Coronation Street's Samia Ghadie talks to Soaplife about Maria's relationship with gay buddy Marcus - and their coming out as a straight couple! Falling for Marcus has come as a shock to Maria, but it's an even bigger shock for the rest of the Street when the couple's secret comes out. "It really is the last thing Maria and Marcus want so soon in their fledgling relationship," says Samia. On the plus side, it means they don't need to hide their love any more - or do they? Maria's told Marcus that she loves him. Has he told her he loves her? "Yes, they have both said those three little words to each other, but since they slept together Marcus has been behaving very strangely and is clearly freaked out by it all." How does Jason take it when Maria suddenly dumps him? "He's really confused. She simply says things aren't working out between them. She doesn't want to tell him about Marcus just yet - they need to know where they stand with each other before they go public." But then Sean walks in on Maria and Marcus kissing... "And they're both absolutely mortified. Of all the people to catch them it has to be Sean. Maria's sure he's going to go off and tell the whole street about them." But he doesn’t - and they end up outing themselves! "Yes! Maria and Marcus find Sean and Jason together in The Rovers and assume they're talking about them so they start trying to defend themselves. Jason suddenly realises what's going on... He feels betrayed not only by Maria, but also by Marcus, who he considered a friend. Jason goes completely mental and flies at Marcus." Is Maria prepared for the sensation their relationship causes? "Part of her knows how controversial it will be that she and Marcus are together. But she doesn't feel they're doing anything wrong and defends their relationship to anyone who asks. Marcus is finding it much more difficult than Maria. He's never been attracted to a woman before." And he upsets Maria by introducing her to his boss as his best friend! "She's really angry because, she tells him, how can they expect anyone else to take them seriously as a couple if they are not big enough to admit it themselves." Fair point. But does Maria seriously believe she and Marcus can make their relationship work? "Right now it's what they both want. But I don't think there'll be a happy ending. Maria is trying to hide her fears that Marcus will fall out of love with her and in love with another man, but I think it's just a matter of time before all the issues with Marcus being gay rise to the surface..."
