Everything is only getting more tangled for the Websters in Coronation Street. Carl Webster is at the centre of it all, and his latest choices are about to bring even more trouble in Weatherfield. Away from the cobbles, actor Jonathan Howard has also shared some surprising thoughts about his character’s love life and even a soap crush from his younger years.
Carl’s Messy Arrival in Weatherfield
Jonathan Howard, who viewers may recognise from films like World War Z and Thor: The Dark World, joined Coronation Street earlier this year as Carl Webster. His character is the son of Bill and Elaine Webster and was born in Germany. Carl’s first appearance was memorable. He bumped into Abi Webster in Frescho’s car park, not knowing she was married to Kevin, his half-brother.
The truth came out in dramatic style at the Bistro, where Abi told Kevin, Debbie, and Ronnie Bailey about the stranger she had met, only for Carl to walk in and reveal he was family. Despite the awkwardness, Carl kept pursuing Abi. Kevin’s lie about having cancer eventually drove Abi into Carl’s arms, and the pair started an affair. Tracy Barlow later discovered the secret and quickly began blackmailing them.
Coronation Street: Jonathan Hints at Trouble Ahead
Speaking to Inside Soap, Jonathan teased that Carl’s story is about to get even messier. He explained that Carl plans to enjoy himself more and not with Abi. He warned that when the truth eventually comes out, things will turn “pretty awful” for everyone involved.
Jonathan also spoke about ITV’s new “soap power hour,” which will air Coronation Street and Emmerdale back-to-back. He revealed that he used to watch Emmerdale as a teenager and admitted he once had a huge crush on Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle. She probably doesn’t remember him, he said, but explained that she’s the sister of his friend Jamie Lomas, better known as Warren Fox from Hollyoaks.
Meanwhile, Carl’s on-screen love life has taken a surprising new turn. In the latest episode, Abi went away on holiday with Kevin and Jack. Left to his own devices, Carl ended up in bed with James Bailey. The pair even agreed to meet again, hinting that this new fling is just getting started.
Jonathan explained that Carl lives for excitement and doesn’t think much about the consequences. He said Carl grew frustrated while Abi was away and wanted something to distract him. While Tracy had made an offer, Carl knew it would be dangerous to get involved with her. James, he said, was “less complicated and more fun,” so Carl went for it.
Carl is now walking a dangerous line. With Tracy already blackmailing him about Abi, adding James into the mix could be the mistake that ruins everything. Fans will soon see whether Carl can keep juggling his risky double life or if everything will come crashing down. Weatherfield hasn’t seen the last of Carl’s chaos yet. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street updates and spoilers.