While the drama on Coronation Street never takes a day off, some storylines cut closer to the bone—and this one’s no exception. Abi and Kevin have had us see them hang in there through heartbreak, tragedy, and personal demons.
But Weatherfield has never been the place for peace and quiet, and just when things seemed to be settling down, temptation crept in from the most surprising corner of Kevin‘s world. Now that Kevin‘s affable little brother Carl has just returned from Germany and needs help, Abi is confronted with a situation that could potentially ruin everything.
Coronation Street: A Spark She Never Saw Coming
Carl’s unexpected arrival caught Abi off guard, and as actress Sally Carman-Duttine described, the chemistry between them was palpable from the first look. Sally stated that their initial meeting was a shock, but there was an “instant spark” between them.
Things were further complicated when Carl proved to be Kevin‘s brother—something Abi had not anticipated. Sally stated that Abi found this information gutting, particularly as Carl had already stirred something within her.
The actress reflected on how the dynamic plays into Abi’s personal history, particularly her past struggles with addiction. That rush, that hit of adrenaline—it’s something Abi hasn’t experienced in a long time. Sally described it as a feeling that flipped her world from red to blue, reigniting a part of her that had been long buried.
Now that Carl‘s business in Germany is on the edge, he’s suggesting staying on in Weatherfield longer. While Kevin wishes to assist his brother, Abi says Kevin will see if Carl has to depart. But under that serene implication, there‘s a hidden strain. Would it really be easier for Abi if Carl did go away?
Sally explained that Abi first attempted to suppress her feelings, being well aware of the harm they could cause. She‘s finally got a peaceful and affectionate life—something she’s always desired—but her risky part won’t be silenced. That adventurous, havoc-wreaking aspect of her nature has been awakened, and now she finds herself fighting an internal war. Sally likened it to carrying a wild animal within that Abi is endeavoring to restrain with all her might.
The Strain Of Love – And The Allure Of Something New
Meanwhile, Abi grapples with this inner turmoil, and relations with Kevin start to crack under the pressure. Sally described how Kevin’s condition made him emotionally withdraw despite his attempts to treat it himself. He’s frightened and pushing people away, including Abi.
That space leaves a painful void. Abi, already struggling with her own war, finds it particularly difficult when Kevin pushes her away. Sally noticed that Abi, as with many others, tends to strike out at the ones she loves the most. And into this tempestuous world strides Carl—someone who notices Abi, wants her, and provides her with something she hadn’t known was missing.
Sally admitted she finds playing this side of Abi’s character thrilling. The unpredictability, the implosions, the fallout—it all makes Abi a layered and complex woman. Sally reflected on how much she enjoyed portraying Abi during the emotional highs and lows of the Seb storyline, but added that this current plotline taps into Abi’s more dangerous impulses.
While Carl remains in Weatherfield and Abi battles to keep the turmoil inside quiet, the question isn’t just whether she’ll crack, but when. Only the upcoming Coronation Street spoilers can reveal. Until then, stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more soap updates.