Coronation Street star Shayne Ward has revealed that Carla Connor's comeback storyline is even being kept secret from the cast.

Show bosses recently delighted fans by announcing that Alison King is making a return as Carla, who was last seen in Weatherfield in May 2016.

Shayne's character Aidan will be reunited with his half-sister when Carla arrives back at Christmas, but the actor still has no idea what to expect.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media at a Coronation Street press day, Shayne enthused: "I'm very excited about Carla coming back – we all are. No-one knows what is going to happen when she comes back, and I like that it's a secret.

"For me personally, she is one of the most captivating actresses I've ever watched on screen. She was in my first scene with Ben Price and she just made me feel so relaxed.

"That is what I've loved about my two years of being here at Corrie – as much work as we have to do, every actor makes you feel so relaxed and if I am struggling with how to deliver a certain line, I don't feel embarrassed whereas I would have once.

"I learn every day. Ali helped me with that from the get-go and she helped me a hell of a lot."

Corrie's producer Kate Oates has vowed to take Carla in a new direction when she returns – which will include some unexpected tension with Michelle.

"It's time to break new ground with Carla. I didn't want to put her on that familiar cycle of self-destruction, recovery, followed by more self-destruction," Kate told Radio Times last month.

"What we'll have instead are these two strong Connor women – Carla and Michelle – on opposing sides and in conflict for a change. It'll be a refreshing dynamic for us to see."


Digital Spy