Corrie's Maria to face shocking proposition

Coronation Street's Maria Connor is going to be propositioned by newcomer Frank Foster in a shocking new storyline.

The single mother - played by Samia Smith - will find herself in the frightening scenario after the evil businessman corners her when she visits his home as part of her new job as Carla's personal assistant.

Former hairdresser Maria is hired by the straight-talking factory boss when she starts to lose business at Underworld because of the recent tram crash and is facing financial ruin unless she gets more clients.

Seeing Maria as the answer to her problems, Carla (Alison King) makes the brunette sweet-talk her biggest client, Frank (Andrew Lancel), after noticing he has a soft spot for her.

However, the evening takes a nasty twist when he tells the vulnerable beauty: "If you want this deal, you'll have to be nice to me."

The cameras then stop rolling and viewers of the ITV1 soap are reportedly left wondering whether or not he sexually assaults her.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Time will tell how bad Frank's character will be - but he's a ladies' man and no Weatherfield woman will be safe from his interest."