Terminally ill Julie Carp (Katy Cavanagh) is hit by pain in Coronation Street next week causing worry for her loved ones.
The beloved character recently returned to the cobbles after nine years away, having recently been diagnosed with cancer.
The plot will lead to her on-screen sister Eileen Grimshaw’s departure from the show, after actress Sue Cleaver announced she’d quit her role back in January.
Upon her return, Julie had hoped to keep her diagnosis a secret, but she was forced to admit the truth to nephew Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) before later opening up to devastated sister Eileen.
Next week, when Eileen reveals how Julie wants to live her final days to the full, Todd sorts a trip to a cocktail bar.
As they get glammed up for their big night, Julie pretends to take her medication but secretly puts it away.
However, on their way to the tram, Julie is suddenly hit by pain and leans on a wall for support – but there’s more terror when a piece of scaffolding falls narrowly missing her.
The building site manager Theo apologises, although later tells George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) that Julie was clearly faking her pain as the scaffolding missed her by miles.
Theo is mortified when George then reveals Julie has cancer and seeks to make it up to Julie, telling Todd he will buy her some flowers.
As Todd feels a romantic spark, he offers Theo a flirtatious smile – will this be the start of a new romance?
Theo is one of three new additions to the cast announced earlier this month and was trailed as a potential new love interest for Todd.
Discussing his character, actor James Cartwright said: ‘I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour.
‘I had a line the other day where I said: “I think I left my trousers in the bedroom” so make of that what you will.’
