Coronation Street star Kate Ford has insisted that her character Tracy Barlow is genuinely frightened when her daughter Amy falls ill in a forthcoming storyline.
Amy is expected to start feeling unwell in a plot which airs in May, leading to a mystery as doctors try to determine what could be wrong with her.
Earlier this month, reports suggested that Tracy's arch-nemesis Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly) will suspect her of poisoning the child as the story progresses, convinced that she has launched a twisted plan to secure the attention of Amy's father Steve (Simon Gregson).
However, in an interview with All About Soap, Ford appeared to dismiss the theory, claiming that Amy's welfare is always Tracy's top priority.
Ford explained: "She's terrified. There is no hidden agenda - she is genuinely scared for her daughter. But of course, she's quietly pleased that it's bringing her and Steve closer.
"Tracy is capable of a lot of bad things, however there is a heart in there. First and foremost, her thoughts are for Amy's wellbeing."
The actress added that, despite their recent rows, Tracy still believes she has a romantic future with Steve.
She said: "I think in her head, she plans to be married to him within a year. Tracy's prepared to play the long game."
DS