The end is in sight (Picture: ITV)

Carla Connor (Alison King) finally discovered the extent of Peter Barlow’s (Chris Gascoyne) problems in Friday’s (December 22) episode of Coronation Street.

It was Christmas Eve in Weatherfield so focus for some residents was on last minute presents.

As Simon (Alex Bain) headed out for the day, Carla went to the factory and told Sarah (Tina O’Brien) she really doesn’t know what to get Peter. She said she wanted something that would put a huge smile on his face as it’s been so long since she saw it.

Later that day, Carla joined Peter at a support group. The AA meeting was about how people will spend Christmas and when it was Peter’s turn, he said so long as he’s surrounded by his family, he’ll be happy.

This bothered Carla because she knew Peter wasn’t being entirely honest. After saying that the ‘light had gone out’ in her partner, Carla listened as Peter admitted he desperately needed a change to his life, because the monotony of the one he’s living is getting him down.

Back at the flat, Carla was fearful about the future. She said that she really wanted to help Peter, who wasn’t enjoying his life, but wasn’t sure if that meant he would like their relationship to end.

The couple realising that the love they have for each other wasn’t enough was a heartbreaking development, and marked a step closer to Peter’s time in Weatherfield ending.

Carla and Peter will spend one final Christmas together (Picture: ITV)

That evening, Carla returned to Underworld and was found by Sarah, who was curious over whether she had any luck finding a present for Peter.

Carla said she did and printed out the result. Sarah then glanced at the paper and was stunned. She wondered if Carla had made the right decision, but she said there isn’t much choice.

She has to let Peter go.

‘It is gut wrenching when he opens up and says he feels like he is not living a life’, Alison King said.

Carla attended a support group meeting with Peter (Picture: ITV)

‘It really brings home what she has been thinking that even with her by his side he is not living a full life, he doesn’t feel like it’s enough for him. She is so sad about that but then starts to think outside the box and puts him completely first and starts to think about what she should do.

‘She needs him to want to own it. Tell her the truth. And think about what’s best for him alone.’

‘Peter and Carla have just got brilliant chemistry and we’ve got brilliant chemistry, we trust each other’, she added.

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‘And so it just works. And you know, they really get each other and can go through anything and then there are the softer moments, they understand each other so much. They have kind of grown together such a lot.

‘So I think the viewers can see that. It’s just their chemistry and the way they’re both perfectly imperfect people, but together, they kind of make sense. And I think, you know, that’s what everybody wants to have.’

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It had to be done.