Coronation Street's Maria Connor will betray her long-time boss Audrey Roberts by secretly setting up a rival business.

Maria makes a sly move when she starts discreetly offering hair appointments in her own flat, deliberately undercutting Audrey's prices to drum up interest.

The storyline begins next week, when Maria starts to become fed up with the way that she's being treated at the local hair salon.

When Beth Sutherland points out that Maria seems to be running the place, it gives her food for thought – especially when Audrey (Sue Nicholls) later announces that she's increasing her rent for the flat.

Maria eventually approaches Audrey with the idea of becoming her official business partner, only to be left disappointed when she turns her down.

Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria, told TV Times: "Maria thinks it's time her hard work was recognised and appreciated. So she asks if she can buy into the salon.

"But Audrey won't entertain the idea and wants to keep it in the family."

This proves to be the final straw for Maria, who later gives Angie Appleton a haircut at the salon flat.

Mischievous Tracy Barlow points out that Maria could make a killing if she decided to carry out the secret hair appointments more often – and Maria unexpectedly agrees that it's a great idea, even though she still works for Audrey.

Before long, Maria has a long list of new customers, which has the potential to cripple Audrey's business. But could Maria soon have another way to get back at Audrey when Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska) returns to the cobbles and makes her a surprising offer?


Digital Spy