Coronation Street spoilers: New romance story confirmed for Steve McDonald after Tracy Barlow split

Poor Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) has tried his best to rekindle his relationship with wife Tracy (Kate Ford) in Coronation Street following her affair with former footballer and current painter & decorator Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn).

Tommy and Tracy’s affair started after the Barlows employed Tommy to redecorate at their house. Tracy was soon smitten by the handsome paintbrush-wielder and the pair would sneak off for stolen moments while Steve was visiting his daughter in France.

After Steve returned the affair continued, but was soon discovered by Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) when he saw more than he bargained for when he glanced through Tracy’s bedroom window.

When Steve found out about the affair he was naturally very upset, but even more upset when Tracy said that she was bored with him and their marriage was over.

Steve has tried to dazzle Tracy with fancy lunches and expensive gifts, but Tracy has made it clear – once the spark’s gone, it’s gone. And now she’s sampled the pleasures of the finest player to ever pull the Weatherfield County number 9 shirt over his head, there’s nothing Steve can do that will impress Tracy enough.

He sees a glimmer of hope in upcoming episodes, though, when he finds out that Tommy has accepted a job in Spain. With Tommy O. heading for sunny Spain, the way might be clear for a Tracy/Steve reunion – or so Steve hopes.

While Amy (Elle Mulvaney) wants to break the news to Tracy that Tommy is about to be moving a long way from Weatherfield, Steve can’t help himself and blurts the news. He suggests they could give their marriage another go.

Soon Tommy calls at the florist’s and asks Amy to have a word with Tracy on his behalf. He says he wants to clear the air with her before he leaves.

Steve, meanwhile, is reluctantly coming to the realisation that he and Tracy are over for good, no matter whether Tommy stays or goes. He decides he’s not going to wallow in misery any longer – he’s going to get out and meet someone else.