Coronation Street: Carla vows to be “out and proud” after sexuality tension with Lisa

After months of dancing around their feelings, Carla Connor and Lisa Swain made their relationship official a couple of weeks ago, but things aren’t all sunshine and rainbows for the two women.

Despite Carla initially being the one pursuing Lisa, tonight’s (18th December) episode showed that she has doubts about coming out to the wider community, with only Lisa’s daughter Betsy, Carla’s nephew Ryan and everyone’s favourite oddball Roy Cropper being in the know.

They made their relationship official last month (Credit: ITV)

"Girlie pals"

During what was meant to be a relaxing afternoon enjoying the spa facilities at the Chariot Square Hotel, the two women ran into Debbie Webster, who commented on how nice it was to see two friends making use of the spa offer. Lisa went to correct her, but Carla interrupted her and ended the conversation, leaving Lisa feeling hurt.

When the subject was broached later, Carla assured her girlfriend that she wasn’t ashamed of being with a woman, but rather of the gossip it might spark. She asked if they could tell people when they both felt ready, and all seemed to be resolved.

Conversations were had (Credit: ITV)

The green-eyed monster

After finding out Carla had a lunch booked with a handsome client, Lisa followed her to the Bistro to observe. Gareth (David Corbett) was very touchy with Carla, and jealousy flared in Lisa. It was only after she’d threatened to arrest him for sexual harassment when Carla was on the phone that she found out he was married to a man, and therefore not interested.

Carla was appalled by Lisa’s behaviour and the latter confessed that she felt she was getting mixed messages, wanting Carla to be proud to be with her. Despite Carla reassuring her to the contrary, Lisa claimed she was in denial about her sexuality.

Lisa's jealousy got the better of her (Credit: ITV)

A lot to process

Carla told her girlfriend that she wasn’t embarrassed to be with her and that her hesitation in telling everyone about their relationship was because it was a lot to get her head around. Whilst the fact she’s with a woman doesn’t faze her in private, Carla’s aware that coming out publicly is a different situation altogether.

Carla asked again to keep their relationship to themselves, but Lisa refused, saying she’d be giving in to prejudices if she stayed in the closet. Carla then apologised and promised that from that point on, she would be “out and proud”.

A heated exchange (Credit: ITV)

Discussions to be had

The conversation itself generated discussion among viewers on social media, with some claiming Carla was unfair in asking Lisa to be her secret, and some claiming Lisa was in the wrong to want Carla to come out so soon into the relationship.

Who was in the right?

• Lisa
• Carla
• It's complicated

Friday’s (20th December) episode will see Lisa being caught wearing just a dressing gown in Carla’s flat by Bobby, Fiz and Kirk, and by Monday’s (23rd December) episode, Carla feels comfortable enough to tell her employees at Underworld. What’s to come that will change her mind?