SHOCKING NEWS!!! Coronation Street’s Carl rushed to hospital amid attack with Theo still loose

Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) is only ever out for himself in Coronation Street – it’s just a fact.

Next week in the ITV soap, he tries to unlock Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) violent side in the hope he’ll get arrested – but it more than likely isn’t because he wants to be praised as someone who assisted in getting rid of him for Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce).

A couple of days ago, Carl told Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) that he wants £10k of Billy’s life insurance money in exchange for proof that Theo killed him back in January.

Carl knows that Theo won’t ever outright confirm this – which is why he takes a darker approach soon.

Having witnessed Theo squaring up to Gary Windass (Mikey North), Carl decides to try his best to get Theo arrested for assault by goading him. When Theo later bursts into the pub, Carl follows behind him. His anger grows even more when Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley) confirms he’s barred.

Theo storms out, and Carl heads off as well.

On the street, Carl works hard to wind Theo up in the hope he’ll start a fight and get himself arrested – and it appears Carl quickly pays the price for this after.

The next day, Debbie Webster (Sue Devaney) receives a call informing her that Carl is in hospital – but was Theo responsible for putting him there?

Towards the end of the week, Summer has a run-in with Theo, and later pours her heart out to George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) about all the nasty things Theo said.

George later corners Theo, telling him that he won’t be responsible for his actions if he goes near Todd and Summer again.

The trouble Theo causes in future scenes sets the foundations for Corrie’s upcoming murder storyline.

Theo is one of five possible victims, though only one will meet a deadly fate — and more than a few residents have cause to wish him dead after discovering the ordeal he’s put Todd through.

Will Theo be the dead body discovered by Betsy Swain (Sydney Martin)?

Carl Webster’s backstory will be revealed on Coronation Street after he is given some heartbreaking news over the festive season. With the character having caused mayhem in Weatherfield over the past few months, could his actions at least be partly explained?

Since his arrival on the cobbles in April, Carl has been something of a bad boy, with his antics affecting many Weatherfield residents. In addition to running over Tyrone Dobbs, he embarked on a relationship with his half-brother’s wife, Abi.

Despite ruining Kevin’s life for the time being, his relationship with Abi has hardly been smooth sailing, with the character having a secret fling with James Bailey while also plotting a move back to Germany.

In tonight’s episode, Carl will receive the devastating news that his mother, Elaine, has passed away. He drowns his sorrows in booze, and jeopardises his relationship with Abi after contacting James.

In scenes set to air on New Year’s Day, Carl will tell Ronnie Bailey that he wants to see his late mother’s body in a bid to say a final goodbye. Ronnie, who will soon become Carl’s brother-in-law, offers to go with him.

Carl later confides in Ronnie about his difficult relationship with his mother, reasoning that the love he was never afforded has affected his personal life in the subsequent years. Ronnie questions if Carl truly loves Abi as a result – what will he say?

“Carl’s doubts over his future with Abi have been obvious to fans for some time,” our Corrie source reminds us. “He enjoyed the relationship when it was risky and fun, but he doesn’t see himself settling down with Abi and helping to raise her young son Alfie.

“Carl’s even been secretly plotting a return to Germany to get away from it all. Ronnie’s question puts him on the spot at a vulnerable moment – just how honest will he be in response?”

While Carl will have a difficult festive period, the character will appear in Corriedale, the upcoming crossover episode with fellow ITV soap Emmerdale. Speaking ahead of the special, actor Jonathan Howard teased what Carl could be up to.

“I think the writing’s on the wall for Carl. I don’t know if I’m going to survive this or not,” said the actor. “It was really nice to be asked to be part of it. As a kid, I was always hoping for it [the crossover].”