Tall dark and dangerous
The Background:
Family relations can be complicated; especially when you find yourself in love with your dead husband's brother.
While Carla Connor certainly had feelings for Liam Connor, he wasn't convinced. Sure they shared moment or two, even a kiss, but Carla was with Tony and Liam was engaged to the pregnant Maria. In spite of Carla's efforts the two made it down the aisle.
Still, she's a tough woman, and not one to be left on the shelf for long - oh no. Liam's made his decision - and Carla's moving on. Tony Gordon is charming, rich and successful. But does he have a dark side? And have the sparks between Carla and Liam really gone out...or are they still smouldering?
For the full background click here.
The Story
After the wedding Carla's in a foul mood as she returns to the factory to the girls' snipes about being dumped by Tony. Their personal relationship may have ended but she still has to deal with Tony as an important client. When he arrives to check on an order both are cool and aloof.
To make matters worse she's been getting hang-ups on her mobile and at the office. Arriving home one night after a few drinks she finds the door to her flat open and hears noises within.
She calls the police but then discovers the intruder is Tony. Fuelled by anger the two have a passionate reunion, until she calls him a cab and orders him out.
When Liam asks Carla how she's coping with the break up she doesn't tell him that they're back together. Later Liam's shocked when Carla greets Tony with a kiss and announces that they are moving in together. But in an effort to keep their business and private lives separate Tony only wants to deal with Liam.
Liam begins to tire of Tony and Carla's games and Maria suggests he should sell his share of the factory. Later Liam jokes to Tony that he should buy him out and Tony soon presents Liam with an offer. As Liam considers the offer Maria assures him that she trusts him with Carla and not to sell on her account.
Carla, however, is furious when she learns Tony put in an offer with out telling her. Tony manages to placate her, but is increasingly concerned by her closeness to Liam. When Tony offers some business advice Carla warns him to not to interfere.
As Tony probes why Liam is so important to her Carla concedes that they once kissed. Tony reacts calmly but out of sight releases his anger, smashing a glass.
Tony surprises Carla by inviting Liam, Maria, Michelle and Steve over for dinner and then proposing. Carla accepts, and while she enjoys showing off the ring to the factory girls, she's not as loved-up as she should be. She tells Michelle she's in no hurry and it will be a long engagement.
Meanwhile Tony lays on the charm with the residents. When Bill lands a building contract a the new flats Tony is developing, Tony takes the credit for putting in a good word, but admits to Liam that he never recommends anyone.
The residents become tired of the increased traffic caused by the building site, especially when a builder's van nearly hits. However Tony goes on a charm offensive - offering to talk to the site manager about re-routing the traffic and buying a doll for Amy. Even his run-in with Roy, ending in him making a donation to an animal charity is turned to his advantage.
Tony is charming, but is he to be trusted? When Carla forces Liam to sell his share of the factory to Tony, Tony proves he's a force to be reckoned with.
