New Nick on the block
WEATHERFIELD has been missing an alpha male who will turn a few heads and ruffle some feathers - and that's exactly what is promised with the return of Nick Tilsley.
Former Footballers' Wives actor Ben Price takes on the role and says Nick's alter ego is one to watch in 2010, as he sets his sights on taking over Underworld and snaring gorgeous Carla Connor (Alison King).
Ben, 37, said: "Nick used to run Underworld when Mike Baldwin was there.
"He suspects the place has never been managed to its full potential, and he has some money and wants to invest.
"But Carla wonders who the hell Nick thinks he is, because he just walks in, sits at her desk and arrogantly asks to buy shares."
But could romance really blossom between the pair?
Ben said: "Nick really needs someone who's hard to get. Carla could push him, and that's what he likes - he wants a bit of spice."
He added: "A direct business proposition with Tony Gordon wouldn't interest him, but he fancies Carla and likes her feistiness. Nick's not going to let her go without a fight."
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The Boyz back in town
THERE'S a much talked-about business starting up in Weatherfield in 2010 - but it won't be plain sailing for the new bar venture undertaken by Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).
Old friend ... CiaranThings get off to a good start, when Peter signs up his old friend Ciaran McCarthy (played by Boyzone singer Keith Duffy, right) as the venue's head chef.
A source said: "Peter and Leanne go out to dinner, and it turns out Ciaran is a chef at the restaurant. He's involved in an argument with his boss at the time, so they realise he may need a new job soon."
Ciaran had his fair share of romance when he was last on the cobbles, and it seems this time will be no different.
Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle, said: "I've heard that Michelle is going to catch Ciaran's eye, so I think there could be something developing there. But I reckon it's more likely that he's going to have his sights set on Carla."
But the big drama may come courtesy of newcomer George (Anthony Valentine), the grandad of Peter's young son Simon (Alex Bain). Peter's dad Ken (William Roache) is convinced the wealthy pensioner is trying to buy his way into his family.
The source said: "We know very little about George, but he certainly didn't build up his business empire by being nice. Ken isolates himself further from angry Peter."
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Platt's tragic for Gail
SERIAL bride Gail Platt (Helen Worth) is facing another tough year despite a promising start - or so she thinks - when she becomes Mrs Joe McIntyre.
Tough luck ... Gail PlattLittle does she know that to weather the financial storm he's facing, desperate Joe (Reece Dinsdale) takes drastic action - so is poor Gail in for more heartbreak?
A source revealed to TV Biz: "It's sink-or-swim for Joe in more ways than one. Joe comes up with a plan that he thinks is foolproof but he is as inept at being a conman as he is at managing his money."
The Corrie team recently filmed scenes where a body is fished out of the water by a rescue team.
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Has Joe's plan left Gail a widow again?
The source said: "Whatever happens, Gail's going to be all alone once the drama plays out - and she could well be left destitute as the true extent of Joe's debt unfolds."
