Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street's Gary Windass's whereabouts are finally revealed next week – he's in hospital, unconscious and covered in bruises.
Maria Connor's husband has been missing since he stormed out after a row about his relationship with Lou Michaelis, so how did he end up beaten into a coma?
"When Gary stropped off to his mum's, Maria didn't realise that could be the last time she saw him," begins our Corrie insider. "She has no idea he's fighting for his life in a hospital bed. Gary's condition is critical, and he might not pull through…"
Gary and Maria's marriage has come under intense strain in the past few weeks, thanks to his growing closeness to Lou.
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It was clear Gary felt sorry for his wife's employee after her violent hubby Mick Michaelis was sent to prison for killing Craig Tinker, leaving her to cope with three kids on her own.
But when kind-hearted Gary offered lonely Lou a shoulder to cry on, she misread the signals and tried to kiss him.
The ensuing row between Maria and her hubby saw Gary storm out of the flat to cool off. But he's been gone a suspiciously long time.
"Maria thought Gary would come home once the dust settled," says our source. "But it's been days, and there's still no sign of him.
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"He has sent a text to tell her he's staying with a friend and will return soon. But Liam's 16th birthday is coming up so Maria's sure Gary wouldn't miss that – would he?"
With Gary still AWOL, Liam feels abandoned by his stepdad, but Maria reassures him that he will be around to celebrate his birthday.
The big day arrives, and Liam opens his cards and presents – though he's clearly deflated that Gary's not there. Confiding in his mum, anxious Liam shares his fears that something bad might have happened to Gary.
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Although she puts on a brave face, Maria is clearly thinking the same thing – and with good reason.
"While Maria throws a birthday tea for Liam with the family, we see Gary lying in hospital," reveals our insider. "He's out of it and obviously in a bad way. Suddenly he takes a turn, and staff are rushing to his aid – Gary's in danger, but no one knows where he is."
Will Gary survive, or die alone in a hospital bed without his loved ones knowing his fate? And was Gary ever staying with a mate, or did someone else send that message to Maria?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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