Coronation Street star Alison King has admitted that her character Carla Connor will feel "selfish" as she embarks on an affair with Peter Barlow in an upcoming storyline.

Carla is left thrilled in the coming days when Peter (Chris Gascoyne) confesses his true feelings for her and vows to leave wife Leanne (Jane Danson). However, he later gets cold feet and is unable to go through with the split - meaning that his relationship with Carla must remain a secret.

King told Inside Soap: "She tells him not to say these things to her unless he means them - but Peter is adamant. This is Carla's dream come true, and she finally gives in. He stays the night, though they don't actually sleep together.

"Carla's scared of the consequences, but she loves Peter and he's finally telling her everything she's wanted to hear. Not for one moment does she think he won't do as he says."

Discussing what happens when Peter chooses not to leave Leanne, the actress continued: "Carla does start to realise how difficult it would be if the shoe was on the other foot, and she feels selfish. But now that she's had a taste of what she and Peter could have together, she can't go back to not having him at all."

Coronation Street launches the latest storyline twist next Thursday in a special episode focusing on Peter.