4. CARLA CONNOR (350 VOTES)
Duration: 2006-
Played by: Alison King
2012 character poll position (women): Not included
The sassy owner of Underworld since 2006.
Carla’s not had an easy life. She lost first husband Paul in a car crash; she married evil businessman Tony Gordon who eventually tried to kill her; she had an affair with brother-in-law Liam that ended with Tony arranging his death; she was raped by Frank Foster; and she married Peter Barlow who had an affair with Tina McIntyre. Phew!
Carla’s always sailed by the brink in the business sense as well. Many times Underworld’s future has been under threat. But somehow the gods always smile on her as saviours in the guise of Luke Strong, Frank Foster, Tony Gordon, Nick Tilsley and more recently Johnny and Aidan Connor have come to her rescue. It is this aspect of her life that riles arch enemy Tracy Barlow. Despite leading a car crash life, Carla always comes up smelling of roses.
Carla has maintained various friendships over the years. She has always been close to sister-in-law Michelle. They grew up together and they confide in each other. When she first arrived she shared a strong friendship with Leanne Battersby and it reminded me of the friendship of Bet Lynch and Rita Fairclough. But that soon soured when Leanne learnt of Carla’s feelings towards Peter. Although they are on speaking terms now, they aren’t bosom buddies. I would’ve liked to see these women become friends once more. Another strong friendship for Carla was with Hayley Cropper. Despite being poles apart in personality, they bonded and Carla’s vulnerability showed with her chats with Hayley. And since Hayley’s passing, Carla has become a loyal friend and protector to her widow Roy.
Carla has many demons. As well as having an affair with Liam Connor, she has also had a fling with Robert Preston, to Tracy’s wrath! She is fond of the drink and is also a gambling addict. It was her gambling that nearly drove her to bankruptcy in 2015. She also had an interesting dynamic with her brother Rob Donovan. While Carla looked out for him, it was Rob who paid the price in family loyalty when he murdered Tina McIntyre when he discovered about her affair with Peter. In the end, he blamed Carla for his downfall.
Carla is currently on the verge of marrying Nick Tilsley, although her affair with Robert is a dark shadow on proceedings. Blackmailed by Tracy, Carla is on the verge on leaving Weatherfield for good.
Are you a fan of Carla?
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I love Carla. Her and michelle are my two favourite characters. I love their friendship because despite how carla treats michelle at times, michelle always stands by her. Im so upset that shes leaving, but hopefully she might come back now and again. I think carla dhould have been in the top three but hey, number four is still a great position
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised she only made #4!
ReplyDeleteI must reiterate that I hate the direction that the writers have taken Carla. She was a strong feisty woman who's become 'Tracy's bitch' and I think that's what rankles most.
I hope Strong Carla rears her head once more to leave the show with a bang.
I can't believe Carla Connor got more votes than Elsie Tanner! Must be people voting who never knew Elsie.
ReplyDeleteI have never liked Carla Connor, don't like women who steal other women's men. And she's done it at least twice.
ReplyDeleteI will be glad when she leaves.
I won't miss her, Bolshi, arrogant and selfish.
ReplyDeleteI will be glad when she leaves, as well. There is nothing to like about this character and I don't care for her acting that much.
ReplyDeleteCarla's always been a Marmite character. Maybe I'm too old to have much empathy with her. She fits the genre of 'flawed heroine' but while that can work perfectly in books aimed at the under-40's, it doesn't always work on screen. It's Alison King's terrific performance that has lifted Carla into something more than 2D.
ReplyDeleteCarla's always been a Marmite character. Maybe I'm too old to have much empathy with her. She fits the genre of 'flawed heroine' but while that can work perfectly in books aimed at the under-40's, it doesn't always work on screen. It's Alison King's terrific performance that has lifted Carla into something more than 2D.
ReplyDeleteIf this comment gets published, it will be a miracle. This is my millionth attempt to get past the Captcha images.
Wow, who's left then to fill in the top 3 spots?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing #3 Gail, #2 Becky and #1 Deirdre.
Great to see Carla making the top 5.
ReplyDeleteIt's an understatement to say that she will be sorely missed when she finally does leave next month. An incomparable character and actress.
That saying "You don't know what you've got until it's gone" comes to mind.
I love coronation street
ReplyDeleteCarla always goes straight to the point all the time I will miss her x
I have never liked her character and will not miss her when she leaves. Her and Nick have absolutely no chemistry and I fail to see what she sees in him (his Bistro?) certainly not his incredibly annoying family. Will Nick leave with her? I can't see Nick leaving his Mummy.
ReplyDeleteStella sarah and bethany for the toр 3 :)
ReplyDeleteI love this character but am surprised she's out-numbered some of the great classics. I think it says a lot about the generation of those who voted (take note media teacher who rejected Corrie as a project for one of our bloggers because he figured it was only for oldies).
ReplyDeleteInteresting comment above about Carla being a women who steals other women's men. Seems to me it takes two to tango, so maybe those men weren't really a loss to the women they'd been stolen from.
ReplyDelete