The tangled web of deceit woven by Weatherfield heartthrob Carl Webster continues to unravel, as he shifts his focus from his secret partner Abi Webster to another clandestine relationship with James Bailey. This comes as Abi attempts to keep their affair a secret while managing the fallout from her confession to her estranged husband, Kevin Webster

Abi Retreats, Carl Seeks Thrills Elsewhere

Abi recently left her husband, Kevin, heartbroken after admitting she no longer loves him and wishes to end their relationship. To spare their teenage son, Jack, they are currently forced to maintain appearances at home.

This stress is directly impacting her secret life with Carl. Upcoming episodes show Abi informing Carl that she isn’t in the mood for intimacy due to anxiety over a forthcoming birthday gathering with Kevin and Jack. Seeing her disappointment, the “thrillseeker” Carl doesn’t waste any time. According to a source, “Carl wants it all; he isn’t picky.” He immediately sends a private text message to James Bailey instead, confirming that he is “only chasing one thing.”

This maneuver exposes Carl’s true intentions, suggesting he is simply seeking excitement and distraction, regardless of the emotional cost to his partners. Viewers are left to lament that Abi made a “mistake leaving loyal Kevin for his scheming brother.”

The Double Life with James Bailey

Carl’s hidden romance with James first came to light after the two were spotted together in a hotel room. Earlier, Carl had hired James as a personal trainer, making the deepening of their relationship a shocking twist for many fans.

Jonathan Howard, who portrays Carl, commented on his character’s recklessness, stating that Carl “enjoys living dangerously” and is “attracted to people regardless of gender,” pursuing what he wants without considering the fallout. For Carl, James is an “uncomplicated and more entertaining” distraction from his frustrating situation with Abi and Kevin

Additional Weatherfield Drama

The Webster family drama isn’t the only tension on the cobbles:

• Carla and Lisa’s Strain: Tensions continue to rise between Carla Connor and her fiancée Lisa Swain following the sudden return of Lisa’s wife, Becky Swain, who was previously presumed dead. As Becky asserts herself and seeks to reintegrate into her daughter Betsy’s life, Carla grows frustrated at finding Becky helping Lisa and Betsy in the kitchen. This has led some fans to suspect Lisa may be “orchestrating a plan with Becky” to push Carla out.
• Debbie’s Confrontation: The secret affair also involves Carl’s sister, Debbie Webster, who confronts Abi after catching her with a key to one of the hotel rooms. When Abi attempts to cover up the truth, Carl intervenes, shockingly blaming Debbie’s apparent forgetfulness on her dementia to defend Abi’s actions.

The mounting lies and shifting loyalties promise a dramatic few weeks ahead as Carl’s double life spirals closer to exposure.