Coronation Street star Alison King has shared her unusual nickname for one of her newest co-stars as she seemingly encouraged fans to keep talking about a potential storyline for her character Carla Connor.
Back in May, viewers of the ITV soap went wild over scenes between Carla and DS Lisa Swain, played by Vicky Myers. Despite Swain being the reason Carla’s friend Roy Cropper was behind bars at the time, over the suspected murder of missing teen Lauren Bolton, Carla was seen being sympathetic to the stressed-out detective and mum.
She did later return the favour, convincing Roy, who has since been released from prison but not before a terrifying ordeal with Griff Reynolds, to make up with his friend after he refused to speak to her over her and nephew Bobby Crawford’s attempts to put him in the clear.
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But still showing her nice side, a grateful Carla then offered Swain’s daughter, who we now know is Betsy, Sabrina’s mate who is blackmailing wrong’un Joel Deering, some work experience at the Underworld factory.
The scenes, however, sparked hope among fans that a romance could be on the cards for the pair, particularly after with Carla’s marriage to Peter Barlow coming to an end on over Christmas, leading to his exit from Weatherfield.
But previously speaking about what the future holds in terms of Carla’s love life, soap star Alison revealed that another relationship is the last thing on Carla’s mind. “I don’t think she’s ready for another relationship at all and she’s definitely not got her eye on anybody,” she said. “I don’t think she’s thought twice about it. I think it’s the last thing on her mind.”
Now though, the Corrie icon has directly addressed the ‘Swarla’ romance rumours. Asked what she thinks of the theory, Alison told Radio Times: “Unless they know something I don’t, as far as I know I don’t think it’s going that way! Though if the fans keep talking about it, the producers might get ideas!”
She added: “I believe it came from them sharing their softer sides recently to each other. They are two strong women, both at an important stage of their independent life having been through a hell of a lot and are reaching out to each other. Vicky Myers, who plays Swain, is amazing and been in Corrie for years. She’s been given more to do and deserves it.”
Alison was also asked about Betsy’s arrival, and how it’s not too long before the teen is blackmailing her. The 51-year-old gushed: “Sydney Martin, who plays her, is just gorgeous – my nickname for her is ‘Little Opera House’! I’ve never seen anyone in recent years of that age with so little experience hit the ground running as fast as she did.
“She listens, she asks questions, she’s learning so much all the time. That one is going to be a star, we’re so lucky to have people like Sydney coming up through the ranks. She’s got that teen energy down, and I’ve got a teen and I can tell you it’s all true! I think Betsy could turn out to be a blonde Carla!”
