Coronation Street‘s Carl Webster could be set to flee from the cobbles – and the country – without his partner Abi. The bombshell revelation airs in Friday’s episode, as Carl secretly makes his escape plan. It seems that Abi could be heading for heartbreak, just weeks after her decision to split from husband Kevin.

In tonight’s episode, things seem to be looking up for Abi as an unlikely supporter comes to her rescue. Abi is facing the possibility of a custody battle with Kevin, who’s claiming that he’s the best option to bring up his stepson Alfie.

At The Rovers, Tracy McDonald stirs things by loudly proclaiming that Kevin is the only decent parent that Alfie’s ever had. Abi loses it and punches Tracy, but regrets her violent reaction when she realises that Kevin has witnessed the whole thing.

Abi and Tracy’s feud continues as they both get barred from the pub, but when a stressed-out Abi finally crumbles and bursts into tears, Tracy shows mercy for once and takes a softer approach.

Tracy’s so bothered by the situation that she even pays a visit to Kevin, fighting Abi’s corner…

“Kev, I’ve known you my whole life,” Tracy reminds him. “I know we’re not bessie mates or owt, but you’re not a cruel person. She’s told me that you’re threatening to take Alfie off her.”

Kevin admits that his earlier warning was an empty threat, as he wanted to shock Abi into putting Alfie first. Tracy’s pleased when she can report good news back to Abi, explaining that Kevin has no intention of taking Alfie.

Sadly, just when it seems that Abi can concentrate on building a future with Alfie and Carl as her top priorities, Carl makes a secret call that could change everything…

“I’m missing Deutschland,” Carl tells his friend. “Things haven’t really worked out here. So if you can keep an eye out for any flats, somewhere central?”

When Carl’s mate in Germany offers to let him stay for a while, he confirms: “No, it’ll just be me – flying solo…”

Will Carl leave Abi high and dry? We know that he’s due to feature in the Christmas episodes, when his secret fling with James Bailey could be exposed, so we’ll have to stay tuned to see exactly how this one goes…