Coronation Street's Eileen Grimshaw jumps from one complicated romance plot to another next week as she shares a shock kiss with Michael Rodwell.
Eileen turns her attentions to Michael (Les Dennis) after her relationship with Adrian Mortimer ends due to the ruthless meddling of her son Todd.
With Eileen nursing a broken heart, she can relate to Michael once she learns that his marriage to Gail has also hit the rocks following her deception over 'Fake Gavin'.
Michael drunkenly reveals Andy and Gail's lies to the rest of the Street's residents at the Bistro next week, which prompts Eileen to show her support for him.
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Michael reveals that Andy is an impostor
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Michael reveals that Andy is an impostor
Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen, commented: "Eileen is shocked when Michael drunkenly announces to anyone who will listen the truth about Gavin not being Gavin and how Gail helped Andy keep up the pretence. There is no love lost between Eileen and Gail, so Eileen tells Gail exactly what she thinks of her and whisks Michael off to her house.
"They bond over the fact that both their families have deceived them. It's while they are talking about what has been happening to them both that there is a moment. There is a spark between them and they kiss.
"It isn't premeditated - it is spur of the moment. They have always got on really well when working together, but Eileen has not really thought of him in that way before, so this takes her by surprise."
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Eileen and Michael try to cheer each other up
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Eileen and Michael try to cheer each other up
The surprise moment of intimacy is cut short when Michael suddenly struggles for breath and collapses in agony, which leads to him being rushed to hospital.
Cleaver continued: "It seems that the heat of the moment is too much for Michael, probably coupled with the stress of the day, and he collapses on Eileen's sofa!
"Eileen has to confide in the doctor what was happening at the time of his collapse, but Michael and Eileen have both agreed not to tell Gail about their kiss. It's very awkward, with the two of them at his bedside and Gail asking questions about what exactly happened leading up to his collapse!
"The writers love having Eileen and Gail as enemies, so when Gail finds out about Eileen and Michael it will no doubt lead to more arguments - maybe another fight! The fight on the street is the scene that so many people remember, so we have set the bar high!"
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Eileen rushes to Michael as he collapses
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Eileen rushes to Michael as he collapses
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Gail questions Eileen about Michael's collapse
© ITV
Gail questions Eileen about Michael's collapse
Cleaver kept tight-lipped on whether Eileen and Michael's connection could go further, but she hinted that her unlucky-in-love character may have to focus on her family problems first and foremost.
She said: "The thing about Michael is that he is a nice guy. She almost had that with Adrian and she was tempted by something more exciting, so Michael may be too nice. Although there is an appeal for Eileen in the fact that her being with Michael will really wind Gail up!
"I think she is off men for the time being, but actually the friendship between her and Michael is real, so it will be interesting to see where that leads. For now she is going to concentrate on sorting out her family, I think."
