In the wake of the 2025 British Soap Awards, Coronation Street fans are rallying behind two of their most beloved characters—Carla Connor and DS Lisa Swain—whose undeniable chemistry and emotional resonance captured viewers’ hearts over the past year. Despite the duo, affectionately dubbed “Swirla,” missing out on the coveted “Best On-Screen Partnership” award, their bond has sparked one of the most passionate fan movements in recent Corrie history. And if the reaction from audiences is anything to go by, the impact of Swirla stretches far beyond trophies.
The glitzy event, held on May 31 at the Hackney Empire in London and aired on June 5, saw EastEnders sweeping the board with eight wins, including Best British Soap. Meanwhile, Coronation Street took home a single—albeit prestigious—award, with veteran actor David Nielsen (Roy Cropper) honored for Outstanding Achievement. But for many, the real story of the night was the emotional support flooding social media for Carla and Swain. Their partnership may not have earned an official award, but the adoration they receive from fans is arguably even more powerful.
From the factory floor to the streets of Weatherfield, Carla and Swain have built a connection brimming with tension, quiet vulnerability, and unspoken depth. Played masterfully by Alison King and Vicky Meyers, the pair’s slow-burn dynamic has offered viewers a fresh and nuanced look at female partnership on screen. While not overtly romantic—yet—their scenes are laced with layered emotion, moral conflict, and what many believe is the spark of something more. For a fandom starved of subtle, grown-up representation, Swirla has delivered in spades.
Online, the reaction to their awards snub was swift and emotional. Fans flooded timelines with tributes, edits, behind-the-scenes clips, and heartfelt posts. The #Swirla hashtag trended as viewers shared just how much the pairing means to them. Some expressed disappointment, others outrage, but all shared a resounding sense of pride. As one fan put it, “They’ll never understand what it means to see two strong, complicated women carry this kind of emotional weight on screen. Swirla deserved the world tonight.”
Yet, the power of Swirla lies in more than just online hype. It’s in the craft of the performances—the stoicism of DS Swain’s detective instincts clashing with Carla’s cool yet damaged exterior. It’s in the glances that linger too long, the conversations that cut deeper than work should require, and the unspoken trust forged between two women trying to navigate loss, trauma, and duty. In short, it’s storytelling at its finest.
And that’s why, even without an award in hand, Carla and Swain are winners in the eyes of their supporters. Their story has resonated across continents, with fans in the U.S. waking up at 2 a.m. just to watch their scenes. It’s inspired discussion about queer subtext, power dynamics, and emotional connection rarely explored with such finesse on primetime British soaps.
Looking ahead, there’s a renewed hope that the writers will lean into the magic they’ve created. Could 2026 be the year Swirla finally gets its due? Will their relationship take a more romantic turn? Or will the bond remain a deep platonic connection rooted in mutual respect and personal redemption? Either way, the momentum is real—and so is the fanbase.
The legacy of Swirla is just beginning. And as long as Coronation Street continues to explore their story, the love from fans won’t be going anywhere.
