Corrie's Samia Longchambon discusses long-term future on soap

Coronation Street's Samia Longchambon has revealed that she would love to still be playing Maria Connor 20 years from now.

Having joined the cobbles as Maria back in 2000, Samia is now a bit of a Corrie stalwart and has told The Mirror that she definitely doesn't have her eye on an exit anytime soon, as she loves playing Maria alongside studying for therapy courses.

"I do my courses and interesting work and my kids keep me very busy. I'm happy at Coronation Street and it would be nice to see what Maria is doing when she's in her 60s," she said.

samia longchambon as maria connor in coronation street

ITV

"She'll probably be doing similar stuff to what she's doing now... making terrible decisions over men."

Speaking of Maria's at times tangled romantic life, Samia was surprised to learn that Maria has only dated 16 men during her 21 years on the Street.

She added: "I don't think Maria has gone out on purpose to try to get as many notches on her bedpost as she can. She's just a bit of a hopeless romantic who has just been searching for her prince all these years.

maria connor and adam rickitt's version of nick tilsley in a classic coronation street picture

ITV

"She chooses the wrong guys. She's been out with murderers, she's been cheated on so many times and she's had affairs. She definitely doesn't have the best track record."

Just a few 'highlights' of Maria's romantic life include being cheated on by Jason Grimshaw, fleeing to Canada with Nick Tilsley, having a fling with Toyah Battersby's boyfriend and getting pregnant, and losing her husband Liam Connor, only to later fall for his murderer, Tony Gordon.

Rex/Shutterstock

Things are never simple for Maria, and Samia admitted that she "wouldn't cope with Maria's life" herself, preferring a quiet life with her husband, Dancing on Ice professional skater Sylvain Longchambon, and her children, Freya and Yves.

"I'm the complete opposite. She's got a good heart, but she doesn't make the best decisions," she said. "She goes all in and doesn't do things by halves and that includes men. Maria's life is often chaotic, but I'm happy being at home."

But with Maria now married to killer Gary Windass (Mikey North), it doesn't look like the chaos will be over any time soon.

Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.