Coronation Street fans believe they have worked out who could save Underworld as Carla Connor-Swain faces losing her business, with some suggesting a return to the cobbles.
Viewers of the ITV soap, filmed in Salford, have watched Carla face the loss of her livelihood, having first appeared in Underworld in 2006, almost 20 years ago, when she joined her then-husband, Paul Connor, in Weatherfield.
Idris Nazir's Plot
The factory boss is unaware that Idris Nazir is working to ensure she loses Underworld so he can take over, having recently acquired his own share in Speed Daal and become a business partner with his new girlfriend, Leanne Battersby.
After Carla admitted her business was struggling, and after a brief clash over street parking, Idris told Leanne he had been eyeing up the factory. When she said she could not imagine a time when Carla would not be in charge, Idris seemingly took it as a challenge.
Later, Idris overheard Carla talking to her wife, Lisa Connor-Swain, about an important meeting at the hotel. When the meeting appeared to go well for Carla and Michael Bailey, Idris intercepted the client during a loo break, telling him that Carla could not be trusted and was not the sort of person he should do business with.
When the client returned, Carla was taken aback by his cautious attitude, and later she was told the deal was not going ahead. Afterwards, Carla revealed to Lisa that she would have to sacrifice her workers' Christmas bonus to keep the factory afloat.
Factory Flooded
Things worsened as, while Carla came clean to her staff about the business' struggles, Idris met with Brody Michaelis at the rear of the factory and, handing him a lighter, told him he had a job for him. After stealing a set of factory keys from his foster carer, Sally Dynevor, Brody headed to Underworld, activated the sprinkler system, and made his escape through the back door.
Sally raised the alarm to Carla, who rushed over to find all her stock damaged and water flowing throughout the building. Viewers later saw Lisa supporting Carla, who had told her workers she had no choice but to shut the factory and could only pay them a month's wages.
Fan Theories
While many fans think Lisa's daughter, Betsy Swain, could come to the rescue, others think the upcoming return of Owen Armstrong could be tied into Carla's storyline, or that the show will delve more into Lisa's past.
@terrilindsay said: "Plot twist Mysterious person invests in Underworld and saves the day. Turns out to be Lisa’s mum. I’m just thinking out loud to avoid doing some actual work…. ignore me…. as you were. #Swarla." @joan94868 commented: "Now that we are further in here's how I write it: Carla gets an anyomous investment of cash for Underworld. Christmas day a woman knocks on the door asks for Carla & says she is the investor. Lisa walks up to the door & says Mom what are you doing here?"
Meanwhile, @Fake_TV_Chef shared: "What if Owen invests in Underworld? Hearing that Izzy is out of a job if the factory isn't saved—and wanting to help provide for Jake while Gary is in prison—he makes his move, revealing himself as the angel investor upon his return in January. #Swarla #Corrie." @JackCur65042730 replied: "That could be a possibility but also help gary with ross."
But @sadlatimer added: "lisa’s about to get michelle on the phone to come for a visit and help out a bit bc she knows underworld and has worked there before."
