In recent episodes of Coronation Street, the arrival of Carl Webster — the estranged half-brother of Kevin and Debbie Webster — has stirred up more than just family drama. Viewers were introduced to Carl in a chaotic scene involving Kevin’s wife, Abi Webster, when a car-related mishap led to a heated, and oddly flirtatious, first encounter between the two. Neither Carl nor Abi realized at first that they were connected through Kevin, making the tension — and chemistry — both confusing and entertaining.

The truth came out eventually, in what many fans described as awkward but compelling scenes. Instead of creating distance, the revelation only seemed to intensify their bond. The flirty banter continued, hinting at a possible deeper connection — or dangerous misstep — brewing under the surface. But this seemingly harmless attraction may be part of something much darker, if fan theories are to be believed.

On Monday’s episode, Carl showed a more sensitive side as he accompanied his sister Debbie to a hospital appointment. There, a heartbreaking diagnosis was delivered: Debbie has vascular dementia. Though the neurologist offered some reassurance that with a healthy lifestyle she could maintain her current condition, the gravity of the news was clear. Debbie, understandably shaken, confided in Carl but insisted she wasn’t ready to tell the rest of the family. Her vulnerability became a turning point in their relationship.

Carl appeared supportive — a trustworthy brother stepping up at a crucial moment. But this is Coronation Street, and nothing is ever as simple as it seems.

Later that day, Carl dropped by No.13, where Abi sensed something was bothering him. Instead of telling her the truth about Debbie’s diagnosis, Carl told Abi he was concerned about Kevin’s cancer and regretted not spending more time with him. Abi, softened by his apparent sincerity, reassured Carl that he was a decent guy, despite their rocky start. Then, in a move that left fans gasping, Carl leaned in to kiss her. Abi rejected the kiss, but the damage was done — trust lines had been blurred.

Elsewhere, Debbie made another major decision. Fearing that her illness would become a burden, she broke things off with her unsuspecting partner Ronnie Bailey. She didn’t explain the real reason but later broke down emotionally to Carl, overwhelmed by the weight of her secret. Her devastation was palpable, and Carl, again, was there to console her.

However, fans online are growing increasingly suspicious of Carl’s true intentions. Social media platforms lit up with theories, many suggesting that Carl’s return to Weatherfield is less about family reconciliation and more about financial gain. Some viewers are convinced that Carl is positioning himself to take control of Debbie’s affairs, especially if she names him power of attorney. The suggestion is chilling: once entrusted with her legal and financial matters, Carl could take advantage of Debbie’s vulnerability to drain her of her assets — especially given hints that Carl is struggling with money.

One viewer summarized the prevailing sentiment online: “So you can see how this will pan out. Debbie will keep the diagnosis to herself and ask Carl to be power of attorney. Carl will fleece her because he has money troubles.” Others quickly echoed the theory, calling it “spot on” and “100% correct.”

Adding fuel to the fire, other fans speculate that Carl may try to influence or manipulate Debbie’s will, ensuring he inherits a sizable chunk of her estate — or possibly even become her sole beneficiary. “Do we think Carl will do something sinister with Debbie’s will etc?” one person asked, to which another replied, “Think so as he’s in need of money.” A third wrote bluntly: “He wants money. He’ll do anything to get it.”

So, is Carl really a reformed man looking to reconnect with family, or is he a manipulative opportunist playing a long con?

Abi, still unaware of Debbie’s illness, may end up in the crosshairs of Carl’s charm again — unless she chooses to come clean to Kevin about the kiss attempt. That could ignite another round of domestic chaos and put Carl’s motives further under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Kevin himself seems blissfully unaware that both his wife and half-brother are hiding major truths from him.

Debbie, for her part, is rapidly becoming the most vulnerable character in this arc. Her refusal to share her diagnosis may be understandable, but it also isolates her and opens the door for Carl to become her primary confidant and decision-maker. If the theories are right, Carl could soon wield enormous influence over her life — legally, emotionally, and financially.

As the drama unfolds, fans will be watching closely. Will Debbie uncover Carl’s true intentions before it’s too late? Can Abi stop a disaster from happening — or will her own silence become part of the problem? Is Carl truly capable of betrayal at this level, or are the viewers reading too much into subtle clues?

One thing is clear: Coronation Street has set the stage for a gripping family crisis where trust is fragile, motives are murky, and betrayal may already be underway.