Maria looks to the future…

ARE MARIA AND AUDREY HEADING FOR A FIGHT?

Maria finds herself looking to the future this week, after events at the salon put her nose out of joint. But what does she have in mind – and who might she upset as she forges ahead?

With Audrey having been tied up with family dramas of late, Beth clocks how much Maria has done around the salon and comments that she seems to be running the place. Seeing as she’s only paid to work as a stylist, Maria suddenly has food for thought, and is forced to face the fact that she’s finding it difficult to cope.

“While it’s true that Audrey has said that she treats Maria like a daughter, these days she seems to be treating her more like a slave!” laughs our

Corrie insider. “Maria has been too busy to notice, and has such loyalty to the salon and to her boss and friend that she’s barely realised how much she’s struggled lately. Although she normally doesn’t mind, Maria will soon get another wake-up call…”

When Audrey eventually does show up at the salon, the largely absent owner reveals to Maria that she’s increasing the rate for the flat she rents upstairs! So Maria is not only working overtime – she’s also out of pocket!

“Maria’s left thinking about her position,” says our spy. “Remember, she’s a really good hairdresser and knows the place inside out. Plus, she once worked at the factory as Carla’s assistant, helping to pull in a big-money deal – so she has a good brain in that perfectly coiffured head. While Maria forms a plan, Audrey may rue the day that she ever took her for granted!”