Coronation Street hints at a surprising new love interest for Gary Windass

Coronation Street has dropped some hints about a  possible new love interest for Gary Winadass - and it's definitely not who we expected.

The long-running soap teased a possible connection between the builder and Maria Connor as they revealed what's going to be happening in the week ahead. After Maria realises she has forgotten her purse, Gary steps in to help her pay for her shopping. The hairdresser is touched by the gesture, and offers to help look after Gary's son Jake while he's working. But according to Digital Spy, sparks start to fly between the pair when Gary thanks Maria for her help - something which his ex, Sarah, is quick to notice. Which means that things may be about to get tricky, as Maria is currently dating local doctor Ali Neeson. And a soap insider previously told The Sun how Maria's bad luck with men will "continue in explosive style this autumn" - and yes, there's going to be a love triangle. They said:

"After a few years on her own and a string of awful dates she's on the hunt for love. "Gary isn't exactly someone on her radar but stranger things have happened and the pair begin to grow closer."

And Gary is still guilt-ridden over Rana's death and the murder of Rick Neelan - so he begins to question why Maria would want to be with him, rather than Ali. The soap source said:

"He starts to get jealous of Ali still being around Maria and it will be a struggle for him to keep his feelings in check. "Having killed two people already, how far will Gary go to keep Maria to himself and should Ali be worried?"