Coronation Street’s Maria Connor is to date a dog fetishist in a new plot.
The hairdresser – played by Samia Longchambon – is set for a shock in an upcoming episode as her search for love results in a date with a man who enjoys dressing up as a dog.
She told Metro.co.uk "Maria thinks he is a goth because he has a collar on, so she says she is into all of that as well and he obviously thinks she’s the perfect woman.
"She tells him she used to work at the kennels and was barking around – she meant to music but he thought literally barking."
The date then spirals further out of control until it becomes clear how the pair have their wires crossed.
Samia said: "She asks to see the pictures as he says he has all of the accessories and then the picture shows him dressed as a dog … his name is Rex, too."
But things could be looking up for Maria because Samia – who signed a new 12 month contract with the show earlier this year – revealed her character’s romance with Ali Neeson (James Burrows) blossoms because of this disastrous date.
She said: "Maria is saying she is full as she just wants to leave and Ali offers a doggy bag. And Maria is annoyed at him making fun of him and Maria’s like, ‘Well so what if he likes to dress as a dog?’ "
Samia has starred on ‘Corrie’ since 2000, and recently admitted she "doesn’t trust people as much" as she used to before joining the ITV soap.
She said: "I like to think I would spot the signs of murderers now, as she’s been engaged to a couple of them.
"I think Maria trusts people too easily. I don’t trust people as much, but I think that’s part of being in this industry."