Coronation Street airs Lou Michaelis’s surprise return scenes next week, as she crosses paths with Debbie Webster in prison. Could they end up being unlikely allies or bitter enemies during their time behind bars together?

This week’s episodes see Debbie receive a prison sentence after her involvement in the dramatic Corriedale crash, which caused the tragic death of Billy Mayhew. Debbie has been determined to take the blame to protect her secret son Carl, who was drink-driving on the night in question.

Following on from this, next week’s episodes begin with Debbie adjusting to her new life in Weatherfield nick, which includes her being assigned a buddy for additional support due to her dementia.

In one of the prison meeting rooms, Debbie prepares to meet her supposed new pal – who turns out to be none other than Lou.

“It’s not exactly a match made in heaven,” explains our Corrie source. “Debbie isn’t too chuffed to see Lou standing in front of her, and Lou doesn’t look too thrilled either, so it seems to be a mutual feeling.

“It’s no secret that the two ladies led very different lifestyles while on the cobbles, but here’s hoping that they can somehow get along.

“It would be awful for Debbie’s dementia to deteriorate while she’s behind bars, particularly as she only recently suffered another Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or mini-stroke.”

Coronation Street aired Lou’s final scenes in July last year, after she was jailed for attacking Gary Windass. In a tough choice, she opted to plead guilty and asked her friend Sally Metcalfe not to bring her kids to see her again.

Farrel Hegarty played the role of Lou for a six-month stint.

Reflecting on her character, Farrel told The Mirror last May: “Lou is gobby, loud, irrational and it’s lovely to be compared to such a big character, like Janice Battersby. You always dream of landing a part like Lou.”

Farrel added that the role of Lou was a “dream come true”, but admitted that she “always knew [she] would one day be leaving”.