Coronation Street spoilers follow.
"Joining Corrie is almost like being in a relationship!" jokes Jason Callender, aka James Bailey, as we at Inside Soap chat exclusively about his first few months on the Street.
"Once you get past that awkward dating stage where no one knows what’s going on, I was in love, bouncing off everyone!"
It’s just as well Jason has made himself at home on the cobbles so quickly, because bosses have wasted no time in ramping up the emotional drama for his character James.
Adopting his sister’s baby would cause drama at the best of times, but Dee-Dee can’t have biological children now and her feelings for baby Laila are growing.
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As James fears his fatherhood dreams might be snatched away again, Dee-Dee throws a christening in secret next week – one James has banned!
And this betrayal has huge consequences for the Baileys, warns Jason, as James presses ahead with Laila’s adoption and the family is torn apart…
Hi, Jason! Is James worried Dee-Dee could take Laila away?
"Without a doubt. He knows deep down that, if Dee-Dee changes her mind, there's not much he can do legally. So I think he's always fearful."
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Dee-Dee gets Laila christened behind his back! How does James react?
"It’s the final straw for James. If she can do that, she can do anything behind his back. He tries to take a stand and pushes forward with the adoption."
How ruthless will he get to stop her?
"He’s going to go hell for leather! He’ll make sure that it’s written in law that he’s the sole guardian and father to Laila. The Baileys will be torn. Ed will try to keep the peace, but he knows this is Dee-Dee’s only chance to be a mother. James feels isolated."
Related: Coronation Street's Lisa Swain left devastated in tearful new scenes - but what's wrong?
We’re seeing chemistry between James and Todd! Do you think they’d make a good couple?
"Without a doubt. They’re two gorgeous men! And they’d make great dads together, they’re both sensitive and loving. They’d really look after each other. He doesn’t see Theo as a threat – or anyone!"
For more exclusive chat with Jason, including about an unexpected new storyline for James, pick up the latest issue of Inside Soap – available to buy now.
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
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