Coronation Street fans say the same thing over 'messy' Carl Webster affair

ITV's Coronation Street fans took to social media in complete shock as it was revealed that Carl Webster (played by Jonathan Howard) was embroiled in yet another romance in Weatherfield. The mechanic is already in the midst of another affair with his brother Kevin's (Michael Le Vell) wife, Abi (Sally Carman). Although he is currently being blackmailed by Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), who discovered their romance, Friday's episode (August 29) revealed that Carl had found another lover.

This time, Carl crawled into bed with newcomer James Bailey (Jason Callender), who fliratously introduced himself to the mechanic at the Rovers Return Inn as a personal trainer. Jaws dropped after Carl had an expected visit from Fiona, which he answered in just a towel, and after he brushed her off, the mechanic closed the door and turned to James, who was topless in bed. Taking to X, one shocked viewer exclaimed: "Carl and James sleeping together OMFG DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING!!!"

A second echoed: "Would never have seen Carl and James coming, so fair play for a genuine surprise, but does Carl really need more storyline?"

"Not Abi cheating on Carl with Kevin's brother, and now he's cheating on Abi with James. Things are about to get messy," predicted another.

One stunned fan exclaimed: "OMG I didn't see that coming! Carl & James sitting in a tree!" As another agreed: "Yous f***en whats !!!!!!!! ?????????!!??" (sic)

A fifth remarked: "Carl's been through all the women now for the men." While one viewer praised the twist: "Bisexual Carl was NOT on my #Corrie bingo card but I am here for it!"

It's clear that Carl has no intention of this secret coming out, as he received a call from Abi and promised that he was waiting for her return and said: "I'm sorry that things got a little sticky before you left.

"You just enjoy your week, spend some quality time with the boys and know I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

Speaking about the latest twist, Jonathan Howard said: "Carl likes living life on the edge, he is a hedonist and a free spirit, he is attracted to a person regardless of their gender and if he sees something he wants he goes for it with no real thought to the consequences of his actions.

"He is frustrated that Abi has gone away with Kevin, and he needs something to distract himself. There is a spark between him and James, so he goes for it.

"Tracy was also offering herself to him, but he isn't stupid, and he knows that would be a dangerous move. James, on the other hand, is less complicated and more fun," the actor added.