Paula Martin (played by Sterling Gallacher) has inserted herself into Coronation Street as the caring, old schoolfriend of Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor), who happens to now be a big time lawyer and is helping her to fight Duncan Hadfield’s (Nicholas Gleaves) false allegations of fraud.
However, in this week’s instalment of the ITV soap, Paula will find herself overstepping the boundaries when she gives in to temptation and kisses Sally’s daughter Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent).
Newly released spoiler images show Sophie leaning in for a kiss shortly after Paula reveals she is bisexual and the women have bonded over their sexuality.
On the same day they share a kiss, Sally will attempt to set up lesbian daughter Sophie with Paula’s daughter Isla (Anna Jobareth) over lunch in the Bistro.
With Isla being a fellow lesbian, Sally makes it known she thinks her and Sophie should get together, but the pair are mortified.
Later that day Paula reveals to Sophie she loved Isla’s Dad, however, he caught her in bed with a female Judge.
After the stunning revelation Sophie plants a kiss on Paula as she is about to leave, but will their romantic relationship spell trouble?
According to actress Sterling, if Sally discovers they are seeing each other it could cause a whole heap of problems.
Sterling said: “If and when Sally finds out about the relationship there might be a bit of a frisson there.
“But I’d imagine Paula would be able to work it so that they remained friends because I’d love it if Sally and Paula would hang out a bit more!”
Describing Paula’s attraction to Sophie, she added: “Paula is aware of Sophie immediately; she is fascinated by her and she catches her eye.
“But then Sophie has a couple of wise words about travelling and it allows her to release Isla to go out in the world and have an adventure.
“Paula finds Sophie’s maturity and common sense very attractive.”
Sterling added her character Paula is taking a huge risk getting involved with Sophie when she is representing her mum Sally.
“From Paula’s point of view, she’s aware that Sophie’s aware and there’s a nice little flirtation where they’re both toying with the idea of being involved with each other,” she explained.
“Sophie makes the decision that this is going to happen and then Paula has to think about whether or not she’s willing to risk her working relationship because it’s not a sensible move to get involved with someone’s daughter when you’re representing them in such a way.”
Yet Paula is not afraid to take the risk and is willing to put her friendship with Sally on the line for a moment of passion.
Sterling offered: “Paula thinks that she can handle most things. She pretty much talks her way around things and isn’t scared of consequences.
“But that’s an emotional response in Sally which would have to be dealt with. But nothing bad has happened – it’s just a poorly timed relationship.”
Coronation Street continues tonight on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
