Coronation Street casts new Rovers family led by 90s TV legend

A new era dawns for Coronation Street’s signature boozer, with the Rovers Return set to get new owners who are all played by very familiar faces.

Catherine Tyldesley is set to stage a comeback as Eva Price this autumn to take the reins of the iconic TV pub from Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) but she won’t be alone, with new beau Ben Driscoll and his interfering mum Maggie by her side.

Eva and Ben will first appear on-screen in October, when the residents of Weatherfield learn of who will be taking over as publicans of the Rovers.

Eva, who was last seen behind the bar in 2018, will be reunited with sisters Toyah (Georgia Taylor) and Leanne (Jane Danson), but just what has she been up to since her exit?

That is the question.

Stepping into Ben’s shoes is Hope Street star Aaron McCusker, who is no stranger to pulling a pint or two given that he plays pub landlord Clint Dunwoody in the BBC One drama, which will return for its fifth series later this year.

Eva Price stood behind the bar of the Rovers in Corrie — Eva is no stranger to being behind the bar of the Rovers (Picture: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Aaron is also known for playing Jamie McGuire in Shameless and for playing Jim Hutton, Freddie Mercury’s boyfriend, in the acclaimed 2018 movie Bohemian Rhapsody.

Maggie, meanwhile, will be played by none other than Pauline McLynn, best known for playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, Yvonne Cotton in EastEnders and Libby Croker on Shameless.

EMBARGOED TO 1830 WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 17 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Ellie Lavery as Niamh O'Hare, Louis McCartney as Shay O'Hare, Rachel Tucker as Siobhan O'Hare, Ciaran McMenamin as Finn O'Hare , Amara Karan as Leila Hussain, Aaron Mccusker as Clint Dunwoody, Niamh Devine as Nicole Devine, Des McAleer as Barry Pettigrew, Kerri Quinn as Marlene Pettigrew and Niall Wright as Callum McCarthy from Hope Street. A Co Down coastal town is set to be showcased across the world in a new police drama to be broadcast by the BBC. Hope Street is set in the fictional town of Port Devine, filmed in Donaghadee, on the shores of the Irish Sea. Issue date: Wednesday November 17, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story ULSTER HopeStreet. Photo credit should read: Christopher Barr/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — Aaron (centred) plays Clint Dunwoody in Hope Street (Picture: BBC / PA)

Aaron McCusker as Clint in Hope Street (Picture: BBC) — Clint, much like Ben, is the landlord of a pub (Picture: BBC)

Ben’s two sons and Eva’s daughter Suzie will also be joining the cast, with the Price/Driscoll family set to make quite an entrance.

‘We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow,’ said Corrie boss Kate Brooks.

Television Programme: EastEnders with Yvonne Cotton (Pauline McLynn, right) and Dot Cotton (June Brown) Emabrgoed to 0001 Friday April 25 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only. BBC undated handout photo of Yvonne Cotton (Pauline McLynn, right) talking to Dot Cotton (June Brown), as Father Ted star McLynn is joining EastEnders to play Charlie Cotton's mother. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date date: Friday April 25, 2014. Show bosses said the Irish actress, who also starred in Shameless, will have "a recurring guest role" as Yvonne Cotton. McLynn, who played housekeeper Mrs Doyle in the Channel 4 sitcom, will be seen on screen next month. See PA story SHOWBIZ EastEnders. Photo credit should read: Jack Barnes/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — Pauline McLynn played Yvonne Cotton in EastEnders (Picture: BBC)

Television programme : Father Ted Pauline McLynn as Mrs Doyle Tx - Saturdays from 9pm throughout September 2001 This picture may be used solely for E4 programme publicity purposes in connection with the current broadcast of the programme(s) featured in the national and local press and listings. Not to be reproduced or redistributed for any use or in any medium not set out above (including the internet or other electronic form) without the prior written consent of E4 Picture Publicity 020 7306 8685 E4 PICTURE PUBLICITY 124 HORSEFERRY ROAD LONDON SW1P 2TX 020 7306 8685 E4 - — She is best known for playing Mrs Doyle in Father Ted (Picture: Channel 4)

‘The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees ups galore.

‘To have actors of Catherine, Aaron and Pauline’s considerable calibre at the beating heart of this family is absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait for you to get to know and fall in love with them as much as we have already done. Strap yourselves in, it’s going to be an exciting and eventful ride.’

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