[Jords]

Coronation Street characters Sunita Alahan and Karl Munro are about to embark on a steamy affair, it has been reported.

The new Rovers barmaid, who is portrayed by 45-year-old actress Shobna Gulati, will reportedly enjoy a string of secret sex sessions with pub boss Karl (John Michie) behind his unknowing partner Stella's back.

Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson told the Daily Star: "There [have] been suggestions about Karl's wandering eye but we're going to see it for ourselves. Sunita is not someone you would expect, which makes it even more brilliant.

"It'll play out for quite a while, but all hell will break loose when Stella finds out."

Gulati recently hinted that romance could be in the air for Sunita in 2012, saying: "I think [this will be a big year], because she interacts with different people. And I think Sunita may be puckering up - maybe not with [husband] Dev!"

Stella is played by former EastEnders actress Michelle Collins, who came under attack from various fans when she first tackled the Manchester accent.

"The stick she got at the start was really unfair," Collinson said. "But she didn't cave in and now fans have accepted her in this new role."

LOL

Sunita did look hot in the bar.