Coronation Street is lining up a new love interest for Maria Connor

It looks like Coronation Street is lining up a new love interest for Maria Connor.

In scenes set to air next week, sparks start to fly between Maria and doctor Ali Neeson as she vents to him about her non-existent love life. But as the pair continue to chat at the Rovers Return, Ali suggests there's may be someone right under her nose - but will Maria take the hint? The news of the duo's romance was first revealed in early June, with What's On TV reporting Maria decides to take charge of her love life after a girly spa night with Gail Rodwell and Audrey Roberts. Feeling old before her time, the mum-of-one decides to create an online dating profile in an effort to meet someone new. However, things don't quite go to plan - with most of the unlucky-in-love hairdresser's dates turning out less-than-ideal. The source:

“Maria goes on a series of hilarious and disastrous dates. She starts to think that her love life must be doomed, and she confides in Ali. “Maria goes to great lengths to find ‘the one' little realising that the perfect man could be right under her nose…”

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Virgin Media One.