Coronation Street fans are in for a shock next week as Maria Connor learns Mason Radcliffe is set to be released from prison.

Mason had made life unbearable for her son Liam Connor (Charlie Wrenshall), pushing him to the point of despair where he considered ending his own life.

Thankfully, Liam’s mum Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) and her husband Gary Windass (Mikey North) discovered his fragile mental state before he could act on his thoughts.

In upcoming episodes of the ITV soap, Maria receives a letter informing her of Mason’s impending release, leading her to visit the police station for more information. Unbeknownst to her, Gary is also at the station with his ex Sarah Barlow (Tina O’Brien), providing his bank statements.

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When Maria sees Gary leaving the interview room, she demands to know what’s happening. Will Gary reveal the truth?

This development follows months after Gary sought comfort from Sarah as his marriage to Maria hit a rocky patch. The tension arose due to Maria’s overprotectiveness of Liam following his bullying ordeal.

Despite Liam’s desire to return to school, Maria was adamantly against it. Gary tried to support Liam’s wishes, but was hurt when Maria reminded him that he wasn’t Liam’s biological father.

Maria, Sarah and Gary in Corrie
Maria Connor is stunned to get a letter saying Mason is due to be released from prison. She heads to the police station to ask some questions, unaware that Gary Windass is there with Sarah Barlow
During a solitary walk around Weatherfield, Gary bumped into Sarah who herself has been dealing with her divorce from Adam Barlow and the imprisonment of her ex-boyfriend Damon Hay.

Gary invited Sarah back to his flat for a chat, where he confessed that Maria’s overbearing behaviour was causing issues in their marriage.

Unbeknownst to them, Maria had been checking her security camera app and spotted the ex-lovers alone together in her flat. Maria continued to watch as Sarah discovered that Damon had been handed a six-year prison sentence. She was shocked to see Gary comforting Sarah with a hug.

Gary, Maria and Sarah in Corrie
Will Sarah reveal the truth about her visit to the station with Gary?
Meanwhile, Sarah, having had a few drinks, attempted to kiss Gary, but he stopped her. A mortified Sarah quickly left before anything else could happen.

When Gary finally caught up with Maria, she confessed that she’d seen their embrace and was upset that he’d discussed their marital problems with an ex-girlfriend.