Coronation Street star Sally Carman has exclusively spoken to Inside Soap about her character’s forbidden feelings for Carl Webster.

Over at the Websters, where Kevin’s undergoing cancer treatment and Debbie’s wrestling with her dementia diagnosis, a different kind of tension simmers between Abi and Carl. Ever since the pair’s flirty clash in the supermarket car park, Carl’s been sniffing round his sister-in-law, hoping she’ll submit to his charms. And boy, is she tempted!

Here, Sally reveals whether the mechanic’s feelings for Carl are love or lust – and what advice she’d give her conflicted character…

Hi Sally! Do you think Abi’s feelings for Carl go deeper than just lust?

“It’s difficult with Abi, because she’s an addict, and I think she’s aware of how she can get addicted to anything. She’s really trying to do the right thing, despite wanting to throw herself at this man who’s ignited those feelings of excitement and danger and making her feel alive. But she also knows what’s at stake, which is real, solid, everyday love. It isn’t particularly exciting, but with someone who means such a lot to her. Kevin, Jack and Alfie are her world. But this is just so delicious and exciting!”

What is it about Carl that makes him so attractive?

“They had an instant spark that was totally just a physical thing. But the more she sees him with Debbie, it’s given her a different perspective on him. She’s seeing him as a more rounded person, as opposed to just the physical attraction.”

Who do you think she’s better suited to?

“She’d be much better staying with Kevin, but Abi is Abi, and she’ll dive straight into Carl.”

Have you enjoyed playing the conflict of Abi being torn between them?

“Yeah, I love when Abi is behaving badly. Being an actor, that’s what you want, the exciting bits and bobs. But it’s been great. It’s mostly been great because everyone that I get to work with is just absolutely brilliant. So we have a really good time. It’s dead easy, it’s really relaxed, and everyone’s just so nice. It’s the best job in the world and I know I say it all the time!