Viewers were left stunned tonight as they saw Coronation Street's scheming Frank Foster walk free from court after he was found not guilty of raping Carla Connor.

But factory boss Foster, played by Andrew Lancel, will not have long to enjoy his freedom as he is murdered - sparking off a hunt for his killer with no shortage of suspects.

The soap villain will spend the next few weeks alienating everyone on the street including his latest conquest Sally Webster, played by Sally Dynevor, who will finally see him for what he is.

Andrew said: "Erase and eradicate, that is his plan. And he will go about it in the worst possible way. He is enjoying tormenting Carla, he is enjoying turning the screw.

"His true colours are finally showing through and no-one is safe in his scheming head.

"But he doesn't for one moment think his life might be in danger - he is too arrogant and too cocky to think that could ever happen to him."

Alison King, who plays Carla, said the stars of the storyline were kept in the dark while they were filming the courtroom scenes.

She said: "We filmed two versions. I think two different sides came out - a happy version and sad version - and it was very confusing for us all but we had to do that so that nobody knew.

"The trial scenes have been really tough and stretched me as an actress and I thank Corrie for that. On the other hand, it's made me aware that it happens more than we know and that's a sad thing."