Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Matt Milburn has discussed whether his character Tommy Orpington feels any guilt in his new affair storyline.
Tommy starts a fling with Tracy McDonald this week, as they make the most of being alone together at Number 1.
The former Weatherfield County footballer is now making money as a painter and decorator and has been hired by Tracy to carry out some work at the house.
When Tracy's husband Steve heads off to Paris to visit his daughter Emma Brooker, flirtatious Tracy enjoys being able to spend time with Tommy.
Related: Coronation Street star Lucy Fallon confirms major betrayal from Bethany Platt
What to Read Next
Speaking about the new storyline, Matt explained: "Tommy has been on a bit of a rollercoaster in a few ways. Obviously he's finished his football career and has had to transition into what would be deemed as a 'normal life', which can be difficult.
"But actually, he's welcomed the change and it hasn't affected him in a negative way. He's a painter and decorator now and understands that he's got to get by and earn a living, which he's humble about and definitely not ashamed of.
"He's also divorced now so it's been up and down for him, but he remains positive and is embracing what's to come."
Related: Coronation Street gift guide – all the best trips, books and merchandise for fans of the soap
He continued: "His feelings for Tracy definitely catch him off guard. I think he feels a little bit scorned by relationships generally. He's not got any ill feelings towards his ex-wife, but I think his feelings towards long term relationships as a whole is something he's not convinced by.
"He had no desire to meet someone and I'm not really sure if he's ready for dating, so meeting someone like Tracy who is married for a start, is not an ideal scenario."
The situation is even more complicated as Tommy is Steve's idol thanks to his footballing past.
Related: Coronation Street's Bill Roache launches fan event after bankruptcy reports
Matt added: "I think Tommy's view on relationships is probably anti long-term relationships and he believes monogamy isn't the way forward.
"He does feel guilty, because he likes Steve and he's definitely not out to hurt anyone, but at the same time, the guilt isn't driving him under the ground either. He's not the one that's married so I suppose he doesn't carry the majority of the guilt.
"It's no strings fun – that is his only outlook on women at the minute."
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
