Pics: Carla leaves and Jimmy kisses Nicola

We've known for a while now that Coronation Street's Alison King is to take a break from the ITV soap to give birth to her first child with boyfriend Adam Huckett. She actually finished filming just before Christmas and is now enjoying a nice relax.

However, her screen character Carla Gordon is still residing in Weatherfield, where she's becoming more and more frustrated with 'fruit loop' Maria Connor's (Samia Smith) ongoing accusations of murder towards Tony (Gray O'Brien). Following Jed's reappearance on the Cobbles next week, though, Carla soon begins to question her husband's innocence.

In a fortnight's time, Carla digs a little deeper into Tony's dealings and finally plucks up the courage to confront him. As she walks into Underworld, she's surprised that it's empty - apart from Tony, who bolts the door behind her. After a bitter confrontation, Tony's carefully weaved web of deceit snaps around him as he's goaded into confessing to Liam's murder. As a storm rages over Weatherfield, Carla begins to fear for her own safety and looks for a way out of the factory.

When Vicki (Wanda Opalinska) appears at Underworld to let them both know that she's returning to Poland, Carla seizes the opportunity to make a run for it. Panicking that he's about to lose his one true love, Tony rushes outside in the hope of preventing Carla from leaving. As you can see from my pictures below, his attempts result in a somewhat ironic turn of events.

So goodbye for now, Carla. Alison King will be returning to filming towards the back end of this year. In her absence, though, we have new factory boss Luke Strong to look forward to. Luke is to be played by Queer as Folk actor and Shipwrecked narrator Craig Kelly. Last week, I caught up with Craig to chat about his new role and I have to say I'm really looking forward to his arrival. From what he told me, his character's going to be the new, strong alpha male on the Street who's successful in everything he does and has a keen eye for the ladies. Check back next month for the interview.






These scenes air on Friday, February 6 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV1.

Over in Emmerdale, Jimmy (Nick Miles) and Nicola (Nicola Wheeler) enjoy each other's company over a drink at the beginning of next month. When they're asked to leave the Woolpack, Jimmy decides to buy some cans so they can continue their boozy session in the back of one of the Kings' trucks. Toasting their pathetic lives, Nicola takes Jimmy by surprise when she pecks him on the lips. Slightly hesitant at first, Jimmy soon throws himself into a full-on snog and they're soon romping in the back of the wagon. Is this the start of a new romance in the Dales?




These scenes air on Thursday, February 5 at 7pm on ITV1.

Meanwhile, EastEnders' Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) is quickly becoming fed up with Jane's (Laurie Brett) mother Linda's (Lynda Baron) presence in the family residence. When Linda overhears Ian mentioning sheltered accommodation, Ian and Jane are shocked they they hear a loud crash and rush through to the living room to find Linda collapsed on the floor. Ian's unconvinced by Linda's injuries and is determined to prove that she's faking it.

While she's asleep, he moves her food tray out of reach. Realising what her son-in-law has done, Linda uses her crutch to pull her sarnie towards her, while Ian and Jane discuss her in the kitchen. To prove a point, Linda 'accidentally' falls off the armchair during the retrieval.




These scenes air on Tuesday, February 3 at 7.30pm on BBC One.

And finally, I couldn't write this week's blog without using these 'aww'-inducing pictures. The McQueens are joined by a number of new arrivals in the household after Michaela (Hollie-Jay Bowes) interviews a woman who runs a kennel that's about to be closed down. Myra (Nicole-Barber Lane) isn't best pleased but can't bring herself to turf them out.




These scenes air on Wednesday, February 11 at 6.30pm on Channel 4.

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