Sol: Becoming a dad could help Ryan

Coronation Street star Sol Heras has said he thinks Ryan Connor's baby news could help save his relationship with mum Michelle.

Since the bad boy returned from university with drug and debt problems, he and his mum (played by Kym Marsh) have been at loggerheads. But when Ryan's lover Tracy Barlow announces she is pregnant, the shock could be just what he needs to rebuild his family ties.

Sol told the Corrie website: "I actually think this situation could make their relationship stronger in the long run.

"Michelle has been really protective of him and knowing that Ryan is falling into a trap with Tracy, Michelle knows that the relationship between Ryan and Tracy will falter eventually and that Ryan will be heartbroken but she will be there to pick up the pieces for him.

"I also think that Ryan will eventually realise that Tracy is poison, and that his Mum and Steve have been right all along to have doubted Tracy's motives for being in a relationship with Ryan. I think this will all add up to Ryan and Michelle's mother and son relationship becoming stronger and they will bond more."

Despite not being ready to be a father, Sol revealed Ryan will promise to look after Tracy and her baby, and be the father he never had himself. But he doesn't think Ryan really loves Tracy.

He revealed: "Their relationship was just a bit of fun as far as Ryan was concerned. He was flattered by the idea of an attractive older woman fancying him. He was more than happy to enjoy Tracy's attentions.

"The idea of him loving her only arises once Ryan discovers Tracy is pregnant. He sees it as a natural progression. In his view he has made her pregnant so therefore he must tell her he loves and they must settle down as a couple."