It’s no secret that Carla and Lisa’s storyline has already had a massive impact, but how do the fans feel?
Whether you’re someone who has watched Coronation Street for decades, or someone who discovered the show through clips on social media, no one can doubt just how much the audience has grown in the last year, and not just in the UK. Fans are popping up all over the globe, from the USA to Australia, Swarla has officially gone international.
In the six-odd months that they’ve been together, they’ve been through a whirlwind of trials and tribulations. Needing a kidney transplant, colleagues being killed, accidentally shooting your own child, and being taken hostage (twice)… I mean that’s more than most couples would go through in more than one lifetime. Before that, we had the classic slow-burn storyline, the ‘will they won’t they?’ hanging over us for months. But they did, and it’s been an incredible ride.
With the couples storyline covering everything from grief, jealousy, and coming out later in life, through to parenting and health problems. It’s fair to say that Carla and Lisa are representing so many of us, perhaps more than anyone realises.
We asked you, our audience, just want Carla and Lisa’s storyline means to you, and here’s what you had to say.
“No matter what age, gender, situation. Happiness is around the corner. There’s always a glimmer of hope.”
“That you should never give up on finding love. That it will find you when you least expect it and teach you things you never knew you had to learn.”
“To me it means… possibilities are endless.”
“Seeing a femme couple like my wife and I represented in a soap, where their sexualities aren’t the story. No “journey of discovery” or needing to label it, just two women in love, experiencing life together.”
“They’re teaching me what a healthy relationship can and should be.”
“This storyline has helped me to see the person I was always supposed to be. It has given me the courage to start living the life I was meant to live.”
“For me it shows if it’s true love, you get through anything. I always say if you can’t handle me at my worst then you don’t deserve me at my best. These two have been through so much and have always been by each other’s side no matter what. The definition of true love.”
“For me, it’s about finding that one person you can’t live without and love unconditionally despite age and gender.”
“I love how they show feeling secure in a relationship is more than just talking; it’s the way someone reassures you through touch, putting you at ease when you feel vulnerable, and just being there even when you can’t vocalise it.”
“It has taught me forgiveness, proper communication, full support and trust! The ability to come together/unite and not fall apart/divided while faced with the most trying of circumstances.”
“No matter what happens in life, family is always there to support you and get you through the difficult times.”
“To accept myself for who I am and to stop trying to change for other people.”
“Finally seeing myself and my relationship represented on mainstream television. But also if you can stick together through the hard stuff then you can stick together through anything.”
From your feedback, deep themes shine through.
Hope and Resilience:
No matter what life throws at you, happiness and love are just around the corner. There’s a sense that even in the darkest moments, light – and maybe a snuggle – will find you.
Unexpected Love
Love doesn’t come with an appointment; it often arrives unannounced and teaches you lessons you didn’t know you needed.
Representation and Identity
Carla and Lisa’s relationship offers viewers, especially those in same-sex relationships, a mirror they’ve long been denied. No drama over coming out or painful stereotypes; just love, lived honestly.
Healthy Relationship Dynamics
The couple models communication, forgiveness, comfort, and support. It’s an instruction manual for what healthy love looks like.
Self-Acceptance and Empowerment
Their story has helped people embrace who they are, love without apology, and finally start living life as their authentic selves.
Unconditional Love and Support
Through ups, downs, and the occasional dramatic plot twist, Carla and Lisa show that true love endures – with loyalty, compassion, and strength through emotional turmoil.
Carla and Lisa haven’t just played out a love story on-screen, they’ve lit up living rooms, hearts, and identities across the globe. Their bond has become a lifeline, a mirror, and a megaphone for people who longed to see themselves loved without condition or question. Through them, viewers have found the courage to love, the strength to heal, and the giddy joy of believing that yes, no matter who you are, love is for you, too. So whether you’re sobbing into a pillow or cheering with wine in hand, one thing’s clear: this love story isn’t just about fiction.
Images copyright of ITV