'Coronation Street' star Sue Cleaver expected "nasty" Eileen boyfriend

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has admitted that she feared show bosses were lining up a "nasty" new love interest for her character Eileen Grimshaw.

Eileen was first tipped for a new romance storyline some time ago, and last Friday's double bill saw the plot finally begin as she was bowled over by Weatherfield firefighter Paul.

Cleaver has now told TV Times that she initially expected heartbreak for Eileen when she first heard that a love twist was on the way for the factory worker.

She explained: "I thought, 'Oh God, here we go again! This is going to be a nightmare, it'll all go horribly wrong and he'll be a nasty piece of work'. But I'm thrilled to be working with Tony Hirst, who plays Paul, and the storyline is fantastic. It hasn't been done before."

Coronation Street bosses have confirmed that Paul is hiding a big secret which could affect his chances with Eileen.

Next week's episodes see Eileen left furious when she discovers that Paul is married, but it soon transpires that the situation is much more complicated than it seems.

Cleaver added: "I can't say exactly what the situation is with Paul, but it's a really interesting dilemma… Potentially, he could be [the one]. He ticks all the boxes and he's lovely and kind. There's just one obstacle standing in their way, but it's a very big obstacle."

Coronation Street resolves the mystery of Paul's secret on Friday, October 21 at 7.30pm on ITV1.

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Watch a video preview of Thursday night's Coronation Street episode below: