relationship blossom between the pair after Maria splits from Ali Neeson (played by James Burrows), but 37-year-old Samia doesn't think it's going to go smoothly.
"I think it has trouble written all over it because Gary is a bad lad. Maria doesn't know that though and thinks that they have a lot in common, both being single parents of boys of a similar age," she revealed.
"They start with a nice friendship and there's a natural progression into a relationship, but Maria definitely doesn't know what she's getting herself into," she added to Digital Spy.
Samia also spoke about the breakdown of Maria and Ali's relationship, which will play out in Monday's dramatic double bill.
Ali falls asleep while looking after Maria's son Liam, and chaos ensues when the smoke alarm goes off after he leaves a pizza in the oven.
A furious Maria orders Ali out of her flat, but later apologises to him for overreacting.
MORE: Coronation Street spoilers - Maria Connor causes a scene in the Rovers
However, Ali shocks Maria when he tells her that their relationship is over.
Speaking about the upcoming scenes, Samia added, "When he jeopardises that trust by falling asleep, and the fire alarms start sounding, it's Gary who runs to the rescue. She finds herself in a situation where she can't stay with him.
"She's completely oblivious at this point that he's taking drugs and is severely disappointed in him. Later that episode, Ali realises that he's done wrong and feels bad for lying to her."
But rather than revealing the truth, Ali insists he doesn't love her any longer.
