ITV Coronation Street fans 'work out' Carla Connor's secret after Michael Bailey scenes

Coronation Street fans believe they've pieced together the secret Carla Connor has been keeping, as it's revealed that Michael Bailey is set to uncover something significant. Long-time viewers of the ITV soap will remember Alison King's debut as Carla back in 2006.

The beloved character was introduced as Paul Connor's wife, who had purchased Danny Baldwin's majority stake in Underworld. She made a memorable entrance at the staff Christmas party, wine bottle in each hand, after leaving another party, and since then, she's weathered countless dramatic events after nearly two decades.

More recently, Carla's life has taken more challenging turns, especially since starting a relationship with DS Lisa Swain. Fans were overjoyed when the pair finally succumbed to their feelings for each other late last year, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, as 2025 kicked off, Carla fell ill and was rushed to hospital, where she was diagnosed with sepsis and told she needed a kidney transplant. This health scare prompted the return of her ex-convict brother, Rob Donovan, who was asked by his son, Bobby Crawford, to consider being a donor.

Fast forward to the operation, it was already known that Rob had a hidden agenda. With time ticking away, he made his escape, but not before putting Lisa and Carla through an emotional wringer.

Rob made a dramatic comeback to Weatherfield, leading to a tense standoff where he intended to bring his sister down with him. However, Lisa intervened to save her, resulting in her teenage daughter, Betsy, being accidentally shot.

Fast forward to the present, and Carla and Lisa have strived to move past their traumas, emerging stronger than ever. Yet, as viewers will recall, it was only a few weeks ago that Carla rejected Lisa's marriage proposal, which came amidst her shock and grief over the death of her friend and police colleague, Craig Tinker.

Initially taken aback by Carla's refusal, Lisa eventually understood her reasoning. Carla, the boss of Underworld factory, clarified that she wanted a marriage proposal born out of love, not sorrow.

However, they do have other plans in the pipeline. Not long after this, the couple made a significant decision about their future, agreeing to move out of their flat and into a home of their own.

Lisa also finally confided in Carla that she planned to seek help, having suppressed many emotions over the years, largely due to focusing on her demanding job in any given situation.

She was recently seen attending her first therapy session, displaying noticeable reluctance. Lisa found it difficult to engage with the therapist's questions, especially when he brought up her late wife, Becky.

Spoilers for upcoming Corrie episodes have unveiled further drama surrounding the pair. Carla attempts to comfort Lisa, insisting that following additional therapy sessions, she'll return to her usual self, though Lisa remains doubtful.

Elsewhere at Underworld, Michael uses Carla's laptop for work purposes and becomes fascinated by something displayed on her screen. Whilst further details about his discovery remain under wraps, Corrie enthusiasts have been speculating wildly online, with many hoping for a happy development.

User @swarlanations pondered: "'Michael discovers something surprising after borrowing Carla's laptop' She's been looking at engagement rings? Wedding venues?" and @swarlasupremacy responded: "ALSO I feel it's probably to do with the house... so that Michael can relay whatever it is to his Uncle Ronnie."

Meanwhile, @chlopavs agreed: "I reckon michael finds an email or something on carla's laptop to confirm that our girls have secured no.6 and then he tells ronnie/debbie? ? ? #swarla."

However, @swarlascrisps mused: "I'm not saying that Michael finds out that Carla is going to propose to Lisa, all I'm saying is that this mysterious paint scene should be appearing in the next 2-3 weeks #swarla."

Elsewhere, @EmmaPerry22 wondered: "So what do we think Micheal finds on Carla's laptop? Engagement rings? Wedding stuff? Or is she doing her own little investigation into Becky to take some strain off Lisa?"

Finally, @temultslaudna added: "Honestly, while i'd love it to be about engagement ring or wedding stuff, would michael really find that surprising to be on carla's laptop #swarla #corrie."