Coronation Street fans are speculating that a soap legend could be making a return to assist Maria Connor in her battle against Lou Michaelis.

Maria, portrayed by Samia Longchambon, has been a constant presence on the show since her debut in 2000, quickly becoming a fan favourite.

She’s been at the heart of numerous major storylines, from a string of failed romances to street feuds, ensuring her time in Weatherfield has been anything but dull.

Recently, she’s found herself at odds with newcomer Lou (Farrel Hegarty). The troublesome neighbour arrived on the cobbles earlier this year alongside her thug husband Mick (Joe Layton).

In a shocking turn of events in May, Mick brutally murdered soap icon Craig Tinker (Colson Smith) in a drunken rage, and it was also revealed that he had been abusing Lou, reports Leicestershire Live.

Mick has since been incarcerated, leaving Lou – a mother to three children, including the mischievous Brody (Ryan Mulvey) – behind on the cobbles.

Since then, Lou has attempted to ingratiate herself with the other residents of the cobbles, insisting she is nothing like her husband. However, Maria has voiced her concerns and distaste for Lou.

This week, during the Platt’s housewarming barbecue, Maria nearly caught Lou pilfering some cash. A scuffle ensued between the two, resulting in Lou tumbling into a coffee table.

Despite assuring Maria’s husband Gary (Mikey North) that she wouldn’t go to the police, Maria found herself getting arrested in a shocking turn of events.

With Lou seemingly turning the Weatherfield residents against Maria, Corrie fans are convinced that a soap icon is set to return to rescue her.

Debate has been rife on a Corrie Facebook fan page, where one viewer remarked: “Maria needs to give Gary an ultimatum, can’t believe he’s siding with her.”

Another chipped in with: “Someone needs to help Maria take Lou down.”

A third fan speculated about the potential return of former character Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou): “Remember Marcus? Sean’s ex? Wild theory but he was always a good friend to her.”

There’s talk among fans that Marcus might have something on Lou, with someone asserting: “True! He might have some dirt on Lou or something.”

Another pondered: “Hmm, it wouldn’t be the strangest thing to happen, and he still has history on the cobbles with Sean still there.”

And yet another fan suggested: “Maybe he returns for Sean as well.”

The midwife character Marcus first graced the cobbles back in 2007 and became a fixture when he dated Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton).

Marcus also had a relationship with Maria after moving in with her, stepping into the role of father figure for her son, Liam. His story on Coronation Street came to an end when he left in 2014.