Coronation Street will air some mysterious behaviour from Gary Windass following his surprise departure.

Recent weeks have seen Gary helping out Lou Michaelis, despite her on-going feud with his wife Maria Connor.

In yesterday’s episode, Lou visited Gary in his flat. When she tried to kiss him, Gary firmly rejected her advances but Lou threatened to ruin his marriage by lying about what happened.

Gary decided to take some time away from the stressful situation and, after another row with Maria, he left Weatherfield to stay with his mum.

In next week’s episodes, Liam is worried when Gary doesn’t answer his calls, as he still hasn’t returned from his mum’s house. The teenager shares his fears with Maria, who hides her own concerns in order to reassure him.

“It’d be a big surprise if Gary genuinely ignored Liam’s messages,” our Corrie source points out. “Liam has been through hell over the past year – including recently with Mick at the builder’s yard – and Gary has been by his side every step of the way.

“On the other hand, Gary made it clear that he wanted space when he first headed off to Anna’s. Is he just clearing his head, or is something sinister afoot?”

A few days later, Maria finally hears back from her husband, who says he’s staying with a friend and will be home soon. Will Gary’s message put Maria’s mind at ease or could there be something else going on?

Coronation Street airs these scenes on Wednesday 25 June and Friday 27 June.