RITA Tanner is left in mortal danger after it's revealed pal Gemma Winter was involved in the death of an old lady, The Sun Online can reveal.

When Gemma's twin brother Paul Foreman is released from prison and rocks up in Weatherfield, it emerges that he took the rap for a murder he didn't commit so his sister wouldn't be locked up.

And Gemma is desperate for the truth not to come out, fearing it'll affect her relationship with Kabin worker Rita.

A source told us: "Gemma fears all her secrets will be exposed when her brother Paul arrives in Weatherfield.

"She's managed to build a life for herself and put herself behind her.

"The last thing she needs is for Rita to find out that she had ties to the death of a rich old lady.

"Rita has done so much for Gemma over the years and they've built a good relationship.

"However, Paul thinks Gemma's up to he old tricks, and Rita could be in danger.

"Gemma tries her best to keep Paul away from Rita, but things could get difficult as he starts to get settled.

"Only time will tell if she can keep a lid on her brother - and her secrets."

A spokesman for Coronation Street told us: "We don't comment on storyline speculation".

Paul had appeared in Corrie earlier this as David Platt's cellmate. However, at the time fans didn't know he was related to Gemma.

Corrie boss Iain MacLeod recently revealed Gemma will get a huge storyline in 2019.

He said: "I do love that character and I think she's at her best when she's at the middle of everything causing trouble.