Carl Webster’s carefully constructed web of lies is finally starting to unravel in Coronation Street, and the timing couldn’t be worse. With Debbie Webster’s wedding fast approaching, a devastating discovery threatens to plunge the entire family into chaos — and this time, Carl may not be able to wriggle his way out.
Since his explosive arrival in Weatherfield back in April, Carl has left destruction in his wake. His affair with Abby — while she was married to his own half-brother Kevin — was bad enough. But behind the scenes, Carl has been running a much darker operation. Using Kevin’s garage as a front, he’s been involved in car theft and dodgy bookkeeping, dragging the Webster name through the mud.
Yet none of that compares to the crime hanging over him like a storm cloud: the hit-and-run that left Tyrone Dobbs with life-changing injuries. Carl was the man behind the wheel — a truth that has remained buried… until now.
In Thursday’s January 1 episode, the calm before the storm settles over the cobbles. Debbie excitedly prepares for her wedding to Ronnie Bailey, enjoying a surprise pamper party with Sally Metcalfe, Glenda Shuttleworth and Christina Boyd. For a moment, everything feels light and hopeful.
Elsewhere, Kevin shares a rare moment of peace with his son Jack, filming a fun TikTok dance together. It’s a reminder of the decent man Kevin still is beneath the heartbreak and anger. That calm is shattered when Sally urges him to keep the peace at Debbie’s wedding — and not confront Carl on her big day. Reluctantly, Kevin agrees, swallowing his pride for his sister’s sake.
Trying to stick to his word, Kevin later seeks Carl out at the hotel. He finds him far too close to Abby, reopening old wounds. Kevin firmly tells Carl they must stay apart during the wedding. Carl, ever the manipulator, pretends to offer a long-term truce, flashing his trademark charm. Kevin sees through it and walks away before he loses control.
Carl believes he’s won — but Abby isn’t fooled.
Already suspicious, Abby quietly checks Carl’s banking app when he’s distracted. What she finds confirms her fears: a large, unexplained cash withdrawal. Whatever Carl is planning, it’s big — and likely illegal.
But the most damning evidence comes from the last person anyone would expect.
While helping Jack with a school geography project, Kevin reviews drone footage of Weatherfield filmed from above. At first, it seems harmless. Then Kevin spots something that makes his blood run cold.
There, clearly visible, is Carl — standing beside the stolen silver car involved in Tyrone’s hit-and-run.
It’s undeniable. Clear footage. No excuses. No lies.
Kevin now has irrefutable proof that Carl was responsible for the crash that nearly destroyed Tyrone’s life. With the wedding looming, the question is no longer if Carl will be exposed — but when.
Can Kevin really stay silent for Debbie’s sake? Or will the truth explode in front of the entire congregation, destroying the wedding and finally delivering justice for Tyrone?
One thing is certain: Carl Webster’s time is running out.