We’re having a baby

Maria tells Gary she’s pregnant. But how well does she really know her babyfather?

Thanks to gangster Gary, Maria’s carrying more than just a designer handbag this week – she’s also up the duff!

We’d love to wax lyrical about the joy of new life, but at this rate she’s going to end up on the cover of Chat magazine – ‘My babyfather was a killer… and I just thought he liked sideboards.’

Gary’s stunned when Maria breaks the news, and quickly makes plans for the big arrival, first off suggesting they view a flat to rent in Victoria Court, and then buying her a 4x4. Earth to Gary – slow down! Until babies are delivered by Amazon Prime, there’s no need to rush!

Sarah can’t help feeling jealous when she sees her ex presenting Maria with the keys. When they were a couple, Gary could barely afford a bag of pork scratchings. She soon realises the reason behind Gary’s extravagant purchase, and fills in Maria’s former flame, Ali.

The dishy doc’s gutted that Maria has well and truly moved on, but he’s also worried, knowing what kind of a man she has got herself involved with. And he tells her straight – her new boyfriend is a loan shark, and his furniture shop is a front for dodgy dealings. ‘Maria thinks he’s just jealous at first,’ says Samia Longchambon, who plays the expectant crimper. ‘He even mentions getting rid of the baby. But when he confronts her with all this new information about Gary being a loan shark, she can’t help but believe Ali.’

Later, a casual conversation in the corner shop gives Maria even more cause for concern. Big Garth – the market trader whom Paul sold Roy’s mum’s ring to earlier in the year – spots her posh bag, and comments that it’s worth a bob or two. Maria tells him it’s just a fake, but Garth assures her it’s the real deal and would’ve cost the best part of a grand.

‘Maria’s really suspicious because Gary told her it wasn’t real,’ adds Samia, ‘so she asks him how he got the money for all these things. But Gary has got answers for her, and tries to talk her round.’

Will Maria fall for his lies?

Flash motor: Gary buys his girlfriend an expensive car Trust: Maria is told that Gary’s a loan shark