Few characters in the soap world have had a love life as fiery, complicated, and heartbreakingly unforgettable as Carla Connor. Known for her fierce independence, razor-sharp wit, and turbulent relationships, Carla has always been a woman whose romances capture the imagination of Coronation Street fans everywhere. Now, as spoilers hint at her shocking proposal to Lisa, Carla’s past affairs, betrayals, and heartaches are being dragged back into the spotlight. Every romance that has shaped her into the woman she is today is under scrutiny, raising questions about whether history will repeat itself or if Carla is finally ready for the stability she has craved for so long.
Carla’s earliest romances were marked by a combination of passion and pain. Her first husband, Paul Connor, was far from a faithful partner. While their marriage seemed steady on the outside, Paul’s affair with Leanne Battersby shattered Carla’s trust and proved that even those closest to her could betray her. Tragedy soon followed when Paul was killed in a car crash, leaving Carla to grieve while still processing the devastating betrayal. This combination of infidelity and loss would become a recurring theme in her love life, setting the tone for future relationships.
Her marriage to Tony Gordon marked one of the most intense chapters in Carla’s romantic history. At first, Tony appeared to be a strong, charismatic partner, but beneath the surface lurked jealousy, control, and a ruthless drive for power. Tony orchestrated criminal schemes and manipulated Carla, creating a toxic relationship that left her fearful for her life. Their marriage descended into chaos as his crimes were revealed, and while Carla managed to survive his grip, the scars of that period left her forever wary of passion laced with danger. Tony’s eventual downfall cemented his place as one of Weatherfield’s darkest figures, and his relationship with Carla stands as one of the most chilling cautionary tales in her story.
Then came Peter Barlow, whose relationship with Carla remains one of her most defining romances. Passionate, fiery, and endlessly complicated, Peter and Carla’s love was a rollercoaster of highs and devastating lows. They shared a chemistry that fans could not deny, but Peter’s alcoholism and repeated infidelity constantly undermined their bond. The pain reached its peak when Peter’s affair with Tina McIntyre shattered Carla, coinciding with the grief of losing their unborn child. Despite the turmoil, Peter and Carla remained magnetically drawn to one another, their connection too strong to fully break. Their romance was destructive yet unforgettable, and many fans still view Peter as Carla’s true love, despite the heartbreak he caused.
Carla also married Nick Tilsley, a relationship that seemed to offer stability but quickly crumbled under the weight of secrets and unresolved emotions. Nick was the “safe” option, dependable on the surface, but their marriage lacked the passion Carla had experienced in other relationships. The shadow of Peter loomed large, and Carla’s lingering feelings for him ensured that Nick and Carla’s union was doomed. It ended with far less drama than her other marriages but still highlighted her struggle to find balance between security and passion.
Outside of these marriages, Carla’s romantic entanglements were numerous and equally dramatic. Liam Connor, her brother-in-law, represented one of her most controversial love stories. Their affair was explosive, forbidden, and deeply tragic, ending in heartbreak when Liam was killed. The affair left Carla with both guilt and grief, showing her vulnerability and her susceptibility to following her heart, even when it led her into dangerous territory.
Carla’s romances were often shaped not just by love and attraction but also by tragedy and trauma. She endured miscarriages, heartbreaks, and battles with her mental health that influenced her choices in partners. Each relationship was not only about love but also about survival—an ongoing search for someone who could see her vulnerability and not exploit it. Yet time and again, betrayal and tragedy found her, making her cautious, guarded, and reluctant to trust fully again.
This brings us to Lisa—the new name on everyone’s lips in Weatherfield. Rumors swirl that Carla is about to propose to Lisa, a relationship that feels markedly different from the destructive romances of her past. For the first time in years, Carla seems to have found a partner who offers not just passion but also genuine stability and trust. Lisa has been portrayed as supportive, grounded, and fiercely protective of Carla, qualities that stand in stark contrast to the betrayals and manipulations of Carla’s former partners.
