Coronation Street star Samia Ghadie has said she is “excited” about some of the plot developments promised for her character Maria Connor.
Writing for OK! magazine, the Manchester-born actress revealed discussions have taken place with new Corrie executive producer Kate Oates about the direction the Street’s hairdresser will be taken.
She said: “Kate shared a few exciting ideas and storylines so I’m really excited about that.”
Samia admitted her character has been “a bit quiet” over the last couple of years, but part of the reason is due to the star’s expanding family.
Last September, Samia gave birth to son Yves Joseph Longchambon. He is her first child with French fiance Sylvain Longchambon of Dancing On Ice fame.
Samia and Sylvain met on the ITV skating talent series in 2013 when they were partnered together. The 33-year-old actress also has a daughter named Freya from her first marriage.
On the subject of her character’s relative inactivity, Samia talked of her love of spending more time with her family.
“But after hearing what is in store for me at work, I feel ready for some fresh challenges. Watch this space,” she wrote.
Samia has played Maria since 2000 and the hairdresser has had a torrid time over the years.
Maria has stalked old flame Tyrone Dobbs (played by Alan Halsall), she dated Jason Grimshaw (Ryan Thomas) and had a bizarre romantic relationship with Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou), who had previously been the boyfriend of Sean Tully (Antony Cotton).
Marcus ended up being manipulated into an affair with Todd Grimshaw (Bruno Langley), resulting in the breakdown of his romance with Maria.
Maria also had an affair with Charlie Stubbs (Bill Ward) and endured a sexual assault by Frank Foster (Andrew Lancel).
But perhaps the most memorable storyline was the torrid love triangle which saw her husband Liam Connor (played by Rob James-Collier before he departed for Downton Abbey) fall for his sister-in-law Carla Connor (Alison King).
Maria had her suspicions, but she married Liam all the same. Tragically, their first child was stillborn, but their son Liam was born in 2009.
Weatherfield’s Maria has married Pablo Duarte (Shai Matheson). They wed in Cyprus, but living in Coronation Street is another matter.
Given Maria’s track record, this marriage isn’t destined for a happy ending.
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