Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Michael Bailey makes a mistake which could ruin Underworld next week, as he gives Stephen Reid his access code to make a fraudulent transfer.
As Stephen plans a dramatic getaway from Weatherfield, he sneakily decides to move £250,000 from the factory account to a bogus one of his own.
Stephen tricks Michael into believing that Carla Barlow has given him permission to hand over his access code for the transaction. It's only later that Michael realises Stephen has stolen the full balance from Underworld's account, leaving the business's future in jeopardy.
Ryan Russell, who plays Michael, recently caught up with Digital Spy and other media to discuss the storyline.
How is Michael's relationship with Stephen at the moment?
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"Michael is oblivious. He just wants to doodle and come up with designs, I think! Michael just wants to be a success in Underworld and he sees a chance now that he's been made junior manager by Stephen.
"So Michael is looking out for Stephen – just to impress him, look up to him and aspire to be Stephen. Unfortunately, he's not the best person to aspire to be.
"Stephen has got suits and I think Michael likes his suits! Maybe you could say that Stephen is like a father figure to Michael, with the age gap.
"There's definitely a unique partnership between them and somehow it works. Also, Michael feels like he can bring something new and fresh to him and to the business."
When Stephen asks him to help with the transfer of the Underworld funds, does Michael have any doubts?
"No, although I think he knows he shouldn't. I reckon Carla's said in the past: 'By any means, do not give anyone the details'. I think it's like: 'Come on, never give your payment number out to anyone!'
"But when Stephen pretends to call Carla, Michael just wants to do good and says: 'Okay, I trust you'. It's an honest mistake."
How will it affect Michael when the truth comes out?
"I think Michael always beats himself up because he's an overthinker. He'll blame himself before he blames anyone else, especially with the access code.
"So, I think Michael is just going to be like: 'I cost Underworld thousands of pounds, how will I repay them? Is my job going to be in jeopardy?' Carla's going to bite his head off, so he's scared."
How would Michael feel if he lost everything because of this?
"I think Michael has finally felt like he was progressing in life and gaining some success with his designs. He got promoted and everyone respects him in Underworld.
"So, to lose that, I think Michael would be scared to go back to square one again. Then he's got the added pressure of being a single dad with Glory, so financially it's going to be very hard for him."
Do you think Carla is going to be forgiving, or will Michael suffer her wrath?
"The wrath of Carla! If I can make her double what he loses – half a million – then she might forgive him, but until that day I imagine Carla is not going to be happy.
"There's a line where Carla is like: 'How could you be so stupid, Michael?' That really hit home. I really felt that! It felt like getting told off by your mum."
Do you think we'll see a slightly harder Michael going forward?
"I think it will have an impact on him, because he has invested a lot in people before, like Grace, Stephen and Ronnie – many people.
"I think he might fall back into his old ways again, hopefully. I liked the silly, wide-eyed, bushy tail Michael and then he'd go off in some turmoil and bounce back. I think he's very resilient."
How has it been to work with Todd Boyce, who plays Stephen, on the storyline?
"He's been so professional. He has a lot of lines to learn because Stephen has got a lot to say! All the Underworld stuff is super hard and technical but he's always on it. Everyone in Underworld is on it.
"For me, it's been a pleasure to work with such great actors. It's the biggest story I've been in since I've been here. I'm just happy to be here!"
Check out more of our Coronation Street coverage:
- Coronation Street confirms full details of Stephen Reid's exit week
- Coronation Street star Todd Boyce breaks silence on Stephen Reid exit story
- Coronation Street boss promises huge aftermath to Stephen Reid's exit
- Coronation Street reveals possible death news for Sally Metcalfe
- Coronation Street's Carla Barlow to receive police plea over Stephen Reid
- Coronation Street teases Stephen Reid's exit week in 38 new spoiler pictures
- Coronation Street's Stephen Reid and Peter Barlow face violent clash in exit week
- Coronation Street's Stephen Reid finally confronted by Audrey Roberts
- Coronation Street star Alison King on Carla's shock Stephen discoveries
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
