Coronation Street teases a future relationship for Gary Windass and Maria Connor next week.
The show offers the first hint of a possible romantic chemistry between the pair as Gary shows some rare kindness towards his neighbour.
When Maria (Samia Longchambon) realises that she has forgotten her purse, Gary unexpectedly steps in to pay for her shopping.
Maria is touched by Gary's support and later returns the favour by offering to help look after his son Jake while he's busy working.
Related: Coronation Street casts former Emmerdale star Sian Reeves as new character
Later, as Gary thanks Maria for babysitting, there's an obvious frisson between them – which doesn't go unnoticed by Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien).
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Maria is currently dating local doctor Ali Neeson (James Burrows), so viewers will have to stay tuned to find out whether this relationship is heading for trouble with Gary now in the mix.
Speaking in August about Gary's next romance, Mikey North – who plays him – teased: "It's so far off, but I know it has been planned for ages.
"I've known about it since Christmas time but it's just not happened yet, but it is happening and it all ties into the next big storyline for Gary."
Related: Coronation Street's Dev Alahan to discover Asha's secret
Next week's Coronation Street episodes also see Ali and Ryan Connor bemoan the fact that their mum Michelle disapproves of both of their girlfriends.
Robert Preston suggests they should throw a dinner party to sort out their differences, but will this have the desired effect?
Coronation Street airs these scenes on Wednesday, October 2 at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
Read more news, spoilers and gossip on our Coronation Street homepage
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest Coronation Street spoilers, as Gary attacks Ryan, and Amy makes a worrying discovery about Asha.
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