Coronation Street fans have been left reeling with sympathy for the iconic Carla Connor, following a particularly brutal revelation in the aftermath of the dramatic Corriedale crossover event.
A Betrayal Revealed on a Painful Day
The soap's loyal audience quickly pinpointed a crushing detail after Tuesday night's episode aired on ITV1. As factory boss Carla, played by Alison King, learned the devastating truth that her girlfriend Lisa had slept with her tormentor Becky Swain, fans realised this emotional blow landed on Carla's 51st birthday, a fact not mentioned on screen.
This revelation came just a day after the massive car crash that concluded the special Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover, which claimed the life of vicar Billy Mayhew. Carla had been in a car with DC Kit Green after being rescued from imprisonment in a shipping container by Becky, the wife of Lisa who had recently returned from the dead.
From Physical Recovery to Emotional Wreckage
Initially, things seemed hopeful for Carla when a doctor confirmed she had sustained "no long-term damage" from the accident. However, returning to her home at Number 6 proved impossible as she sought answers about Becky's taunts.
Confronting Lisa, Carla asked directly if she had slept with Becky. Lisa's silent, telling look was confirmation enough. A devastated Carla responded, "I can't. It's too much... You slept with her! You were gonna run away with her and start a new life with her," before walking out.
Fans Rally for Soap Icon
Viewers immediately took to social media to express their heartbreak for the beloved character, especially noting the cruel timing. One fan pointed out, "So if Corriedale was set on Jan 2nd, we’ve just witnessed Carla find out Lisa & Becky slept together on her birthday?"
Another added, "Yes, Happy Birthday to Carla, who hasn't had a chance to enjoy her birthday for a 2nd year in a row, due to circumstances outside her control." Prior to the episode, a supporter had already joked about her plight, writing, "Happy birthday to Queen C even tho she has to spend it currently in a shipping container."
The episode also showed the aftermath of the crash, where Carla heroically helped get Betsy and Becky out of the wreckage before Lisa, who was trapped, was rescued by the combined efforts of both soap's characters. In a final twist, Lisa used a goodbye kiss from Becky as a chance to handcuff and arrest her for her crimes, with Carla adding "kidnapping" to the charges.
Coronation Street continues to air weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
