Carla Connor has endured one of the most harrowing years in Coronation Street history, leaving fans increasingly concerned about her future on the cobbles. After surviving illness, betrayal and a terrifying kidnapping ordeal, viewers are now asking the same question: is Carla set to leave Weatherfield for good?
2025 was a relentless rollercoaster for the factory boss. The year began with Carla fighting for her life after suffering sepsis caused by complications from a brain injury, leaving her desperately in need of a kidney transplant. The only viable donor turned out to be her criminal brother, Rob Donovan — a situation that plunged Carla into danger, including not one but two kidnapping ordeals along the way.
Despite the chaos, spring brought hope. Carla’s relationship with DS Lisa Swain blossomed, even in the shadow of tragedy following the death of Lisa’s colleague Craig Tinker. By summer, the couple were stronger than ever, buying a home together and getting engaged, seemingly heading toward a happy future.
However, their relationship was soon overshadowed by the return of Becky Swain — long believed dead. Becky’s reappearance sent shockwaves through Lisa and daughter Betsy’s lives, reopening old wounds and reigniting unresolved grief. Determined to reclaim her family, Becky set out to destroy Carla and Lisa’s relationship by any means necessary.
After months of manipulation, Carla and Lisa finally split, despite still being deeply in love. Lisa decided a clean break was necessary, and Carla appeared to leave for Lanzarote to heal her broken heart. But the truth was far more sinister.
Carla’s terrifying captivity revealed
Instead of relaxing abroad, Carla was being held captive in a cupboard inside a low-rent Weatherfield flat. Becky had restrained and gagged her, using Carla’s phone to post fake social media updates and reply to Lisa’s messages, making it appear as though Carla had walked away from their relationship for good.
Carla fought desperately to expose the truth. Forced at knifepoint to speak to Betsy, she attempted to leave subtle clues about her location, including referencing a fictional hotel that later proved to be a coded location marker. She even tried to escape using a shard of a broken plate, only to be violently recaptured, left injured, and placed back in confinement.
The reason for Becky’s actions was eventually revealed. Carla had worked out that Becky was a corrupt police officer and tracked her to the flat while investigating cryptic clues from DC Costello. Becky caught her in the act and silenced her to prevent the truth from reaching Lisa and Betsy.
The investigation — and Carla’s rescue
Detective Kit Green grew increasingly suspicious about Carla’s disappearance and finally cracked the case after decoding Carla’s hidden clues. Although he initially arrived too late, evidence left behind — including broken restraints and empty pill packets — pointed to something far darker.
The breakthrough came when Sarah Platt noticed inconsistencies in Carla’s social media posts, realising that Carla appeared to be wearing her engagement ring in photos despite Lisa holding it in real life. With Kit finally learning that Becky was alive, the investigation accelerated.
In upcoming scenes, Kit receives a tip-off about Becky’s car, bringing Carla’s ordeal to an end — at least for now.
Is Carla leaving Coronation Street?
Despite fears for her safety, Carla is not leaving Coronation Street at this stage. Actress Alison King has confirmed that Carla survives the upcoming Corrie–Emmerdale crossover episode, which features a devastating multi-vehicle crash.
Speaking about reading the script, King said she was relieved to discover Carla survives the carnage, adding:
“When I got to the end, I was like, yes — I’m not even maimed.”
While Carla will live through the explosive crossover, her long-term future remains uncertain. After everything she has endured — illness, betrayal, captivity and heartbreak — viewers are left wondering whether Weatherfield holds too many painful memories for her to stay.
What happens next for Lisa, Becky and Betsy?
The drama is far from over. Becky successfully manipulates Lisa into believing they should be a family again, convincing her that fleeing to Spain with Betsy is the safest option. However, as they race toward the ferry port, a phone call from Carla shatters Lisa’s world — and distraction causes Becky to lose control of the car, leading to catastrophic consequences.
With more turmoil ahead and emotions pushed to breaking point, Carla Connor faces yet another defining chapter in her life. Whether she rebuilds once again or finally walks away remains to be seen.