Coronation Street has always thrived on scandal, forbidden romances, and shock revelations, but the soap has truly outdone itself with the latest development in Carl Webster’s tangled love life.

Fans tuning into Friday’s early ITVX release were left reeling when Carl, who has already been juggling a messy affair with Abi Webster and flirtations with Tracy Barlow, was revealed to have taken yet another secret lover – James Bailey.

The episode begins deceptively calmly, with Abi reluctantly packing her bags for Mallorca.

Her husband Kevin, recovering from his health scare earlier this year, has been eager to get away for some quality family time.

What Kevin doesn’t know, however, is that Abi has been dragging her heels on the trip for a very different reason. Behind Kevin’s back, Abi has been seeing none other than his younger brother Carl, a revelation that shocked viewers earlier this summer. In Friday’s episode, Abi finally boards her flight, believing her relationship with Carl is secure and hidden – only for the rug to be pulled from under her.

The real drama unfolds once Abi is out of the picture. Tracy Barlow, never one to shy away from meddling or stirring trouble, seizes the opportunity to drop by Carl’s hotel room. She doesn’t mince her words either, making it abundantly clear that she wants to start something physical with him. But while Tracy expects Carl to give in, he instead sends her away. His rejection seems uncharacteristic at first – why would Carl, known for his reckless charm and love of danger, suddenly turn down such an easy opportunity?

The answer soon becomes apparent, and it is one that leaves jaws on the floor. No sooner has Tracy left than viewers are shown James Bailey, lounging casually in Carl’s bed. The two share a playful intimacy that makes it clear this wasn’t their first flirtation, even if it’s the first time they’ve acted on it. Their chemistry has been simmering for weeks, cleverly hinted at through shared gym sessions and witty banter, but few could have predicted the writers would pull the trigger on such a shocking liaison.

This bombshell revelation doesn’t just deepen Carl’s already complicated storyline – it threatens to unravel everything he’s been hiding. Abi, who has risked her marriage for him, has no idea he’s already moved on to someone else. Tracy, who prides herself on being in the know, has been made a fool of. And James, who has only recently been given more screen time after months on the sidelines, is suddenly thrust into the thick of Weatherfield’s hottest scandal. The writers have effectively turned Carl into the new chaos agent of the cobbles, and viewers are here for every second of it.