Coronation Street viewers believe a Weatherfield resident is hiding a major secret: that Carl Webster works as a sex worker. The theory emerged after Carl (Jonathan Howard) produced a wallet crammed with banknotes, sparking suspicion among fans and fellow characters alike.
Carl's cash stash raises questions
Carl first appeared on the ITV soap in 2025 as the long-lost brother of Kevin (Michael Le Vell) and Debbie (Sue Devaney). He quickly stirred up drama, embarking on an affair with Kevin's wife Abi (Sally Carman) and allowing Debbie to be imprisoned for an offence he had committed, before learning she is actually his biological mother.
In recent episodes, Carl's neighbour and Rovers Return landlady Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) was rushed to hospital after tumbling down the cellar stairs at the pub. An inquiry has begun, with both Carl and Debbie facing police questions.
Fans share their theory online
Carl told police he had helped Eva with tidying because she was unwell before returning home, according to the Daily Star. But when Debbie mentioned buying flowers for Eva, Carl pulled out a wallet stuffed with banknotes, making Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) and Kevin suspicious that he might have stolen from the pub before Eva's fall.
Upcoming spoilers reveal police bring Carl in for questioning about the incident. While he maintains his innocence, fans are convinced they have worked out the real reason behind his hidden cash.
Escort theory gains traction
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, viewers speculated the Weatherfield resident might be earning money as a sex worker. One person posted: "I think that Carl is working as an escort and sleeping with the dates for extra money and that's how he has so much money in his wallet."
Another responded: "Ohh nice. Like the sound of that theory." A third added: "I was thinking something like OnlyFans but yeah could be an escort." Others agreed, with one writing "Yes could be, good thought," and another saying "Good shout, I thought this too." A sixth concurred: "Oooo I like that theory, that would be interesting."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
