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i really like the actress samia she seems very down to earth and is also a very good actress. When she was younger she was more whingy but since liam and becoming a mother shes really flourished and so as samia - is about time they gave her somethink to get her teeth in. The stillborn was emoitonal but acted extremly well too.
Cant wait till shes back next year and when tony returns too, plus shes also got to meet the new nick that should go down well!!
I think the thing with Nick has died, I think Nick and Leanne have unfinished business then Nick and Maria. I think Maria could be sworn of relationships for a little while as she hasn't had much luck with men :(
(Charlie being killed,Liam dying,Nick heading off)
She is course to take Rita's title of the The Street Black widow I think :)
i dont think ses anyway near rita. Gail takes that title i think. After tony maria will become much stronger and will keep a distance from men for a while although im sure she wont be short of offers. According to the itv website ad sun website maria and nick storyline is far from dead and i would say the same about tony too. Something tells me we'll be seing him in 2010!!
I can't see Maria without a man she has always been linked to one in some kind of way. She seems to be someone who has always been dependent on one.
The only way I can see Maria being linked to Tony is if she is to become pregnant by him.
I can see maria without a man especially when she discovers the truth about tony. She become a different person and she will be strong because she has to for her son. I think when tony goes down for liams murder theres a chance he could breakout next year and if hes not in the right frame of mind he could kidnap baby liam or something but not to harm him. He see baby liam as hes son.
I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for maria after this - its never a dull or drama free moment with her around but untill then I wish samia and matt all the best with Freya too!
I can't see him kidnapping Liam as he would not want to cause any distress or harm to a baby that he now considers to be his 'son'.
ah but when your not in the right frame of mind your capable of anything and he doesn't have to take the baby to harm him it might be he just wants to see him or a way for him to see maria again! The possibilties are endless!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hannelene
I couldn't see Tony doing that as I think he has done so much to hurt Maria already doing something to her child would be the last straw.
exactly she could flip and kill him herself!!
No way - at least I hope that doesn't happen
although marias not a murderer, i would quite like to see it happen that way or a simular way. Whatever happens tony will return next year and i think maria and he will meet again.........Quote:
Originally Posted by Hannelene
Coronation Street's Gray O’Brien says Tony loves Maria like he’s never loved anyone before… and he’ll do anything not to lose her!
Helen and Barry Connor turn up for baby Liam’s christening. Doesn’t it worry Tony that they disapprove of his relationship with Maria?
"Tony knows Helen and Barry hate him and have the potential to cause problems, but he has to go along with it for Maria’s sake."
Might they affect Maria’s feelings for him?
"Maria says it’s not up to them how she lives and Barry and Helen will have to deal with their relationship. But when they start to stick their oar in it may be a different story."
Is he worried he’ll have to move out like he did last time the Connors came?
"If Maria asked him to go he’d be distraught that she might be thinking of ending things. Maria and the baby mean everything to him – and he’s so close to getting what he wants."
The word’s out that Tony proposes to Maria. At what point does he decide this?
"He and Maria had a fantastic time in Paris and he loves looking after Liam – he’s right there doing the nappies and the feeds. He sees them as his family and he wants everyone else to."
Why does he propose when they‘re at Liam’s graveside of all places?
"They’re at the grave on the anniversary of Liam’s death when Maria tells Tony she wants to look to the future. He realises he’s never felt like this about anyone before and proposes. It’s impulsive and not planned at all."
Is he confident Maria will say yes?
"Well, she does! It’s a very tender moment where they can both see how much they love each other."
Will he want to officially adopt baby Liam?
"Maria has the idea and Tony’s moved by it."
How does he feel knowing it’s been a year since he had Liam killed?
"He feels immense guilt."
Tony gets his first warning that Carla’s still out there with his secret. What happens?
"Luke gets a call from Carla’s solicitor about her shares in the factory. It seems Luke’s defaulted on his payment for Carla’s shares in the business and now his shares have defaulted back to her. When Tony finds out he’s gutted."
Did Tony think Carla was out of his life for ever… And is he scared she’ll return and cause trouble?
"He had hoped she was out of his life for ever but he was obviously wrong…"
Word is Tony will set up Jimmy to kill Carla when she does return. Would Tony really kill again?
"He’ll do whatever it takes to protect himself and his family dream and if Carla gets in the way he’ll have to get rid of her… Tony’s capable of anything when pushed."
http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/cor...-to-maria/7109
Coronation Street's Samia Smith reveals more about Tony Gordon’s graveside proposal to Maria Connor on the anniversary of Liam’s death
Is Maria surprised by Tony’s proposal?
Maria is not expecting it at all. She’s totally taken aback but she says yes immediately. I think she just sees it as not having to cope on her own anymore. Tony’s been amazing with little Liam and he will be the perfect dad to him. So she sees as a way out really.
Liam’s grave is a bit of a weird place to propose isn’t it? It’s not very romantic.
Yeah. I was really shocked when I heard it. I couldn’t believe it but I suppose it’s good for the drama.
One minute Maria hated Tony and accused him of killing Liam, the next she is marrying him. How has that been to play?
It is a challenge but it’s been really good. I’ve really enjoyed it. The past two years I have enjoyed the whole storyline building up so it is really good, and nice to be able to see it through to the end.
We're going to find out more about what Tony’s been up to in the coming weeks. Will there be plenty of fireworks?
Definitely. It’s not going to be bliss for long.
You are pregnant with your first child which is due imminently. Have you had any cravings?
Sweet things. Nutella on everything but I have tried to curb it. I have been trying to eat lots of fruit and get my five a day.
So have you been putting Nutella on your fruit and veg?!
I have been dipping Cadburys Fingers in Nutella. It’s really nice actually. And I have been smearing it on digestive biscuits. I don’t know about fruit.
Do you have a name picked out for the baby?
We have but we are going to wait and see what the baby looks like. We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl yet. It’s all a big surprise.
Have any of the cast been giving you tips on motherhood?
Yeah, because there have been loads of babies born in the past couple of years, so I’ve been getting lots of advice off everyone.
Didn’t you have your real-life midwife with you when you were filming Maria giving birth?
I did, yeah. Gemma. She’s really good. She’s actually having a baby of her own now so even she’s caught the bug!
So was it almost a dress rehearsal for the real thing?
Yeah, definitely. All fun and games.
Next year marks your 10th anniversary in Weatherfield. How would you like to see Maria develop?
I don’t know. I’ve not got a clue how she is going to be brought back yet and I don’t think the writers have because we have not decided how long I’m going to have off with the baby. I think it will probably be a bit of a fresh start for her when she comes back because Tony will be off the scene. So she will be on her own and hopefully starting afresh.
http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/samia_smith_extra
Samia Smith, who plays Coronation Street's Maria Gordon, is featured in the latest edition of OK! Magazine. There's pictures of Samia with her new baby girl Freya.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ieqsyxnYlN...-h/18056_1.jpg
From:http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.com/
Oh thought it was gonna be pics of the baby hahahaha :p
Aww she so sweet
We know childbirth is no walk in the park for mothers, but spare a thought for the poor dads!
Actress Samia Smith, who gave birth to baby Freya by Caesarean three months ago, has revealed that hubby Matt fainted during the operation.
Speaking to Matt during an interview with OK! magazine, Samia said: "You fainted, didn't you! I remember asking Matt: 'What have we got?!' And he looked like he was going to throw up and said: 'I don't know.'"
She added: "I turned one way to talk to the anaesthetists, and then back because the midwife was bringing Freya over, and I said: 'Where's Matt?' and she said: 'He's down here,' and he was on the floor!"
Matt said: "When they'd put her on the birthing table the surgeon asked if I wanted to cut the chord. I said no, and I felt a bit sick, so they sat me down on the floor."
The actress, known for her role as Maria Connor in the soap, had been hoping for a natural birth, but had to have a Caesarean because her daughter was breech.
She said: "The surgeon who performed it was like Edward Scissorhands and had Freya out in four minutes."
From:http://holysoap.five.tv/coronationst...-at-birth-5145
Maria Connor hasn't had the best luck with men. After all, her knight in shining armour Tony Gordon turned out to be a cold-blooded killer.
But has she learned from her mistake? Has she heck!
Actress Samia Smith has hinted that there could be a liaison in store for the sweet-natured hairdresser and Chris Gray (Will Thorp), the wife-beating and clearly very bad news hubby of Cheryl.
Samia revealed: "She had a little flirtation with Chris a couple of weeks back. You think that's the end of it but there's a question mark over it. Is it going to be that cut and dried that she'll stay away? Will that be the end of it? Probably, knowing Maria, it won't.
"I think she thinks she can fix these bad boys but she's never fixed any of them. She's never had any luck with any men. If I were her I'd give up!"
But the actress would love for her long-suffering character to find a bit of happiness for once.
"I'd like her to be happy for a while at least. It's always interesting to play her when she's going through a drama but it'll be nice to see her settled for a little bit."
Coronation Street hairdresser Maria Connor is to feature in a hard-hitting new storyline with Weatherfield newcomer Frank Foster, it has been revealed.
The single mum - played by Samia Smith - will be in danger of a sex attack at the hands of Frank while visiting his home in a forthcoming edition of the soap, according to The Sun.
Frank is introduced to the cobbles as a new Underworld contact in this week's episodes, and it is thought that Maria is soon given the task of charming him into making a big order after she starts working as factory boss Carla Connor's personal assistant.
However, sources say that Frank will turn nasty while spending time alone with Maria at his house, telling her: "If you want this deal you'll have to be nice to me."
With Frank coming on strongly and making his intentions clear, the episode in question is expected to cut away from the scene and leave viewers to wonder whether he will rape Maria.
A show source said: "Time will tell how bad Frank's character will be - but he's a ladies' man and no Weatherfield woman will be safe from his interest."
Details of Frank's character first emerged last November, when it was revealed that former Bill actor Andrew Lancel had landed the part.
Maria certainly meets more than her fair share of psychos.
She should have stuck with Tyrone...
Coronation Street actress Samia Smith has spoken about filming an upcoming sex attack on her character Maria Connor.
The plot will see Maria attempting to close an Underworld deal with Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) by visiting his house. However, the dark scenes will then see her attacked by the businessman.
"It's all been very dramatic. It was pretty tough and there have been plenty of tears. Maria's a tough cookie though," Smith told The Mirror. "She'll be fine. Her little boy Liam is alright, she's got a new boyfriend and I am sure it will make her stronger.
"The way the director shot it is quite graphic. Even the crew were flinching a bit because they didn't like to see me being treated like that. I had to fight Andrew off - and he's quite strong is Andrew! He's so lovely though and it was tough for him, too."
She continued: "It was the first day we had actually worked together and I'd only met him briefly before. Then the second scene we filmed was Frank trying to sexually assault Maria."
Explaining how the attack comes about, the actress went on to reveal that Maria will be left unsure if she should tell her sister-in-law Carla or new boyfriend Chris Gray.
"Maria is in a Catch-22 situation and everything is resting on her clinching the deal," she said. "She goes to his house but doesn't tell Chris her boyfriend she's going alone without Carla, and then Foster assaults her when she won't 'be nice' to him.
"The next day at Underworld she doesn't know whether to tell Carla what happened because she doesn't want to risk the deal but she also wants him to get his comeuppance. She can't tell Chris because she doesn't want him to think badly of her because she went round all dressed up knowing full well she was meant to charm him... so will he say she was asking for it?"
However, Smith added that playing a rape victim in a previous role meant that she could draw from research she had already completed.
"That still happens so much when girls are raped or sexually attacked and they are too scared to go to the police because they think that by dressing in a certain way that's what will be said," she added. "But no girl is ever asking for it. There are still lots of girls scared to report these things so it would be good if there could be a helpline up at the end of the episode. I hope I do justice to real victims.
"When I was 17, I was in Heartbeat and my character got raped. It was really hard-hitting. Before that I'd watched a lot of documentaries about rape victims, so I could draw on that again."
DS
Samia Smith has said that she will always be grateful for the opportunities that she has had starring in Coronation Street.
PA reports that the actress, who has portrayed Maria Connor in the Weatherfield soap for 11 years, told an audience at the launch of the Home Heat Helpline's winter campaign that she never forgets how lucky she has been to have a successful regular job.
Smith explained: "I think it's just all sorts of luck and circumstance that get you to where you are now. I suppose everything happens for a reason.
"I don't take it for granted at all. Fortunately I'm in a position where I don't need to worry about my fuel bills, but never say never... if I wasn't in Corrie I'd be a jobbing actress, struggling!"
She added: "When I see dramas on the telly that I really enjoy watching I have a moment where I think, 'Oh that could be nice', but Corrie's been brilliant and I can't complain at all with the storylines I've been given.
"It's every actor's dream to be given challenging stories so I'm happy there."
Coronation Street's upcoming sex attack scenes were so "graphic" they reduced Samia Smith to tears.
The actress - whose alter-ego Maria Connor is subject to a brutal assault by new businessman Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) when she attempts to land a big deal for her boss Carla Connor (Alison King) - admitted even the crew were "flinching" while the scenes were being shot.
She explained: "It's all been very dramatic. It was pretty tough and there have been plenty of tears. The way the director shot it is quite graphic. Even the crew were flinching a bit because they didn't like to see me being treated like that. I had to fight Andrew off - and he's quite strong is Andrew!
"He's so lovely though and it was tough for him, too. It was the first day we had actually worked together and I'd only met him briefly before. Then the second scene we filmed was Frank trying to sexually assault Maria."
Despite the tough time Maria has gone through during her years on Coronation Street - including being widowed after just eight months of marriage, bedding her husband's killer and giving birth to a stillborn baby - Samia thinks it would be "boring" to play a happy character.
She added: "I trust the writers. I can't complain at what I'm given because it's always really challenging. The trials and tribulations have been really interesting to play and it would get boring if she was always happy."
Corrie beauty Samia Smith may have her hands full already, starring in a hit soap and bringing up daughter Freya, but she also hopes to find time to hit the books.
The actress, who plays single mum Maria Connor, revealed she's always regretted not being able to complete her studies in psychology after joining the soap 11 years ago.
"It's a little niggle I've always got that I want to do my Open University and finish my psychology course off," she said.
"I was at college when I started Corrie and because it's quite demanding and a full-time job I couldn't finish it."
Samia, who's recently been filming gruelling scenes for an upcoming sex attack storyline, added: "I think it would help me with my acting. It would, definitely."
The 28-year-old - who is currently supporting the Home Heat Helpline's winter campaign to help low-income households save money on energy bills - said she's loving her challenging storylines on Corrie.
There is, however, one TV show Samia would be happy to give it all up for.
"I'm addicted to 24 so if Jack Bauer calls, then I'll be off Corrie I'm afraid. A nice Mancunian girl at CTU, that'd be great," she joked.
"But I don't think they're doing any more 24s, so I think Corrie's safe."
Jack Bauer would have been handy in that tram crash though.
Samia Smith has said that she does not want to offend the Coronation Street audience with her upcoming sexual assault plot.
The 28-year-old actress, who portrays Maria Connor in the ITV1 soap, insisted that she is "hyper-aware" of the responsibility she has with the "hard-hitting" storyline.
Next month, the fictional single mum will be attacked and raped by newcomer Frank Foster in her home.
She told PA: "A few years ago my first kind of hard-hitting storyline was when Maria had the stillborn baby and it sort of makes you really hyper-aware that other people have been through it, so you kind of want to do it justice.
"It's the same with this one really. Sexual assault is a very serious issue, so I want to do it justice and hopefully not offend people who have been sexually assaulted."
The star also admitted that filming the disturbing scenes alongside former Bill actor Andrew Lancel has been "a bit tricky".
Smith added: "I think he's obviously really enjoying the challenge of it but it's also a bit tricky coming in and playing an instant baddie.
"They are long hours, they're 12 hour days that we do so it's tiring but it's sort of exhilarating as well because you're getting your script and when you've done it, hopefully you're going to be proud of what you've done. It's a really important storyline as well. I think it's nice to tackle hard-hitting topics."
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has confirmed that she will be staying with the soap for at least another year.
The actress, who plays hairdresser Maria Connor, told the Manchester Evening News that she recently landed a new deal with the ITV1 show and is pleased with what the future holds.
Speaking of Maria's forthcoming storylines, Smith commented: "I've just signed up for another year, which is exciting. I think there's going to be lots of drama for her."
She added: "You'll have watch out for her love life."
Earlier this year, Maria was tipped to be left heartbroken in a future plot as her boyfriend Chris Gray will apparently reunite with estranged wife Cheryl before leaving the street with her.
Other reports have stated that the development comes after Chris is diagnosed with a brain tumour.
In February, Smith pledged her future to Coronation Street by explaining that she had no plans to leave the soap.
She said at the time: "I don't take it for granted at all… When I see dramas on the telly that I really enjoy watching I have a moment where I think, 'Oh that could be nice', but Corrie's been brilliant and I can't complain at all with the storylines I've been given. It's every actor's dream to be given challenging stories so I'm happy there."
Smith has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2000.
Coronation Street star Samia Smith has revealed that there are big storylines planned for her character Maria Connor over the next 12 months.
The actress recently signed a new deal with the ITV1 soap, which will keep her in Weatherfield for another year.
Speaking on Lorraine about life at Coronation Street, Smith commented: "It's brilliant - I never get bored. Maria is always in the more gritty drama side of Corrie, rather than the comedy side. That's lovely to be involved in, but it's also more challenging to do the dramatic stuff."
The 29-year-old said that she is thrilled over her new contract as "there's some really exciting stuff coming up" for Maria.
Asked whether that was her main motivation for renewing her Coronation Street deal, she replied: "Yeah. It always is - if you know you're going to be involved in some great storylines, then there's absolutely no reason to leave."
She added: "It's perfect - you get to act all year round. That's really unusual for an actor."
Maria's current Coronation Street plot sees her facing heartbreak as her boyfriend Chris Gray is seriously ill. Will Thorp, who plays the character, will leave the show later this year.
Not keen on the character but really not keen on the actress, sorry Samia :(
Samia Smith has said that it was a "no-brainer" to renew her Coronation Street contract.
Earlier in the summer, the actress confirmed that she had signed up for another year in the ITV1 serial, teasing that there is "lots of drama" to come for Maria Connor.
Smith told Star magazine that she had not been nervous about finding out if she would be given a new contract by bosses.
"I'm quite chilled out and I sort of knew what they had planned for my character long-term," she said. "So it was a bit of a no-brainer to stay, really."
Teasing her upcoming plots, the 29-year-old told the magazine: "There's something really quite exciting on the horizon, but it's top-secret I'm afraid. But it might involve a man."
Smith quipped: "The trouble is, Maria's had everyone on the Street apart from Norris."
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has promised that her character Maria Connor will be involved in "explosive" scenes in 2012.
Maria will be among the Weatherfield residents who have a big role to play when evil Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) stands trial for raping Carla Connor (Alison King) early next year.
The hairdresser has first hand experience of Frank's nasty side as he previously tried to force himself on her during an informal business meeting at his home.
Ghadie, who is mum to 2-year-old Freya, told OK Extra: "Since coming back from maternity leave, I haven't been involved in anything too demanding. I've been able to spend quite a bit of quality time with Freya.
"It's all going to kick off next year, when Maria gets involved in Frank's rape trial. There will be some explosive viewing."
She continued: "I've just signed for another year, so you'll be seeing plenty more of Maria! I love the show and I've been given some great storylines. I'm not thinking about anything else - it doesn't feel like the right time to leave at the moment."
Coronation Street fans have seen Frank grow closer to Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor) in recent weeks, sparking fears that she could be his next target.
i see shes back to her old name.
Quote:
Maria Connor will be involved in "explosive" scenes in 2012
But will it rock the COBBLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Quote:
It's all going to kick off next year, when Maria gets involved in Frank's rape trial. There will be some explosive viewing."
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has hinted that she would like her character Maria Connor's life to go wrong again this year.
The actress and mum-of-one confirmed that she prefers sad storylines for Maria as she finds them more challenging to play.
Speaking to Take It Easy about her ambitions, Ghadie explained: "There are loads of things I'd like to do. I'd love a storyline I can get my teeth into. I've been quiet lately, but the plus side is I've been able to spend quality time with [my daughter] Freya, so it's been like having the best of both worlds."
She continued: "I'd like to play Maria being happy, but the downside of that is it's rather boring. I mean, Maria is never really happy and it's when she's at her saddest that it's the most fun for me to play her.
"I'm a bit of a sadist in that way, because it's more dramatic. It's great when everything is going right - but it's more challenging when everything is going wrong."
Coronation Street viewers will see Maria involved in Frank Foster's (Andrew Lancel) rape trial next week - hoping that the businessman will be sent to prison for his dark crime.
Ghadie said: "Frank tried to rape Maria about a year ago before he raped Carla, so I have to go in the witness box. As it unfolds, there's a lot more to the whole thing and it gets very dark."
Coronation Street continues tonight at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV1.
Oh please, God, no, I can't stand her whining voice when she is happy let alone when she is miserable, which seems to be most of the time anyway. :thumbsdow
Samia Ghadie has revealed that she hopes to stay in Coronation Street for the foreseeable future.
The actress - who plays hairdresser Maria Connor in the ITV1 soap - said that she has no plans to swap acting for an appearance in a reality TV show.
"It's simple really, I've got a job I love in Coronation Street, an institution, and I'm privileged to be in it, why would I want to do anything else?," she told the Manchester Evening News.
The 29-year-old added that she is hoping that Maria will have a successful romance in the soap soon after failed affairs and relationships with factory boss Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) and builders Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward) and Chris Gray (her real life boyfriend Will Thorp).
She said: "It's about time she had a bit more romance, she deserves it so don't give up on her finding true love yet!"
Samia Ghadie said earlier this year that she is hoping for "sad" scenes for her character Maria in Coronation Street.
The actress was granted a divorce from former husband Matt Smith in November, before deciding to revert to her maiden name Ghadie.
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has revealed that people think she's a hairdresser in real life.
The actress, who plays Maria Connor in the ITV1 soap, is often approached by confused fans who believe her character is real.
http://i1.cdnds.net/12/19/618x411/so...rie_7875_3.JPG
© ITV
"I was in A&E once because I'd cut my eyebrow and was waiting to get it glued together. I was sitting with an ice pack on my head and this woman was trying to talk to me," Ghadie told the Daily Record.
"I thought she was trying to be funny because she was saying, 'I haven't had my hair done for ages, I need to come in and see you'. I thought, 'She obviously thinks I'm Maria'.
"But she didn't. She thought I worked at the hairdressers where she gets her hair done. She'd recognised my face but couldn't place it and just thought I washed her hair or I was the brusher-upper at the hairdresser."
Ghadie, who divorced Matt Smith in November last year and reverted to her maiden name, is still dating former co-star Will Thorp, who played Chris Gray.
Speaking of her character's love life, she added: "Maria never had any *success with blokes in the 12 years I've been on the show. Most of them just die on her.
"She's literally the kiss of death for male characters - Tony died, Liam died, Charlie died. Frank died."
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has landed a new deal with the soap, Digital Spy can reveal.
The actress, who plays Weatherfield hairdresser Maria Connor, will remain on the cobbles well into 2013 after signing another contract.
Ghadie today (May 24) told Digital Spy: "I've just signed until September next year, so I'll definitely be here until then. After that, who knows? But I've got no plans to leave at the moment."
The 29-year-old has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2000, when she was initially signed up on a three-month guest contract.
Reflecting on her early days at the programme, Ghadie added: "I thought I'd do my three months and then I'd be off. I was a jobbing actress when I joined and was really pleased to have a job for three months. I never imagined I'd still be here now."
Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor), Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) and Michelle Collins (Stella Price) are also thought to have recently secured new Coronation Street deals.
Check back next month for Digital Spy's full feature interview with Samia Ghadie.
Coronation Street's Maria Connor receives a wake-up call next week as Audrey Roberts points out that the hairdresser seems to be developing misguided feelings for close friend Marcus Dent.
Maria and Marcus (Charlie Condou) have spent a great deal of time together recently, and Audrey (Sue Nicholls) feels compelled to step in when she realises that her employee is becoming a little too fixated on the openly gay midwife.
Although Maria dismisses Audrey's concerns, she immediately feels awkward around Marcus as she privately accepts that her boss could be right. Knowing that she has no chance with Marcus, will Maria take a step back from him?
Here is an interview with Samia to hear her take on the story and more.
Maria's new storyline with Marcus is a surprising one! What was your initial reaction to it?
"Exactly that, really - surprise! Obviously you never really know what to expect at Corrie because anything can happen, but I never expected that she would fall for a gay guy!"
How would you describe the feelings Maria is having for Marcus? How serious are they?
"It's a tough one to describe, because Marcus is so good with Maria's son Liam and they've almost got a domestic relationship, because he's always helping her out and they've got such a close friendship. They genuinely just really get on.
"I don't think Maria realises that her feelings could be stronger than that until Audrey points it out. I don't really know where it's going or what's coming up, so it's hard to say how serious her feelings are at the moment. But I do know that Maria is completely freaked out when Audrey points it out!"
Is Maria feeling a physical attraction to Marcus?
"I think it's more him and his relationship with her and Liam that she's attracted to. Obviously Liam's dad isn't around and Marcus is the next best thing. Marcus loves Liam like Maria does - almost like his own - because he really wants a family. I think it's that family unit that Maria craves and that's what Marcus is providing for her."
Is it also because Maria is feeling lonely?
"No, I don't think she is feeling lonely - I think she's just getting on with things. She hasn't been out with anybody since Chris, so I think she's just having fun, getting on with it and spending time with her friends. She's got a good job, she's got Liam, and she's got good friends around her.
"So I don't think it's loneliness, I think it's more that Marcus thinks she's lonely and is encouraging her to go out, but the dates that he's setting her up on have just been disastrous so they're spending time together instead!"
Does Maria appreciate Audrey's advice?
"I think she's just totally taken aback. She says, 'Oh my God, no, I don't have feelings for him - he's my mate!' She doesn't understand why Audrey thinks that, but I guess it's quite obvious why she does, because Maria just talks about Marcus all the time and seems slightly amazed by him!"
Maria and Marcus have had scenes together for a while, so did you always know Maria would end up having a crush on him?
"We were told roughly the way it would go, so we sort of expected it would turn into something. It's been lovely working with Charlie - it's been brilliant."
Where would you like the story to go next?
"Well, I think ultimately Marcus is gay so it's going to end in tears for one or both of them eventually! I just hope they still have their friendship at the end of it. But I really don't know what's going to happen."
We've seen you on Corrie for 12 years now. Does it feel like that long?
"No, it doesn't - I'm 30 in July so it's quite scary, really! I was 17 when I joined so it just feels like my life is going really quickly! When I first joined, I was on a three-month contract. I thought I'd do my three months and then I'd be off. I was a jobbing actress when I joined and was really pleased to have a job for three months.
"I never imagined I'd still be here now, but I'm still really enjoying it. I think the show is going from strength to strength and it's got a brilliant mix of comedy and drama at the moment. For once, I'm involved in the lighter-hearted stuff, so that's nice!"
After so long on the show, do any particular moments or storylines stand out?
"I'd definitely say the period when Maria was with Liam. We had the Liam, Carla, Tony love triangle and it was a period of two years with this massive storyline, kicking off with her getting together with Liam and eventually resulting in Tony's demise. That was a really good time for me, because it was just constantly challenging, I was really busy and the storyline was fab - it had loads of twists and turns."
Maria worked at Underworld for a short time last year, but now she's back at the salon. Do you have a preference between the two?
"I think the salon is definitely where Maria's roots are - excuse the pun! She's also tried The Rovers as she was a barmaid there for a while a good few years ago. At Underworld, I think she's got quite bad memories due to Liam and Tony, and then obviously everything with Frank. I think the salon is where Maria is best!"
Would you like Maria to work her way up at the salon?
"Well, I think it's absolutely Maria's dream to own the salon. She did try a while ago and then Audrey decided not to sell, so I think Maria's waiting in the wings for when Audrey wants to retire. But I think she might have a battle on her hands with David if that happens!"
You mentioned Frank - a lot of our readers were surprised Maria wasn't a suspect for his murder earlier this year!
"I was as well, to be fair! I think I was just a bit quiet then - I had a bit of time off. I think Maria was just keeping her head down at that point - she was busy with Liam!"
We also often see quite a few comments from people who'd love to see Maria and Tyrone get back together…
"A lot of people say that, yeah! She could save him from Kirsty, couldn't she? I really love working with Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone, because he's like a brother in real life. I've known him forever so it's always good working with him, and I do love Maria and Tyrone scenes."
Would you like Maria to find the right man and settle down eventually, or would that be too boring to play?
"I think for Maria, it would be lovely to see her settled with somebody, but obviously it's more interesting for me to play when things go wrong.
"At the same time, though, I'm quite glad I've not had to cry for a while! I went through a phase of about two years where I was constantly in tears. I was even listening to really depressing music to make myself cry on set! So it's nice at the moment to wear nice clothes and make-up and not have to cry all the time."
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has predicted that Maria Connor would "be in a mental home by now" in real life.
The character has been at the centre of several explosive storylines since arriving in Weatherfield in 2000, including giving birth to a stillborn baby, falling victim to a rape attempt by Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) and becoming a widow when her husband Liam (Rob-James Collier) was murdered in a hit and run.
© ITV
© ITV
"You could write a book about what's happened to Maria," The Sun quotes her as saying. "If that happened in real life, she'd have ended up in a mental home by now."
Maria could be set to find happiness with Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) after the pair kiss in upcoming episodes, but Ghadie said that filming the scene was more awkward than romantic.
© ITV
"Ryan and I are such good mates," she explained. "We get on so well. So when Maria starts getting very friendly with Jason it feels weird kissing Ryan.
"It's like kissing my brother. You don't get nervous, you just laugh a lot as it does feel so strange."
Ghadie claimed earlier this year that she enjoys Maria's sad plots as they are "the most fun for [her] to play".
The actress signed a deal in May to stay on Coronation Street until 2013.
Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has predicted that Maria Connor would "be in a mental home by now" in real life.
The character has been at the centre of several explosive storylines since arriving in Weatherfield in 2000, including giving birth to a stillborn baby, falling victim to a rape attempt by Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel) and becoming a widow when her husband Liam (Rob-James Collier) was murdered in a hit and run.
"You could write a book about what's happened to Maria," The Sun quotes her as saying. "If that happened in real life, she'd have ended up in a mental home by now."
Maria could be set to find happiness with Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) after the pair kiss in upcoming episodes, but Ghadie said that filming the scene was more awkward than romantic.
"Ryan and I are such good mates," she explained. "We get on so well. So when Maria starts getting very friendly with Jason it feels weird kissing Ryan.
"It's like kissing my brother. You don't get nervous, you just laugh a lot as it does feel so strange."
Ghadie claimed earlier this year that she enjoys Maria's sad plots as they are "the most fun for [her] to play".
The actress signed a deal in May to stay on Coronation Street until 2013.
Yes I agree she should be kept in a mental home