Coronation Street‘s ongoing tension between Maria Connor and Lou Michaelis finally explodes with a horrifying confrontation next week – resulting in Maria being arrested for assault.

The salon colleagues come to blows after Maria presumes that she’s caught Lou stealing during a barbecue hosted by the Platts, with Lou appearing to have been pushed by Maria after she plunges through a coffee table. But is there more to the shocking incident than meets the eye?

“Maria’s tried to be tolerant of Lou, but too much has happened,” begins our Coronation Street insider.

“Their salon spat a few weeks ago was just the tip of the iceberg – now Lou’s husband Mick is responsible for Craig’s death, and traumatised Maria is forced to work with Lou every day.

“Plus, Mick’s side of the bed is barely cold and Lou’s already sniffing around Maria’s other half Gary!”

At the start of the week, Lou seeks out Gary and asks him to help her sell Mick’s van. When Maria arrives, Lou quickly makes herself scarce, but the two are forced to work together after David Platt asks Lou to cover his shift at the salon.

As Lou continues to do Maria’s head in, the frazzled stylist demands Lou holds the fort while she attends Craig TInker’s memorial.

But when Gary explains just how much Craig meant to the community, Lou decides to go to the memorial herself to pay her respects. But how will the locals react to her showing her face?

“Lou showing up to Craig’s memorial is a bold move,” our source says. “PC Tinker died at the hand of Lou’s evil husband, so she really needs to take Gary’s advice and show she’s sorry for what happened – but will it be enough?”

Lou unsubtly eavesdrops when Maria and Shona Platt chat about plans for a Platt family barbecue – prompting Maria to warn Lou to keep her distance. However, Lou refuses to be deterred, and that’s the catalyst for disaster.

At the barbecue, Lou clocks an envelope of salon cash in Shona’s bag, which Audrey Roberts gave her to take to the bank earlier in the day. Alone inside the house while Nick Tilsley raises a toast outside, Lou contemplates stealing the dosh – before Maria catches her out.

“Maria jumps to the worst conclusion,” our insider reveals. “She channels her inner detective and demands that Lou empty her pockets, certain that Lou’s swiped the money.

“The Platts outside are totally unaware of what’s going on – until a loud crash from the living room pulls them away from their burgers and sausage sarnies.”

When the Platts pour in, they discover Lou on the floor next to smashed-up furniture, with Maria sinisterly standing over her. So, it’s no surprise when Maria is later accosted in the Rovers by the police, who tell her she’s being arrested on suspicion of assault.

But did Maria really push Lou?