It’s been a busy year on the cobbles for Carl, who embarked on an affair with his brother’s wife, Abi. After she separated from Kevin, she began a relationship with Carl, but it’s been far from smooth sailing.

Unbeknownst to Abi, Carl had previously got close with James, though he has pledged his future to her. His words bely his true feelings, however, as Carl privately sought a return to Germany without Abi.

In scenes set to air across Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (24 & 25 December), Carl will get some devastating news as he is informed that his mother, Elaine, has passed away. After getting drunk, he contacts James.

He soon regrets texting him, but James doesn’t take too kindly to Carl’s inconsistent attitude and threatens to tell Abi about their affair. Carl manages to sweet-talk him the following day, however, and suggests they have some fun.

Abi, meanwhile, takes Alfie to visit Kevin, and he asks if she can stay to watch a film. She’s not particularly enthralled by the idea of spending time with her estranged husband, and texts Carl.

Carl is too busy getting intimate with James to notice that Abi has been attempting to contact him, increasing the possibility that she could walk in at any moment and discover her partner has been having an affair…

It’s set to be a busy festive season for Carl, with actor Jonathan Howard teasing that his character will be up to no good in the lead-up to Corriedale, the special crossover episode with fellow ITV soap Emmerdale.

“I think the writing’s on the wall for Carl – I don’t know if I’m going to survive this or not,” teased the actor. “It was really nice to be asked to be part of it [Corriedale]. As a kid, I was always hoping for it. I always wanted to see Corrie and Emmerdale together.

“I manifested it 25 years ago! Manifestation works, it just takes a long time! So I’m really excited to be a part of it. Carl and Abi’s storyline is kind of coming to a climax with Debbie and Ronnie’s wedding. It’s building to something…”