Coronation Street announces shock soap change after 29 years – as fans brand it ‘end of an era’

CORONATION Street spoilers reveal a shocking change to the cobbles after 29 years – with fans branding it the ‘end of an era’.

Underworld factory has been a staple on the show for decades, but upcoming scenes see its future in jeopardy.

Carla Connor-Swain (Alison King) has been involved with Underworld in some capacity for almost 20 years.

In scenes airing next week, however, she is forced to shut the factory following a dire turn of events.

Taking to Reddit, Corrie fans have shared their disappointment and heartbreak over the situation.

One penned: “The way they constantly are making Carla look like she needs saving sucks BAD.”

A second added: “On the flip side, how a factory like Underworld is viable in today’s day and age is beyond me considering the high street competition of M&S, Primark, Victoria’s Secret or whatever the Corrie equivalent is etc.

“The fact that it is struggling is very realistic although yes it does suck to see Carla struggling yet again.”

A third wrote: “They can’t close Underworld that would be end of an era!!!

“But agree that it would struggle in today’s retail world. Hate how they’re trying to do Carla dirty again.”

Underworld was created in 1997 when businessman Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs) bought the premises.

It has changed hands several times over the years, with Carla having been a part-owner since 2007.

Carla has been married multiple times in her time on the soap, to Paul Connor, Tony Gordon, Peter Barlow and Nick Tilsley.

In 2024, she began a same-sex relationship with police detective Lisa Swain (Vicky Myers), dubbed “Swarla” by fans.

The couple subsequently married in 2026, with Carla officially becoming the stepmother to Lisa’s daughter Betsy.

In August, actresses Alison and Vicky had to be escorted by security guards when a large group of Swarla fans turned up while they were filming on location in Bolton.

A show source said at the time: “Ali and Vicky were filming alongside other Corrie stars including Tina O’Brien and Jack P Shepherd.

“But the group that turned up were only interested in Swarla.

“They waited outside all day until the shoot finished at 6.45pm.

“Alison and Vicky were ushered out by security guards into a waiting Mercedes people carrier. There was no time for selfies or autographs. But for the Swarla fans it didn’t matter, they are so hardcore just a glimpse is enough.”

The source said groups of Swarla fans also regularly wait outside the gates of the ITV Trafford Wharf Studios in Salford Quays in the hope of spotting them.

And the source said security is always on hand to keep a close eye out.