Coronation Street aired a shock development as Abi and Carl Webster came tantalisingly close to beginning an affair.

The pair, the respective wife and half-brother of Kevin, have been growing closer in recent weeks, with the duo possessing an undeniable connection despite their awkward situation. Carl’s emotions eventually got the better of him as he leaned in for a kiss, with Abi refusing.

Despite that, the pair’s flirty bond has continued, with Kevin – who is currently undergoing treatment for testicular cancer – being unaware of their tension. In a bid to throw off suspicion, Carl has begun seeing Tracy McDonald, though his eyes have still been firmly fixed on Abi.

Wednesday’s (4 June) episode of the ITV soap began with Carl, Abi and Kevin discussing the latter’s appointment at the hospital, though their conversation was interrupted as Tracy confidently flirted with Carl.

The pair headed to their own table, with Abi masking her growing jealousy by expressing concern for Carl and dubbing Tracy as “trouble with a capital T”. After Carl left, Abi played both sides as she urged caution to Tracy, saying that Carl had left a “string of broken hearts”.

Carl later caught wind of Abi’s remarks, with the figure questioning why she would stop him from “having a bit of fun”. Abi claimed she was saving him from getting “entangled” with Tracy, though Carl expressed his belief that her actions were a result of jealousy.

Abi insisted that she was in a “happy marriage”, though Carl reasoned that they clearly had a connection despite the difficult circumstances. After admitting that Tracy was a “distraction”, Carl confessed his feelings for Abi, though she urged him to “back off” or she’d tell Kevin.

Carl didn’t heed the advice though, as he returned for “round two” and expressed his feelings once again, with Abi gradually letting her guard down as it became increasingly likely that she would succumb to desire.

Just as the pair looked as if they were to lock lips, Abi received an urgent call from the hospital, with a nurse confirming that Kevin had collapsed after feeling unwell. It was later revealed that Kevin had caught an infection, though Abi was evidently flustered following earlier events.

Carl also had his own drama to contend with at the mechanics as one of his faked MOT’s was called into question by a disgruntled customer, with his mood worsening after Abi told him to go “back to Germany” as she quelled her feelings once again…