Two Corrie press days in one month - I’m like a kid at Christmas! Later this week, I will be treating you to the lowdown on what's to come on Coronation Street this festive season and New Year 2024, but before then, I'd like to take you back three weeks to our press day interview with my favourite factory boss (sorry Mike), Mrs Carla Barlow. A very (very) early Christmas present from this blog gave me a chance to see one of my all-time favourite Corrie characters in the flesh, and I found out all about Carla’s state of mind following Stephen Reid’s underworld sabotage. Ideally, I would have written this a few weeks ago, but I think I've only just recovered from seeing her in the flesh. I was the same after I met Jodie Prenger (in Weatherfield Precinct car park) last December!
Anyway, and as promised, here is our chat with the factory boss. With Underworld nearly taken down (again) can Carla bounce back once more?
Hi Ali,
How blindsided was Carla when she found out about Stephen, it must have hit her hard.
I don't think it hit her that hard. Out of everybody, she was the one that was immediately onto him. As soon as he appeared in the office, she couldn't stand the sight of him, could she? She’s been onto him from the off!
Stephen has played with Carla’s mental health these last few months. How has she been feeling through all of this?
It’s hideous isn't it - it's been the worst nightmare ever, and to think that she was going to go down that rabbit hole again. She never wants to - Carla has tried looking after herself as best she can, and she keeps dangerous people like him at arm's length. However, because of Sarah, she has not been able to. It was so pre-meditated by him and awful for her. She felt like she was going backwards!
Did she have any idea how dangerous Stephen was?
No, I don't think she had any idea of how dangerous he was. It's just about the money and business and the fact that he wanted that by any means. I don't think she thought he was violent or anything.
What sort of Carla will we see emerge from all of this? Will she be tougher, or more damaged than she’s ever been before?
All of the above! As usual, an influx of all of those things, possibly. I mean, she’s got answers, which is a good thing, but the damage to the factory- that's where you've got to wonder whether things will be solved or not. With Carla, you always get the street against her, or her against the street, and it's normally surrounding the factory, money and people's livelihood. I would imagine that they will be affected by this, and until she can get some money together again. They own 50% of the factory as well, so you think they would be looking out for their money too.
Have you enjoyed being a part of this storyline? So much drama focused on Underworld!
We love Underworld! - It’s been a nice slow burner and Todd (Stephen Reid) has been such a joy to work with. I like wrapping it all up and how things have come together. It's been a joy, and always a joy to do a big storyline.
Thanks, Ali!
Keep ‘em peeled for my interview with Iain Macleod (Corrie producer) later this week as we find out what’s coming up for Carla and Peter this Christmas.
I am @rybazoxo your (very lucky) Corrie Blog blogger and Cobbles Connoisseur
