Coronation Street star Alison King previews Carla's shock Stephen discoveries
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Carla Barlow has her world turned upside-down this fortnight, as she finally discovers the truth about Stephen Reid drugging her.
As Stephen's evil plan to seize control of Underworld comes to light, Carla seeks support from the police but is shocked to discover that they're already investigating the villain for other crimes.
Carla is urged not to rock the boat as she could be jeopardising a murder investigation. However, with Jenny Connor currently in a relationship with Stephen and planning to leave the country with him, it's impossible for Carla to stay quiet.
Alison King, who plays Carla, recently caught up with Digital Spy and other media to preview the unmissable episodes ahead.
Does it hit Carla hard when she realises that Stephen drugged her?
"I don't think it hits Carla that hard, because out of absolutely everybody, she's the one who's always been onto him! As soon as he appeared in that office, she couldn't stand the sight of him, could she? So I think it's confirmation for her.
"At first, Carla thinks there's definitely a few people that it could have been – Stephen is linked with Sarah, and at times he's made the factory turn against Carla. So it could be many people.
"I like the way they've twisted it, so Carla is not sure if it could have been Rufus or Sarah or Stephen. But Carla has been onto Stephen from the off so I'm going to stick up for her!"
Can you describe what Carla went through when Stephen made her question her mental health?
"It would be hideous. It would be your worst nightmare ever to think that you were going to go down that rabbit hole again – something which Carla never, ever wants to do.
"That's why Carla has looked after herself – as well as Carla ever looks after herself – as much as she can. She keeps dangerous people like Stephen at arm's length, but she's not been able to here because Sarah has given him an 'in' at the factory.
"The realisation that it was Stephen is not shocking, but it's so hurtful and it was so premeditated by him. Stephen has got no excuses there. There's no kind of 'you made me do it' or 'you did this' or 'you did that to me first'.
"Stephen wanted what was Carla's and there was one easy way of getting it, so he's gone for the jugular there, hasn't he? That would be awful for Carla – to think she was going backward."
Carla speaks to the police, but they urge her not to rock the boat as they're already investigating Stephen for other crimes. How will Carla cope with that?
"The police say that Carla does need more evidence but that she shouldn't be doing anything about it. She shouldn't make him suspicious. Which, of course, Carla being Carla, she's gone and done straight away!
"So Carla has to backtrack on that and secretly suspect Stephen, but pretend everything is fine and apologise to him, which is really annoying! It makes her look like she's going a bit weird again, which is kind of what Stephen wants."
Is Carla becoming aware of just how dangerous Stephen is?
"I don't think Carla has an idea of just how dangerous Stephen is. She thinks it's mainly all about money and business – and that he wants to get that by any means. But I don't think she believes he's particularly violent. She doesn't trust him but I don't know whether she knows that he could kill people."
As the reality of the situation starts to hit home, though, does Carla worry that Jenny might be in danger?
"She loves Jenny. The first indication that Carla gets is when DS Swain says: 'Don't mention anything to him. Don't do anything about it, don't let Stephen know you're onto him'. Carla asks: 'Why, is he dangerous?'
"Of course, Carla jumps to the conclusion that Jenny will be in danger because he's started a relationship with her. She feels really torn as to whether to tell Jenny or not, because she doesn't want any more deaths on her hands than she's already got!"
Carla faces another shock when Stephen tricks Michael into transferring the Underworld funds to his account. How will she deal with Michael afterwards?
"Carla is really mean at first, but when she realises she needs him and he's a really good designer, she's like: 'Okay, you can stay!' She welcomes him back like a mummy figure."
Will Carla come out stronger from these setbacks, or will she be more damaged than ever before?
"All of the above, as usual! There will be an influx of all those things. The good thing is that Carla will have an answer one way or another about what's happened. The damage to the factory is one question – whether that's going to be able to be solved or not.
"With Carla, you always get the street against her. It's normally about money and people's livelihoods. I imagine that will be affected again from this, until Carla gets something sorted again with the factory."
How has it been to have so much drama surrounding Underworld?
"It's great! We love Underworld, don't we? It's been a slow burner and obviously Todd Boyce [who played Stephen] is amazing to work with. It's just been a joy and I just like wrapping it up and seeing it all come together.
"I loved watching these episodes. It's always nice when you've got the Platts just running around the street, just giving you brilliant one-liners! It's just too funny.
"Todd has worked really hard. He's supportive, kind and beautiful. He'd come in and go: 'Is everybody okay? You alright? I love what you do! Can I have a cuddle?' You're like: 'How are you still managing to be this supportive and beautiful with everyone when you've just flat out had nine scenes a day?'
"You'd ring him up and be like 'Are you okay?' and he'd say 'Yeah, I'm just learning my lines!'"
Check out more of our Coronation Street coverage:
Coronation Street confirms full details of Stephen Reid's exit week
Coronation Street star Todd Boyce breaks silence on Stephen Reid exit story
Coronation Street boss promises huge aftermath to Stephen Reid's exit
Coronation Street reveals possible death news for Sally Metcalfe
Coronation Street's Carla Barlow to receive police plea over Stephen Reid
Coronation Street teases Stephen Reid's exit week in 38 new spoiler pictures
Coronation Street's Stephen Reid and Peter Barlow face violent clash in exit week
Coronation Street's Stephen Reid finally confronted by Audrey Roberts
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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