Coronation Street has never shied away from breaking hearts, and this week was no exception as Carla Connor’s desperate attempts to propose to Lisa Swain ended

in yet another heartbreaking disaster. For viewers who have been rooting for Carla to finally find lasting happiness, the latest episodes were a rollercoaster of emotions,

leaving many fans declaring in unison: “Poor Carla!” Carla, the formidable Underworld factory boss known for her sharp business acumen and steely resilience,

has been carrying a far softer secret for weeks. Behind her tough exterior, she has been quietly plotting the perfect proposal to her girlfriend, Detective Sergeant Lisa Swain. Having already bought a ring and carefully rehearsed her words, Carla was determined to show her partner just how deeply committed she was. But as soap fans know all too well, the path to love on the cobbles rarely runs smoothly.

A Proposal Interrupted

Carla’s first attempt, staged at the iconic Rovers Return, was meant to be romantic. She waited anxiously with the ring burning a hole in her pocket, her nerves on edge as she pictured the moment Lisa would say “yes.” But fate had other plans. Lisa arrived late, and before Carla could summon the courage, Debbie Webster interrupted with her own wedding chatter. In a moment dripping with irony, Debbie asked Lisa to recall how her late wife Becky had proposed—over champagne at a restaurant. As Lisa fondly shared the memory, Carla realized her carefully planned proposal mirrored Becky’s almost exactly. The weight of that realization crushed her confidence, and the opportunity slipped away.

Turning to Betsy

Not one to give up, Carla decided to try a new approach. In Monday’s episode, she nervously sat down with Lisa’s teenage daughter Betsy. Their conversation began with awkward jokes and cheeky teenage banter, but soon Carla blurted out her heartfelt confession: “I want to ask your mom to marry me.”

Betsy, usually quick with sarcasm, was stunned into silence before softening. After playfully testing Carla’s nerves, she eventually gave her blessing: “This is the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time. You have my blessing.” The moment was both touching and comedic, with the pair bursting into laughter and sharing a warm embrace. It was clear that Betsy, despite her mischievous streak, wanted nothing more than to see her mom happy.

The Garden Set-Up Gone Wrong

With Betsy’s enthusiastic help, Carla planned a second attempt at an intimate, romantic proposal. Together, they decorated the garden of their new home at No. 6 Coronation Street, creating a cozy and personal setting that symbolized a fresh start. Carla even added music, setting the stage for what should have been a perfect moment.

But once again, the universe conspired against her. David Platt appeared, irritated by the noise, and launched into one of his trademark rants about the recycling bin wars between neighbors. As tensions rose, Lisa began cleaning up the scattered papers David tossed back over the fence—only to stumble across a piece of paper with the name “Tia Awardly.”

This discovery instantly soured the mood. Viewers will recall that “Tia Awardly” was connected to Carla’s past investigation into the death of Becky, Lisa’s late wife. Despite Carla’s insistence that she had dropped the matter, Lisa was furious, assuming her partner had continued digging behind her back. The romantic proposal Carla had worked so hard to prepare evaporated in an instant, leaving her humiliated and heartbroken.

Betsy Steps In

In the aftermath, Betsy once again proved herself an unlikely ally. She comforted Carla and urged her not to give up, insisting that Lisa needed to hear the truth about her intentions. Carla, however, felt the moment had passed: “It’s most definitely passed,” she admitted, defeated.

Not ready to let love slip away so easily, Betsy took matters into her own hands. In a heartfelt conversation with her mom, she hinted heavily at Carla’s intentions: “Mom, you’re supposed to be the sharpest detective on the force, and you have no idea what’s going on, do you?” Her words left fans on edge, wondering if Lisa would finally realize the depth of Carla’s devotion before it’s too late.

Fans React

Unsurprisingly, the episodes ignited a flurry of reactions across social media. Many viewers were quick to rally behind Carla, sympathizing with her struggle to propose under such unlucky circumstances.

One fan, @Ker09, tweeted: “Poor Carla didn’t even do anything wrong. Can’t wait to see Swain make it up to her with her proposal.”

Another added, “We’ve never seen Carla so nervous. She has got it bad.” (@SwirlaLouise1050).

Some even joked about Carla’s escalating anxiety, with @CoreySwirlaCarla writing: “Can’t wait until they’re engaged so Carla can chill out. Poor woman’s on the verge of a heart attack.”

Others, however, expressed frustration at Lisa’s reaction. “It’s really upset me that despite Carla telling Lisa the paper is old and she hasn’t looked into anything since being asked to stop, Lisa didn’t believe her,” noted @SwainScott.

Several fans floated theories about how the storyline might unfold. One suggested a twist: “Do you think now Lisa knows Carla’s planning to propose, she’ll give Carla another chance—but it’ll end up being a double proposal because both of them will be too emotional to get their words out?”

Another speculated that Lisa might turn the tables: “This is where Lisa is going to rock up at Carla’s factory in her uniform and propose after Betsy tells her Carla has been trying twice.”

The Emotional Stakes

What makes this storyline so compelling is the vulnerability of Carla Connor. For years, she has been portrayed as one of Coronation Street’s strongest women—confident, independent, and unflinching in the face of business or personal battles. To see her nervous, stumbling, and almost undone by love reveals a softer side that resonates with fans. It’s not just about whether Lisa will say yes; it’s about whether Carla will finally be allowed the happiness she has long been denied.

Lisa, too, is caught in a complex emotional web. Still grieving the loss of Becky, she is wary of reopening old wounds. Her anger over the discovery of Tia Awardly’s name isn’t just about trust—it’s about fear of betrayal and unresolved pain. Her hesitation shows the depth of her scars, even as she clearly loves Carla.

What Comes Next?

With Betsy acting as a bridge between the two women, fans are eagerly awaiting the next development. Will Lisa recognize Carla’s genuine intentions and allow herself to accept love again? Or will her mistrust drive a deeper wedge between them? The possibility of a double proposal, as fans speculate, would certainly be a soap-worthy twist, delivering both catharsis and romance in true Coronation Street style.

For now, viewers are left with the image of Carla, her heart heavy with disappointment, and Lisa, torn between suspicion and affection. The tension is palpable, the stakes are high, and fans are more invested than ever.