Coronation Street’s Carl Webster has been having an affair with Abi Franklin, but in a shock twist, it was revealed he also has a wandering eye for men
Coronation Street Carl actor breaks silence on new affair that fans ‘didn’t see coming'(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street‘s Jonathan Howard has revealed that his character, Carl Webster, enjoys ‘living life on the edge’, as he discussed the latest affair twist in Weatherfield.
Howard joined the cast of the ITV soap earlier this year, portraying the previously unseen Carl Webster. He is the son of Bill and Elaine Webster, born in Germany where his parents resided at the time.
At the age of nine, his father Bill left Germany for Weatherfield after his mother Elaine had an affair. Until now, Carl had only been mentioned by name before being reunited with his half-siblings Debbie and Kevin.
As avid viewers of the long-standing show will know, Carl first appeared following a minor car park collision at Frescho’s with Abi Webster, who he was unaware was his sister-in-law.
Carl has caused plenty of drama(Image: ITV)
There was an immediate spark between the two, with Carl inviting Abi for a drink – despite her making it clear she was married to a sick husband, reports the Manchester Evening News.
She was taken aback when retelling the story at the Bistro to Kevin, Debbie, and Debbie’s partner Ronnie Bailey, only for Carl to walk in and be introduced as her brother-in-law.
The chemistry between the pair has persisted, with Carl unabashedly pursuing Abi, even though she is married to his half-brother.
His new fling has been revealed
Despite her initial refusals, Kevin’s lie about his cancer diagnosis drove her into Carl’s arms, and they’ve since embarked on an affair, which Tracy Barlow has just discovered.
However, Friday’s latest episode (August 29), which is already streaming on ITVX ahead of its 8pm ITV broadcast, has delivered a stunning plot twist for Carl as his attention wandered elsewhere.
While many viewers might have anticipated Tracy making her move on Carl during Abi’s absence, it was actually James Bailey who found himself sharing intimate moments with the unfaithful mechanic.
He slept with James Bailey(Image: ITV)
With Abi enjoying a getaway with Kevin and Jack, it appears Carl felt no hesitation about straying with ex-footballer James, and the duo have arranged to meet again.
Tracy Barlow is already using Carl’s romance with Abi as blackmail material, so could this new affair cost him everything?
Jonathan commented on the surprising development: “Carl likes living life on the edge, he is a hedonist and a free spirit, he is attracted to a person regardless of their gender and if he sees something he wants he goes for it with no real thought to the consequences of his actions.
“He is frustrated that Abi has gone away with Kevin and he needs something to distract himself. There is a spark between him and James so he goes for it. Tracy was also offering herself to him but he isn’t stupid and he knows that would be a dangerous move, James on the other hand is less complicated and more fun.”
The actor has addressed the twist(Image: ITV)
Meanwhile, viewers who caught Corrie’s early release have been expressing their surprise on social media. @TVMusings22 posted: “So this is one of those 360 direction stories Kate Brooks was talking about then because what? ? ? James and Carl? #Corrie.”
Accompanying a snippet of the shocking scene, @TheConnorSwains tweeted: “Please excuse this short break in regular programming….. Say what now? #Corrie #CoronationStreet.”
Meanwhile, @swarlanations expressed their surprise with a succinct: “PARDON? ! ! #Corrie,” before conceding: “Fair play to #Corrie, I didn’t see it coming.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX