Catherine Tyldesley, known for her role on Coronation Street, has spoken out about the possibility of Michelle Collins returning to the show as her character’s mother, Stella Price, but with a different actress playing the part.
Michelle, age 63, was known for playing the landlady of the Rovers pub from 2011 to 2014. In a surprising turn, she later reappeared on the soap opera EastEnders in 2023, playing the character Cindy Beale – even though her previous character was believed to be dead.
Catherine, age 42, gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Mail after recently returning to the show as her character, Eva Price, following an eight-year absence.
When asked if they’d consider replacing the actress, she responded that it wouldn’t be possible. She pointed out that very few actors have appeared in two different soap operas, and this actress is incredibly well-known and beloved.
Honestly, the thought of anyone else playing my queen? It nearly killed me! But she admitted it’s happened before on the show – they’ve recast characters before, which, okay, I guess it’s… a thing they do. Still doesn’t make it any easier to even consider someone new stepping into her shoes!
Catherine also shared her admiration for Sue Johnston, 81, who portrayed her grandmother Gloria until 2014, and mentioned that Sue had expressed interest in coming back to the show.
I worked with her on a movie last year and asked if she’d be interested in doing another one. She said she definitely would if I asked, so I’m thinking about reaching out and seeing if she still feels that way.
Honestly, working with her was a dream come true. I’d been a huge fan for years – she’s a total icon! – so when she was cast as my grandmother on the show, I was completely starstruck. Meeting her for the first time was just… awe-inspiring. She truly is incredible.
Catherine also mentioned that show executives are striving to recapture the show’s former popularity, aiming for the classic storylines that attracted viewers in the past, after ratings have recently declined.
She recently rejoined the ITV soap opera following reports of difficulties, including financial problems and discontent among the cast who were unhappy with their working conditions and pay.
Catherine pointed out that even with all the changes in television, people really wanted the soap opera – which originally began in 1960 – to focus again on stories driven by its characters, especially strong female leads.
Our producer, Kate Brooks, has really captured the classic, traditional feel of Coronation Street. She’s a huge fan of the show and incredibly passionate about restoring that original vibe, which was a major reason I decided to return. I was excited by her vision for the future of the show and the direction she wanted to take it in.
She explained that Coronation Street has a long history of successful stories driven by compelling characters, particularly strong female leads, and that viewers clearly enjoy them. She believes Kate’s storyline is currently fulfilling that demand.
As Catherine prepares to become the new landlady, she thought about famous past Rovers Return landladies like Bet Lynch (played by Julie Goodyear) and Vera Duckworth (played by Liz Dawn).
Everyone kept emphasizing the desire for a return to classic, character-driven storytelling in the show, and it seems like we’re really delivering on that now. It’s about staying current while still understanding what our viewers want.
The Sun newspaper reported earlier this year that a recent episode drew 2.5 million viewers. This is a significant drop from 1987, when 27 million people tuned in to watch Hilda Ogden’s final appearance.
The show’s usual airtime on Friday was changed so the network could broadcast the Aston Villa versus West Ham FA Cup game.
Coronation Street faced tough competition from the BBC’s popular reality show, The Traitors, which attracted five million viewers.
The show’s viewership declined, causing it to lose its position as the most popular soap opera to Emmerdale, which had 3.5 million viewers. EastEnders on BBC followed with 2.8 million viewers.
This caused “The Street” to drop out of the day’s ten most-watched programs – something that hadn’t happened since Christmas Day, when Helen Worth made her final appearance as Gail Platt after five decades on the show.
Starting in November, several Coronation Street actors—including Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, Luca Toolan, Paddy Bever, and Shelley King—have announced their departures from the show or have had their characters written out.
Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next.
According to a source who spoke to The Sun, Coronation Street was once ITV’s most prized show, but now many of the actors are feeling discouraged.
A show representative responded, explaining that airing the program on Thursday at 9pm was unusual for them and didn’t consider viewers who watch on ITVX.
Catherine, a mother to 10-year-old Alfie James and 3-year-old Iris, spoke with the Daily Mail about the O2 Connected Bedtime Story campaign. She shared how she balances a demanding filming schedule with her return to Coronation Street and still makes time for family bedtime stories.
This innovative book reimagines a classic children’s story, turning it into a collaborative and engaging adventure. It uses 5G technology to connect parents directly to the story, making them an active part of the experience.
The Connected Bedtime Story is a charmingly illustrated children’s book that uses O2’s fast 5G technology to bring a unique, interactive experience to story time. It’s designed to help parents and children feel connected, even when they can’t be together in person.
I absolutely adore the story created just for O2’s ‘Look Up Little Bear: I’m Here Too’! It’s written by the wonderful Tanith Carey, who really understands families, and the illustrations by Laura Page are just beautiful. The story follows Little Bear and Big Bear, and it perfectly captures that special connection between a parent and child. I especially love how the stars and moon represent love and feeling connected – it’s so sweet and meaningful!
This special book features lovely pictures and a hidden screen that lets parents and children see and talk to each other while reading. A built-in camera allows them to connect as if they’re together, sharing the story and reacting to it in real time.
As a working mom who travels a lot, I often feel sad when I have to miss reading bedtime stories to my kids. With my work getting busier, it’s just not possible to be home for every bedtime. While nothing beats reading together in bed, it’s wonderful to see technology help create that special connection even when I’m away.
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2025-11-08 14:06