Coronation Street could be welcoming back a soap legend to help take down Lou Michaelis with Maria Connor, according to fans.
Maria (Samia Longchambon) has been a staple on screens for years - making her debut in 2000. And it didn’t take her long to become a firm favourite with fans.
She’s also played a part in several big storylines. From her many failed romances to feuds on the street, her time in Weatherfield has not been short of drama.
Especially at the moment, as in recent months she has clashed with newcomer Lou (Farrel Hegarty). The nightmare neighbour rocked up to the cobbles earlier this year with thug husband Mick (Joe Layton).
However, in May, Mick ended up brutally killing soap legend Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) in a shock drunken attack, with it also being revealed that Mick abuses Lou.
Mick has since been sent to prison - while Lou - who is a mum to three kids, including troublemaker Brody (Ryan Mulvey) - has remained on the cobbles.
Since then, Lou has tried to win over her fellow cobbles residents, insisting she is nothing like her husband. However, Maria has shared her concerns and dislike for Lou.
This week, while at the Platt’s housewarming barbecue, Maria nearly caught Lou stealing some cash. The pair got into a scrap and Lou ended up falling into a coffee table.
However, despite telling Maria’s husband Gary (Mikey North) - who fans think she will have an affair with soon - that she wouldn’t report Maria to the police, later on, Maria was arrested.
And now, with Lou appearing to turn everyone against Maria, fans are certain a soap legend is heading back to save Maria.
On a Corrie Facebook fan page, one person said: “Maria needs to give Gary an ultimatum, can’t believe he’s siding with her.” Someone else added: “Someone needs to help Maria take Lou down.”
A third chimed in and suggested former resident Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou): “Remember Marcus? Sean’s ex? Wild theory but he was always a good friend to her.”
Another fan declared: “True! He might have some dirt on Lou or something.” Someone else mused: “Hmm, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen, and he still has history on the cobbles with Sean still there.” A sixth person wrote: "Maybe he returns for Sean as well."
Midwife Marcus made his first appearance on the soap back in 2007 and became a regular on the cobbles when he started dating Swan Tully (Anthony Cotton).
He also struck up a romance with Maria after he moved in with her and became a father figure to her son, Liam. Marcus ended up leaving the street in 2014.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
