Coronation Street star Kate Ford has confirmed rumours that Tracy Barlow will cheat on Steve McDonald.
The big plot twist will be the main story in the ITV soap's New Year's Day episode, as seen in our new spoiler pictures.
When Tracy wakes up hungover on the first day of 2020, she realises that she has betrayed Steve (Simon Gregson) by sleeping with someone else.
Tracy sneaks back home to the Street Cars flat, bringing a designer jacket along with her. She soon realises that she picked up the wrong item of clothing by mistake, but it's too late as her daughter Amy (Elle Mulvaney) has already spotted it.
Related: Coronation Street's Michelle Connor falls into a nasty trap ahead of Weatherfield exit
Later on, Tracy meets up with her surprising new love interest in the Rovers Return, returning the jacket and begging them to keep quiet.
What to Read Next
When Amy spots Tracy arguing with the individual in question, she's shocked to realise who her mum spent the previous night with.
Kate, who plays Tracy, explained: "Tracy is a very spur-of-the-moment person, and while she loves Steve, their relationship hasn't been great recently.
"It's got a bit stale and boring and the passion seems to have got lost in the domestics. The discovery that Emma is Steve's daughter has put a strain on them.
Related: Coronation Street's Tim Metcalfe gets a warning in secret wife storyline
"Tracy has been a bit jealous although she's trying harder now, so I think when Tracy makes plans for New Year's Eve then finds out Steve's avoiding her, she’s just had enough. She's angry, she starts drinking and that's when Tracy can be very impulsive."
Asked whether Tracy feels guilty the next day, Kate replied: "I think she regrets it but she's more bothered about keeping it quiet and making sure Steve doesn't find out than she is about feeling guilty. Typical Tracy!"
Amy is quick to order Tracy to tell Steve the truth, threatening to do it for her if she doesn't comply.
When Tracy continues to keep quiet, Amy announces that she's moving out to live with Emma (Alexandra Mardell).
Related: Coronation Street's Gemma shares baby fears with Chesney as their struggles continue
Later that week, Emma quizzes Amy on Steve's behalf, wanting to know why she moved out so abruptly.
Emma then confides in Steve about what Amy told her. Steve confronts Tracy – does he now know the truth?
Asked how Steve might react to Tracy's betrayal, Kate said: "He's not going to be happy. After years of not wanting to be with Tracy, they're finally settled, then this. They want to give Amy a stable family, but then this is Steve and Tracy, so they keep messing it up.
"I hope they can save their marriage as I really like them together and I love working with Simon, he really looks after me. The chemistry is there in their relationship, they just need to find it again.
Related: Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien confirms Christmas proposal story for Sarah Platt
"I think at the back of Tracy's mind, she always worries if Steve wants to be with her as much as she does with him or if he's just settled. This is going to force them to explore that and work out if they do have a future together."
Show bosses aren't confirming the identity of Tracy's surprising lover, although some unconfirmed tabloid reports have already suggested that it's Paula Martin.
Coronation Street airs these scenes on New Year's Day at 8pm on ITV.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
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 Robert faces a backlash, and Maria receives more warnings about Gary.
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
![The Road to Coronation Street [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568634215-51d4CaKIrCL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Road to Coronation Street [DVD]")
![The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1568634418-51we2BNTW1yL.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:* "The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]")
ITV The Stars of Coronation Street - 50 Years, 50 Classic Characters [DVD]
Want up-to-the-minute soaps news, spoilers and gossip on your social feeds? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Soaps Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @soapscoop Twitter account.
