CORONATION Street's boss has teased "warfare" between killer Stephen Reid and a much-loved character.
Stephen is closing in on his next victim after securing a new job at the Underworld factory.
Viewers were left furious after Carla Connor's rash hiring of Stephen as they fear the killer will strike again - and Carla is his next victim.
It comes as Corrie boss Iain MacLeod has teased a feud will develop between the two entrepreneurs.
Iain told the Sun: "He sees his first step back on the ladder to the top of the international rag trade as getting a gig in Underworld and toppling current queen of the pile, Carla.
Helen Flanagan battles to save NYE plans after 'poo explosion' in her car
"Psychological warfare begins between those two, freighted with knowledge on viewers part he's killed someone, so when Carla belittles Stephen and makes him make the tea, undercutting him in front of clients she is unwittingly poking this hornets nest.
"At some point all the hornets do come out, but probably not in the way you expect. If anyone predicts what Stephen does to Carla I’ll eat my hat.
"Luckily I don’t own one! His plan is so out there and dark that Id be incredibly surprised if anyone spots it coming over the hill."
Fans were astounded that the residents on the street didn't question why Stephen would want the factory job if he is a successful businessman and millionaire.
And Carla was criticised for her business acumen.
Will Stephen swindle Carla after accessing the accounts, or will he murder again?
Boss Iain also teased there is a lot more drama to come for murderer Stephen in the coming year.
He added: "Bit like a film noir, the guy gets himself, due to his fatal flaw of arrogance and egotism need to be top dog, drives him into increasingly desperate acts over the next
12 months.
"Lots to come, best tradition of Corrie villains. Compare him to one of our esteemed bad guys of the past he's got shades of Richard Hillman for me.
Stalking terror rocks Coronation Street as barmaid targeted
"That kind of pomposity refusal to accept your on the bones of your behind. Desire to present the image of the successful guy.
"Everything about what he’s doing and about this story I find really exciting."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1.