Coronation Street star breaks silence after affair backlash
Jonathan Howard, who plays Carl Webster on the Manchester-based show, has addressed speculation around Carl and Abi Franklin hitting it off after a shock kiss.
Spoilers released by show bosses have confirmed that Carl makes a pass at his brother's (Kevin Webster) partner next week.
However, her reaction to this is unknown, with many fans being left angered by the potential storyline.
Next week: Carl makes a move on Abi, Maria fears Mick is bad news and Daisy says goodbye to Weatherfield.
Read more here: https://t.co/jsY0meBaLI#Corrie pic.twitter.com/mCv1xYP012 — Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) April 21, 2025
Coronation Street star Jonathan Howard speaks out over backlash to 'affair' storyline
Speaking about the kiss, the Coronation Street star told The Mirror: "I think Carl is very impulsive. I think he thinks between his trousers.
"I think if they met in different circumstances, maybe he wouldn't have the feelings quite as strongly, but the circumstances where they met, when he had no idea who this lady is, it's just a very animalistic reaction to being attracted to someone.
"I think the tug of war with Carl has been between having these feelings, wanting to have that moment with Abi, but constantly balancing it with 'I do know that I'm visiting my brother and he's got cancer.' I think it's the push and pull of those feelings."
Discussing whether or not his ITV character feels any guilt pursuing his brother's partner, the actor added: "We have to remember there's a 20-year difference between these brothers.
"When I was a wee little baby, Kevin was in his 20s, he was on the cobbles starting his life, having his business and starting his family.
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"I did feel a little resentment at being left behind in some ways. He's not been as present in Carl's life growing up like Debbie was, for example.
"So I think there's a feeling of not really owing him too much. He's my brother, on paper, and I love him as a brother, but he's not been a brother who's been a part of my daily life.
"He's never been to Germany to visit me. I think that's slight justification for why he doesn't put Kevin at the forefront of every decision he's making."
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