Coronation Street fans are shipping Maggie Driscoll and Brian Packham as the unlikely new couple #Braggie, following a series of warm moments between the pair. The potential romance between the acid-tongued Rovers Return landlady and the former headmaster turned Kabin proprietor has captured viewers' imaginations.
An unlikely pairing
On paper, the pair seem mismatched. Brian is described as a big cuddly teddy bear, while Maggie is more like a praying mantis – she killed her last husband by pushing him down the stairs. Her late husband Alan wouldn't stop talking about the fact that Ben Driscoll wasn't really his son, but the result of her fling with Coronation Street legend Jim McDonald.
Given her history with Weatherfield's iconic poster boy for toxic masculinity and moustaches, Brian – with his interests in the local community and UFO spotting – might seem like a step down. His quirks could get on Maggie's nerves, and she has a vicious temper. Viewers saw how far Maggie would go to protect her family when she attacked Megan Walsh, the paedophile who groomed her grandson Will Driscoll.
How they bonded
The pair bonded at a craft ale promotion at the Rovers. There have been warm moments between them recently, sharing fond memories of their favourite boiled sweets and crisps. Viewers detected a spark between the pair.
This week, Ben and Ollie Driscoll had an awkward moment when they saw a post-coital man coming down the stairs with a dishevelled Maggie. But it was more awkward for Brian, who walked in on Maggie giving Eva Price a less-than-stellar review of his sexual exploits.
Fan reaction
Corrie fans took to Instagram to ship the Cobbles' newest power couple. One user commented: 'Maggie & Brian I ship it, they can be Braggie'. Another noted: 'Maggie looks like a new woman.'
Not all reviews were rave. One fan thought Brian walking in on Maggie criticising his sexual prowess might be the best thing that ever happened to him. 'Tbh she's done Brian a favour, She doesn't deserve Brian. Brian's a nice decent bloke, she isn't!'
Another fan hoped the pairing might soften Maggie: 'I hope they develop Brian and Maggie's situationship. Maybe Maggie will soften and tone down her vile cruelty towards Eva'.
