Corrie’s Alison King & Vicky Myers CELEBRATE — But There’s GUILT | Coronation Street

Coronation Street’s Alison King has plenty to celebrate this week — but amid the triumph, there’s a hint of guilt she just can’t shake.

The acclaimed actress, beloved for her portrayal of the fiery, resilient Carla Connor, recently took home one of the biggest honors in British soap television.

Alongside co-star Vicky Myers, who plays DS Lisa Swain, Alison was crowned winner of Best Partnership at the 2025 Inside Soap Awards —

a win that both actresses describe as “deeply meaningful.”

But for Alison, who has spent nearly two decades bringing Carla Connor to life on the cobbles, the joy of victory comes with an amusing confession: she feels a little guilty about “cheating” on her longtime on-screen love, Peter Barlow, played by Chris Gascoyne.

“It’s just fantastic,” Alison said with her signature warmth. “I must confess that I feel a bit bad about cheating on Chris — we tried for years to win Best Partnership but never did! So, yes, it feels amazing, but a little guilty, too.”

Her playful honesty has delighted fans, many of whom have followed Carla and Peter’s rollercoaster romance for more than a decade. Their love story was one of Coronation Street’s most passionate and tragic — full of betrayal, addiction, heartbreak, and undeniable chemistry. But as Peter’s time in Weatherfield came to an end, Carla’s life — and Alison’s storyline — began a new and unexpected chapter.

That new chapter came in the form of DS Lisa Swain, portrayed with powerful depth by Vicky Myers. Initially introduced as a tough, no-nonsense detective, Lisa quickly became one of the show’s most layered characters. Beneath the uniform was a woman scarred by grief and guilt, haunted by the loss of her colleague PC Craig Tinker and the painful memory of her wife, Becky.

When Carla and Lisa’s worlds collided, few could have predicted how compelling their connection would become. What began as fleeting glances and quiet understanding slowly evolved into a full-blown romance — one that felt grounded, mature, and emotionally raw. By late last year, the couple’s engagement and move into No. 6 Coronation Street marked a turning point not just for the characters but for the show’s representation of LGBTQ+ love stories.

Fans, ever quick to celebrate a new Corrie romance, coined the ship name “Swirla” — a playful blend of Swain and Carla — and social media soon exploded with admiration. Hashtags like #SwirlaForever and #ConnorSwain trended as fans gushed over their tender moments and fiery chemistry.

The Inside Soap Awards win for Alison and Vicky only cemented their status as one of the most beloved new duos on television. During their acceptance, Vicky was effusive in her praise for her co-star, calling Alison “absolutely incredible” and “a joy to work with.” She added with a smile, “We call each other work wives — and it’s true. We’ve spent over a year working so closely, and she’s just brilliant. There’s a real trust and affection between us, both on and off-screen.”

That affection has become part of what makes their on-screen pairing so magnetic. Whether sharing quiet domestic moments or navigating emotional chaos, Carla and Lisa’s scenes feel authentic and alive. The writers have leaned into that natural chemistry, creating a story that balances romance with deep emotional stakes.

But, as every Corrie fan knows, happiness in Weatherfield rarely lasts. Just as Carla and Lisa seemed to find their footing, Lisa’s past returned to haunt her. In one of the soap’s most shocking twists, it was revealed that Becky — the wife Lisa believed dead — was still alive. The revelation rocked the Connor-Swain household and left both women reeling.

The emotional fallout was breathtaking. Vicky’s portrayal of Lisa’s guilt and confusion, coupled with Alison’s raw depiction of Carla’s heartbreak, created some of the most powerful scenes in recent Coronation Street history. Critics praised their performances as “layered, heartbreaking, and utterly authentic.”

“It’s not just about romance,” one Inside Soap reviewer wrote. “It’s about survival, forgiveness, and choosing happiness after trauma. King and Myers bring that depth to every frame.”

Indeed, Alison’s work as Carla continues to evolve in ways that keep her character fresh and relevant. After years of business rivalries, personal tragedy, and struggles with mental health, Carla has finally found someone who sees her not as the formidable Underworld boss, but as a woman capable of love and healing. Lisa Swain, meanwhile, represents a new kind of partner — one who listens, supports, and challenges her.

For Alison, this new dynamic has been invigorating both professionally and personally. “Working with Vicky has reminded me why I love this job so much,” she said in a recent interview. “She brings such honesty and empathy to every scene. We trust each other completely, and that makes all the difference when you’re dealing with such emotionally heavy material.”

Still, Alison’s playful guilt toward Chris Gascoyne adds a nostalgic twist to her current success. The Peter and Carla era remains a cornerstone of Coronation Street history — their fiery love story a symbol of passion and tragedy. But Alison’s comments also reflect her deep respect for her former co-star. “Chris and I shared so many amazing moments. It’s funny — we tried for years to win that award together, but it just wasn’t our time,” she said with a laugh.

Her words capture the spirit of Coronation Street itself: a show built on legacy, loyalty, and the power of reinvention. As Corrie approaches yet another milestone year, the Connor-Swain pairing represents not just a new romantic direction, but also a bold step forward in inclusive storytelling.

Through Carla and Lisa’s relationship, Coronation Street continues to explore complex, mature love — one that’s rooted in pain, redemption, and hope. It’s a storyline that reflects real life in all its messiness and beauty, and Alison and Vicky’s performances elevate it to something truly special.

Off-screen, their friendship mirrors the bond their characters share. Behind-the-scenes clips often show them laughing between takes, teasing each other during interviews, and supporting one another during public events. That genuine camaraderie translates directly to their on-screen chemistry, making every glance and gesture ring true.

The win at the Inside Soap Awards isn’t just an acknowledgment of great acting — it’s a celebration of evolution. For Alison King, it’s proof that after nearly 20 years on the cobbles, she can still surprise audiences. For Vicky Myers, it’s a career-defining moment that has firmly established her as one of Corrie’s most promising stars.

And for fans, it’s a reminder that no matter how many twists and heartbreaks Weatherfield delivers, love — in all its forms — remains at the heart of the street.

As Alison herself put it best, “It’s funny how things come full circle. Carla’s been through so much — and so have I. But now, it feels like she’s found peace. And honestly, so have I.”

With that, it seems safe to say that even if she feels a little “guilty,” Alison King has earned every bit of this celebration. Swirla isn’t just a fan favorite — it’s a symbol of growth, resilience, and the enduring magic of Coronation Street.