View Full Version : Sue Johnston - Gloria Price
ROYLE Family actress Sue Johnston is poised to ditch her slob screen hubby and take a new mumsy role — in the Rovers
Coronation Street chiefs want her to join the soap as landlady Stella's mother.
Sue, 68 — long-suffering wife of Jim Royle in the BBC comedy starring Ricky Tomlinson — was last night said to be "keen" to sign up.
A Corrie insider said: "Everyone is thrilled. She's a brilliant actress. We can't wait to have a member of the Royle Family walking down those famous cobbles and enjoying a drink in the Rovers."
The move would mark a return to the ITV1 show after telly veteran Sue had a cameo role for a handful of episodes playing bookie Sammy Chadwick's wife in the early 1980s.
She went on to find fame in rival soap Brookside, playing Sheila Grant for eight years. Her role as stoic Barbara in The Royle Family won a new generation of fans.
The source said: "Sue would be a perfect addition to Weatherfield.
"She is the only person we are talking to about the role.
"She is keen and we're keen so it should hopefully be a done deal very soon."
The Sun
This mornings story from The Sun that had a rumour in it saying*ex-Brookside actress and Royle Family regular Sue Johnston might be joining Corrie as Stella Price's mum.*
Well, that remains a rumour but what we can confirm is that Corrie are definitely casting for an actress to play Stella's mum on Coronation Street.
A Corrie spokeswoman said today: "We are currently looking to cast Stella's mum. We would never comment on who we may or may not be interested in for any role."
Let's hope whoever it is is only coming for St. Ella's funeral
moving to rumour mill until all it confirmed
tammyy2j
08-03-2012, 11:41
This mornings story from The Sun that had a rumour in it saying*ex-Brookside actress and Royle Family regular Sue Johnston might be joining Corrie as Stella Price's mum.*
Well, that remains a rumour but what we can confirm is that Corrie are definitely casting for an actress to play Stella's mum on Coronation Street.
A Corrie spokeswoman said today: "We are currently looking to cast Stella's mum. We would never comment on who we may or may not be interested in for any role."
Let's hope whoever it is is only coming for St. Ella's funeral
I'd say Alan you'd like it to be Babs Windsor :p
Yes then I could decide which of them is the worst actor. I would live to hear the poison dwarf attempt an accent other than the cockney twang for which she has become synonymous
LizzyBizzy
08-03-2012, 22:27
I'm expecting Barbara Windsor to be rolled out as some sort of Carry On Olympics ambassador.
I'm expecting Barbara Windsor to be rolled out as some sort of Carry On Olympics ambassador.
Well she is a National Tweasure. apparently
Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson has confirmed that The Royle Family star Sue Johnston is joining the soap in the role of Stella Price's mother.
The show's producer announced the news on This Morning today (April 2), promising that Johnston's character Gloria will cause a stir on the cobbles.
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© PA Images / Fiona Hanson/PA Wire
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© ITV
Collinson commented: "I'm very excited to be able to tell you that Sue Johnston is going to be joining the Coronation Street cast. She starts recording with us in a couple of weeks, and she'll be on screen in June.
"She's going to play Gloria Price - Stella's mum, and Leanne and Eva's grandma. A very vivid, brilliant character, I think - already from what I'm reading in the scripts.
"She's feisty, brilliant - she comes over from Spain, where she's been running a bar, so she's perma-tanned! She's a terrifying, domineering, overbearing mother, so there's going to be sparks flying."
Gloria's debut episode will see her arrive in Weatherfield unannounced, telling Stella (Michelle Collins) that she only plans to stay for a short time. However, she is still around months later - leaving Stella suspicious over what her mum has been up to abroad and why she isn't returning.
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A Coronation Street statement teased: "It soon becomes clear that Gloria has been economical with the truth and the sparks fly between her and her daughter.
"And the ladies of Weatherfield soon discover that they will have to keep an eye on their men, as she sets her sights on Dennis and Lewis.
"Larger than life, ballsy and outspoken, Gloria will be in the great tradition of strong Weatherfield women who don't take no for an answer and live life to the full."
Johnston's extensive CV includes her roles as Brookside's Sheila Grant and The Royle Family's Barbara Royle.
This is great news, and I'm interested to read that Lewis will still be around in June.
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Well folks, here she is in all her glory - it's Gloria, the new cast addition to Coronation Street. Gloria is played by actress Sue Johnston and the official Coronation Street website at itv.com has the first pic of her filming on the cobbles.
The official Corrie site reports that Sue started filming on Thursday 26th April, as Gloria arrived outside the Rovers Return. But from the expression on Stella's face, her unexpected appearance may be far from welcome.
They reveal that Gloria is set to be thrown into the middle of Stella and Karl's marriage crisis, after returning from Spain where she has been running a bar. But it soon becomes clear that Gloria has also been economical with the truth and the sparks will fly between her and her daughter Stella, following Gloria's arrival on screen in June.
TaintedLove
28-04-2012, 14:01
I couldn`t be more delighted that Sue has joined the cast. She`s such an excellent actress - a national treasure that Babs Windsor can`t hold a candle to.
I hope Peter Whalley writes her scenes - he`s the best writer in Corrie.
TaintedLove
28-04-2012, 14:03
They reveal that Gloria is set to be thrown into the middle of Stella and Karl's marriage crisis,
Stella and Karl are married? I don`t think so.
Fantastis news. Sue Johnston is amazing in every role shes in. There wont be any dodgy accent from her either.
She might make Stella interesting now :p
Coronation Street writers have been forced to change scripts after Sue Johnston was taken ill.
The Royle Family star joined the ITV1 soap last month as Stella Price's mother Gloria.
However, the actress became sick two weeks ago just days after she started filming scenes. She was unable to work, prompting rewrites, according to the Sunday Mirror.
"It would be a lie to say this hasn't caused a real problem. A significant amount of time was going to be dedicated to her introductory scenes," a source said.
"We had to completely change the filming schedule. And scenes that had been written had to be changed to allow for her absence."
Johnston's character will shock daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) by turning up out of the blue after years running a bar in Spain.
Chloe O'brien
13-05-2012, 17:32
What a shame. I hope it's not too serious and we see Sue on the cobbles soon. Sue's a cracking actress loved her in Brookside.
Johnston's character will shock daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) by turning up out of the blue after years running a bar in Spain.
Are the scriptwriters so bereft of ideas that they have to use the same storyline as they used for the dreadful arrival of the pointless St. Ella
Are the scriptwriters so bereft of ideas that they have to use the same storyline as they used for the dreadful arrival of the pointless St. Ella
and we've had Liz Mac turning up of the blue after running a bar in spain in the past also?
just cobble together a number of used S/L - that will do
and we've had Liz Mac turning up of the blue after running a bar in spain in the past also?
just cobble together a number of used S/L - that will do
At least when Liz turns up she has family that she has interacted with for years unlike St. Ella and Leeanne and now apparently St. Ella and Mam Royle
NEW Coronation Street star Sue Johnston will finally hit our TV screens in September.
The actress, most famous for playing Barbara in The Royle Family, began filming scenes as Gloria Price in April.
She should have made her debut in the ITV soap earlier this month but the scenes were scrapped after she suffered a mystery illness.
Sue, who plays the mother of Rovers landlady Stella Price, is now on the mend and hopes to start filming again next month.
A source said: “It’s taken a bit of time to write Sue back in because the writers needed to find the perfect scenario to introduce her character. The new scenario is even better than the first one.
“From the few days Sue was in before she fell ill, everyone was impressed at how wonderfully she fitted in.”
Coronation Street's Michelle Collins has spoken of her excitement about filming with Sue Johnston.
The Royle Family actress will play Collins's character Stella Price's mum Gloria, who arrives in Weatherfield this September.
Collins told OK of the casting: "What better mum could you have than Sue Johnston? I'm so excited! She is such a cool lady."
The former EastEnders actress, who recently extended her Corrie contract for a further year, added that she expects the Rovers Return to become "very matriarchal".
Following the news that Stella is soon to discover Karl and Sunita's affair, it is unlikely that the Rovers Return will be occupied by any men for the foreseeable future.
Johnston, who was cast in early April, has had her opening storyline changed by writers after her arrival was delayed due to illness.
Gloria Price was described by as "feisty", "domineering", "overbearing" and "terrifying" by producer Phil Collinson at the time of the original cast announcement.
Sue Johnston has revealed that one of her reasons for joining Coronation Street was to live near her grandson.
The Royle Family actress will play the feisty mother of Rover's Return landlady Stella from September.
In explained to The Sun: "My son lives in Manchester and he's just had my first grandchild.
"So it made sense to be working where the baby is."
Her new character Gloria will upset Weatherfield locals when she moves into the Rover's next month.
"Gloria doesn't endear herself to everyone - she's a real Coronation Street matriarch," added the 68-year-old.
Johnston's entrance story was changed after her original scenes were cut due to illness in May.
Coronation Street's Georgia May Foote has disclosed details of upcoming scenes with newcomer Sue Johnston.
The Weatherfield actress, who plays Katy Armstrong, told Digital Spy about a fiery altercation with Johnston's character Gloria in the Rovers Return.
Speaking to Digital Spy, Foote teased: "Now that Katy is 18, I've actually started having quite a few Rovers scenes which is really exciting - especially working with Sue Johnston now that she's joined the show.
"I recently had a scene with Sue where I was quite snappy towards her character Gloria, so afterwards I apologised to her! It was my first scene with her so I didn't want to offend her!"
The young star also spoke about her upcoming surrogacy plot in the wide-ranging interview.
Coronation Street's iconic Rovers Return is reportedly being turned into a B&B by Weatherfield newcomer Gloria Price.
Sue Johnston's character will infuriate local residents when she opens the new venture, according to the Daily Star.
Her daughter, Rover's landlady Stella (Michelle Collins), will be away from the cobbles when she announces the new scheme.
However, Gloria angers her granddaughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) with the move.
Eva is quoted as confronting Gloria: "Since when do we do bed and breakfast?"
The matriarch is said to retort: "Since I entered us into the B&B category for pub of the year. All you need is quilts, pillows and a frying pan. What else do you need?"
Speaking to Digital Spy earlier this month, the ITV soap's producer Phil Collinson described Gloria as "super-critical" and "uncompromising".
Royle Family legend Johnston's first Corrie scenes will play out sometime next month - her arrival was delayed due to an illness.
LostVoodoo
23-08-2012, 16:20
Well, it should work considering that pub does appear to have a Tardis-like infinite number of bedrooms!
LizzyBizzy
23-08-2012, 22:41
I'm looking forward to seeing Sue Johnston in Corrie.
Sue Johnston has revealed that her Coronation Street character Gloria will be "a terrible flirt".
Disclosing new details about her role, the Royle Family legend also confirmed that her matriarchal alter ego will clash with shopkeeper Rita Sullivan in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Radio Times, Johnston teased: "She's the sort of person who takes pride in shooting from the hip.
"She wastes no time in ruffling feathers when she arrives in Weatherfield, which she thinks is a dump.
"As well as being blunt to the point of rudeness, she's also a terrible flirt, which is terrific fun and a great combination to play."
The 68-year-old added: "I've just filmed some scenes with Barbara Knox because Rita is one of the first people Gloria goes into combat with, and she was wonderful.
"Because the characters are so familiar and I've watched the show as a fan, I have to make sure I call people by their real name."
Gloria Price, the mother of Rover's Return landlady Stella (Michelle Collins), upsets Weatherfield locals upon her arrival next Wednesday (September 5) as she turns the pub into a B&B.
Sue Johnston has revealed that her Coronation Street character Gloria will be "a terrible flirt".
Disclosing new details about her role, the Royle Family legend also confirmed that her matriarchal alter ego will clash with shopkeeper Rita Sullivan in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Radio Times, Johnston teased: "She's the sort of person who takes pride in shooting from the hip.
"She wastes no time in ruffling feathers when she arrives in Weatherfield, which she thinks is a dump.
"As well as being blunt to the point of rudeness, she's also a terrible flirt, which is terrific fun and a great combination to play."
The 68-year-old added: "I've just filmed some scenes with Barbara Knox because Rita is one of the first people Gloria goes into combat with, and she was wonderful.
"Because the characters are so familiar and I've watched the show as a fan, I have to make sure I call people by their real name."
Gloria Price, the mother of Rover's Return landlady Stella (Michelle Collins), upsets Weatherfield locals upon her arrival next Wednesday (September 5) as she turns the pub into a B&B.
Sue Johnston has spoken about her first spell in Coronation Street in 1982.
The Royle Family actress, who has rejoined the show as Gloria Price, originally played a lady referred to as Mrs Chadwick for a few months.
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© ITV
Speaking about her original stint on the ITV soap, she admitted: "I remember it so clearly because I was terrified.
"At the time, the characters were truly legendary and some of the actors were very intimidating. It really was true that if you sat in somebody else's seat in the green room, you'd get in trouble.
"Thankfully, Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth) took me under her wing and we've been close friends ever since. She was one of the first people I called when I knew I was going to be in the show and she was delighted."
Recounting another meeting, the star went on: "One of my strongest memories from 30 years ago was being in the ladies' loos when Doris Speed (Annie Walker) entered. I froze. This was Doris Speed!
"I stood in awe as she chatted away to me ten to the dozen. She then brought her Annie Walker wig out of her bag still talking away. She popped it on, snapped into role, left the toilets and walked straight into the Rovers. I thought about that on the first day that I walked onto the Rovers set and had a chuckle to myself."
The 68-year-old, whose new character Gloria will arrive next Wednesday, revealed that the current cast have been more "welcoming", adding: "It's not like the old days."
However, she quipped: "So far, my only mistake has been calling Craig Charles 'Lloyd' and he laughed when I apologised."
Sue Johnston has spoken about her first spell in Coronation Street in 1982.
The Royle Family actress, who has rejoined the show as Gloria Price, originally played a lady referred to as Mrs Chadwick for a few months.
http://i1.cdnds.net/12/34/618x422/soaps_corrie_7948_4.jpg
© ITV
Speaking about her original stint on the ITV soap, she admitted: "I remember it so clearly because I was terrified.
"At the time, the characters were truly legendary and some of the actors were very intimidating. It really was true that if you sat in somebody else's seat in the green room, you'd get in trouble.
"Thankfully, Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth) took me under her wing and we've been close friends ever since. She was one of the first people I called when I knew I was going to be in the show and she was delighted."
Recounting another meeting, the star went on: "One of my strongest memories from 30 years ago was being in the ladies' loos when Doris Speed (Annie Walker) entered. I froze. This was Doris Speed!
"I stood in awe as she chatted away to me ten to the dozen. She then brought her Annie Walker wig out of her bag still talking away. She popped it on, snapped into role, left the toilets and walked straight into the Rovers. I thought about that on the first day that I walked onto the Rovers set and had a chuckle to myself."
The 68-year-old, whose new character Gloria will arrive next Wednesday, revealed that the current cast have been more "welcoming", adding: "It's not like the old days."
However, she quipped: "So far, my only mistake has been calling Craig Charles 'Lloyd' and he laughed when I apologised."
Interview with Sue Johnston
Gloria arrives out of the blue from her home in Spain to surprise daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) and granddaughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley). But it is Gloria who gets the surprise when she discovers that Stella’s fella Karl has been playing away with Sunita Alahan. And she is finally re-acquainted with her long lost granddaughter Leanne (Jane Danson).
Larger than life, ballsy and outspoken Gloria will be in the great tradition of strong Weatherfield women who don’t take no for an answer and live life to the full. It soon becomes clear that Gloria has been economical with the truth about her reasons for leaving Spain and the sparks fly between her and her daughter as she tries to stamp her mark on the Rovers.
And the ladies of Weatherfield quickly discover that they will have to keep an eye on their men as she sets her sights on both Dennis and Lewis.
Corrie producer Phil Collinson said: “I'm delighted to welcome Sue Johnston to the cast of Coronation Street.* She is a national treasure and a stunning actress.* She has been at the heart of the very best comedy and drama the UK has produced over last 30 years and will step into the heart of Coronation Street as her character, Gloria, takes up running The Rovers with daughter Stella.”
Sue will make her Corrie debut as Gloria on Wednesday September 5th.
Interview with Sue
Thirty years ago a role in “Coronation Street” was SUE JOHNSTON’S first job in television. Now after a hugely successful career that’s seen her star in major television dramas, soap and sitcom, as well as creating at least two characters that became household names with Sheila Grant and Barbara Royale, Sue returns to the cobbles as Stella’s straight talking mother Gloria Price.
TELL US ABOUT GLORIA PRICE
I think people will be in for a surprise as she’s not the sort of character I’m usually associated with. She’s certainly not got the warmth or maternal instincts of Barbara or Sheila, in fact she’s a terrible mother.* I’ve still got so much to learn about her past with Stella but it’s fair to say she hasn’t always been there for her daughter and she gave her a bit of a rough ride when she was growing up. She’s very straight talking and just doesn’t care what she says and to whom she says it. She’s the sort of person who takes pride in shooting from the hip. It never wins her any friends but she’s clearly not bothered about that.* She wastes no time in ruffling feathers when she arrives in Weatherfield, which she thinks is a dump. As well as being blunt to the point of rudeness, she’s also a terrible flirt which is terrific fun and a great combination to play.
HOW DOES GLORIA LOOK?
Her appearance is also very different to many of the parts I’ve played in the past. I decided I didn’t want to go down the path of showing my cleavage and wearing animal prints.* Gloria’s a bit of an old hippy and I wanted her dress sense to reflect this. I went out shopping with the wardrobe department and we’ve chosen long skirts and flowing tops with lots of colours and lots of layers. Her look is very distinctive.
HOW DOES GLORIA ARRIVE IN WEATHERFIELD?
She comes from Spain where she’s been running a bar.* Her reasons for leaving are murky to say the least. Aside from the fact that they involve a man called Cliff and something a bit dodgy to do with his business, it’s clear she’s playing her cards very close to her chest when Stella quizzes her about her sudden appearance. Although she’s thrilled to see Stella and Eva and to meet Leanne, it’s not long before she’s showing her true colours. Stella never does anything right as far as Gloria is concerned, and she thinks running a grimy pub in a Manchester suburb represents her hitting rock bottom. She thinks the Rover’s is beneath her, and therefore so is anyone who drinks there. That doesn’t mean when she’s given the chance to rule the roost she doesn’t lap it up of course. When Stella goes away she leaves Gloria in charge and she decides she’s going to save the Rovers by putting it on the map at any cost.
HOW DOES SHE REACT TO THE NEWS THAT STELLA HAS THROWN KARL OUT?
She’s devastated. She thinks the world of Karl. She doesn’t care about his money problems and his womanising or that he’s had an affair with another woman. She thinks you have to pay a price to end up with someone as good as Karl and makes no bones about telling Stella she’s made another huge mistake by getting rid of him. One of the first things she does when she arrives is try to engineer a reunion. She knows perfectly well how much Karl has hurt Stella but that doesn’t matter. She won’t listen to anything anyone says. She’s always in the right and she’ll stop at nothing to get her own way.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE THE FIRST TIME YOU WALKED DOWN CORONATION STREET?
I played Mrs Chadwick the bookies wife and it was my big break. It was whilst I was playing the part that I was seen for this new soap that everyone was talking about called “Brookside”, and I got offered Sheila Grant. I’ll never know if Mrs Chadwick might have become a regular character because I only did a few episodes. But I remember it so clearly because I was terrified.
At this time the characters were truly legendary and some of the actors were very intimidating.* It really was true that if you sat in somebody else’s seat in the green room, you’d get in trouble. Thankfully Liz Dawn took me under her wing and we’ve been very close friends ever since. She was one of the first people I called when I knew I was going into the show and she was delighted.
One of my strongest memories from thirty years ago was being in the ladies loos when Doris Speed entered. I froze. This was Doris Speed! I stood in awe as she chatted away to me ten to the dozen. She then brought her Annie Walker wig out of her bag still talking away. She popped it on, snapped into role, left the toilets and walked straight into the Rovers. I thought about that on the first day that I walked onto the Rovers set and had a chuckle to myself.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE COMING BACK?
Not at all like the old days. I was still incredibly nervous because obviously I’m working with all these terrific actors who’ve created iconic characters but everyone has been welcoming and very kind. I’ve just filmed some scenes with Barbara Knox, because Rita is one of the first people Gloria goes into combat with, and she was wonderful. Because the characters are so familiar and I’ve always watched the show as a fan, I have to make sure I call people by their real names. So far my only mistake has been calling Craig Charles Lloyd and he laughed when I apologised.
DID YOU EVER EXPECT THAT YOUR CAREER WOULD BRING YOU BACK TO THE STREET?
I never really thought about it. I’ve never really planned my career, I’ve just sort of rolled along and thankfully I’ve been incredibly lucky. When Phil Collinson called my agent however to say they were interested it did feel like fate and it’s happened at an ideal time. My son Joel lives in Manchester and he and his wife Zoe have just had Rory my first grandchild. So my house in Muswell Hill, where I’ve lived for eighteen years, is on the market and I’ve decided to move near Manchester to be close to them.* It’s a time of big change but it feels right. I’m entering a new stage in my career and my life
WHO DO YOU MOST GET RECOGNISED AS, BY FANS?
I’ve been very lucky to have played parts that have become so familiar.* Most recently people shout out Barbara, and I like that. I love working on “The Royle Family” and I’m pleased that my contract on “Coronation Street” allows me time off to film the Christmas Special that is definitely happening this year.* I also still get Sheila and it’s usually at a Liverpool match or by younger people who I always think couldn’t possibly remember “Brookside.” I hope one day people might shout out “Gloria”, but of course I really like people calling me Sue best of all.
Interview with Sue Johnston
Gloria arrives out of the blue from her home in Spain to surprise daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) and granddaughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley). But it is Gloria who gets the surprise when she discovers that Stella’s fella Karl has been playing away with Sunita Alahan. And she is finally re-acquainted with her long lost granddaughter Leanne (Jane Danson).
Larger than life, ballsy and outspoken Gloria will be in the great tradition of strong Weatherfield women who don’t take no for an answer and live life to the full. It soon becomes clear that Gloria has been economical with the truth about her reasons for leaving Spain and the sparks fly between her and her daughter as she tries to stamp her mark on the Rovers.
And the ladies of Weatherfield quickly discover that they will have to keep an eye on their men as she sets her sights on both Dennis and Lewis.
Corrie producer Phil Collinson said: “I'm delighted to welcome Sue Johnston to the cast of Coronation Street.* She is a national treasure and a stunning actress.* She has been at the heart of the very best comedy and drama the UK has produced over last 30 years and will step into the heart of Coronation Street as her character, Gloria, takes up running The Rovers with daughter Stella.”
Sue will make her Corrie debut as Gloria on Wednesday September 5th.
Interview with Sue
Thirty years ago a role in “Coronation Street” was SUE JOHNSTON’S first job in television. Now after a hugely successful career that’s seen her star in major television dramas, soap and sitcom, as well as creating at least two characters that became household names with Sheila Grant and Barbara Royale, Sue returns to the cobbles as Stella’s straight talking mother Gloria Price.
TELL US ABOUT GLORIA PRICE
I think people will be in for a surprise as she’s not the sort of character I’m usually associated with. She’s certainly not got the warmth or maternal instincts of Barbara or Sheila, in fact she’s a terrible mother.* I’ve still got so much to learn about her past with Stella but it’s fair to say she hasn’t always been there for her daughter and she gave her a bit of a rough ride when she was growing up. She’s very straight talking and just doesn’t care what she says and to whom she says it. She’s the sort of person who takes pride in shooting from the hip. It never wins her any friends but she’s clearly not bothered about that.* She wastes no time in ruffling feathers when she arrives in Weatherfield, which she thinks is a dump. As well as being blunt to the point of rudeness, she’s also a terrible flirt which is terrific fun and a great combination to play.
HOW DOES GLORIA LOOK?
Her appearance is also very different to many of the parts I’ve played in the past. I decided I didn’t want to go down the path of showing my cleavage and wearing animal prints.* Gloria’s a bit of an old hippy and I wanted her dress sense to reflect this. I went out shopping with the wardrobe department and we’ve chosen long skirts and flowing tops with lots of colours and lots of layers. Her look is very distinctive.
HOW DOES GLORIA ARRIVE IN WEATHERFIELD?
She comes from Spain where she’s been running a bar.* Her reasons for leaving are murky to say the least. Aside from the fact that they involve a man called Cliff and something a bit dodgy to do with his business, it’s clear she’s playing her cards very close to her chest when Stella quizzes her about her sudden appearance. Although she’s thrilled to see Stella and Eva and to meet Leanne, it’s not long before she’s showing her true colours. Stella never does anything right as far as Gloria is concerned, and she thinks running a grimy pub in a Manchester suburb represents her hitting rock bottom. She thinks the Rover’s is beneath her, and therefore so is anyone who drinks there. That doesn’t mean when she’s given the chance to rule the roost she doesn’t lap it up of course. When Stella goes away she leaves Gloria in charge and she decides she’s going to save the Rovers by putting it on the map at any cost.
HOW DOES SHE REACT TO THE NEWS THAT STELLA HAS THROWN KARL OUT?
She’s devastated. She thinks the world of Karl. She doesn’t care about his money problems and his womanising or that he’s had an affair with another woman. She thinks you have to pay a price to end up with someone as good as Karl and makes no bones about telling Stella she’s made another huge mistake by getting rid of him. One of the first things she does when she arrives is try to engineer a reunion. She knows perfectly well how much Karl has hurt Stella but that doesn’t matter. She won’t listen to anything anyone says. She’s always in the right and she’ll stop at nothing to get her own way.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE THE FIRST TIME YOU WALKED DOWN CORONATION STREET?
I played Mrs Chadwick the bookies wife and it was my big break. It was whilst I was playing the part that I was seen for this new soap that everyone was talking about called “Brookside”, and I got offered Sheila Grant. I’ll never know if Mrs Chadwick might have become a regular character because I only did a few episodes. But I remember it so clearly because I was terrified.
At this time the characters were truly legendary and some of the actors were very intimidating.* It really was true that if you sat in somebody else’s seat in the green room, you’d get in trouble. Thankfully Liz Dawn took me under her wing and we’ve been very close friends ever since. She was one of the first people I called when I knew I was going into the show and she was delighted.
One of my strongest memories from thirty years ago was being in the ladies loos when Doris Speed entered. I froze. This was Doris Speed! I stood in awe as she chatted away to me ten to the dozen. She then brought her Annie Walker wig out of her bag still talking away. She popped it on, snapped into role, left the toilets and walked straight into the Rovers. I thought about that on the first day that I walked onto the Rovers set and had a chuckle to myself.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE COMING BACK?
Not at all like the old days. I was still incredibly nervous because obviously I’m working with all these terrific actors who’ve created iconic characters but everyone has been welcoming and very kind. I’ve just filmed some scenes with Barbara Knox, because Rita is one of the first people Gloria goes into combat with, and she was wonderful. Because the characters are so familiar and I’ve always watched the show as a fan, I have to make sure I call people by their real names. So far my only mistake has been calling Craig Charles Lloyd and he laughed when I apologised.
DID YOU EVER EXPECT THAT YOUR CAREER WOULD BRING YOU BACK TO THE STREET?
I never really thought about it. I’ve never really planned my career, I’ve just sort of rolled along and thankfully I’ve been incredibly lucky. When Phil Collinson called my agent however to say they were interested it did feel like fate and it’s happened at an ideal time. My son Joel lives in Manchester and he and his wife Zoe have just had Rory my first grandchild. So my house in Muswell Hill, where I’ve lived for eighteen years, is on the market and I’ve decided to move near Manchester to be close to them.* It’s a time of big change but it feels right. I’m entering a new stage in my career and my life
WHO DO YOU MOST GET RECOGNISED AS, BY FANS?
I’ve been very lucky to have played parts that have become so familiar.* Most recently people shout out Barbara, and I like that. I love working on “The Royle Family” and I’m pleased that my contract on “Coronation Street” allows me time off to film the Christmas Special that is definitely happening this year.* I also still get Sheila and it’s usually at a Liverpool match or by younger people who I always think couldn’t possibly remember “Brookside.” I hope one day people might shout out “Gloria”, but of course I really like people calling me Sue best of all.
Sue Johnston has disclosed details about Coronation Street character Gloria Price's past.
The Royle Family actress, who makes her Corrie debut next Wednesday, revealed that Gloria's reasons for relocating to Weatherfield are "murky to say the least".
"She comes from Spain where she's been running a bar," the star explained. "Aside from the fact that they involve a man called Cliff and something a bit dodgy to do with his business, it's clear she's playing her cards very close to her chest when Stella quizzes her about her sudden appearance.
"Although she's thrilled to see Stella and Eva and to meet Leanne, it's not long before she's showing her true colours. Stella never does anything right as far as Gloria is concerned, and she thinks running a grimy pub in a Manchester suburb represents her hitting rock bottom.
"She thinks the Rover's is beneath her, and therefore so is anyone who drinks there. That doesn't mean when she's given the chance to rule the roost she doesn't lap it up of course. When Stella goes away she leaves Gloria in charge and she decides she's going to save the Rovers by putting it on the map at any cost."
One report last week suggested that Gloria is to transform the Rover's Return into a bed-and-breakfast while daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) is away on holiday.
Sue Johnston has disclosed details about Coronation Street character Gloria Price's past.
The Royle Family actress, who makes her Corrie debut next Wednesday, revealed that Gloria's reasons for relocating to Weatherfield are "murky to say the least".
"She comes from Spain where she's been running a bar," the star explained. "Aside from the fact that they involve a man called Cliff and something a bit dodgy to do with his business, it's clear she's playing her cards very close to her chest when Stella quizzes her about her sudden appearance.
"Although she's thrilled to see Stella and Eva and to meet Leanne, it's not long before she's showing her true colours. Stella never does anything right as far as Gloria is concerned, and she thinks running a grimy pub in a Manchester suburb represents her hitting rock bottom.
"She thinks the Rover's is beneath her, and therefore so is anyone who drinks there. That doesn't mean when she's given the chance to rule the roost she doesn't lap it up of course. When Stella goes away she leaves Gloria in charge and she decides she's going to save the Rovers by putting it on the map at any cost."
One report last week suggested that Gloria is to transform the Rover's Return into a bed-and-breakfast while daughter Stella (Michelle Collins) is away on holiday.
Coronation Street newcomer Sue Johnston has admitted that she is trying to find the good qualities of her "selfish" character Gloria Price.
Gloria joins the cobbles in tonight's (September 5) episode as she pays a visit to her daughter Stella. She has been tipped to stir up life in Weatherfield in the coming weeks with some outspoken remarks and a controversial attempt to turn the Rovers Return into a B&B.
In a new Daybreak interview broadcast today, Johnston commented: "Gloria, what can I say? She's a bit of a one-off. I don't know what people are going to make of her - she's not of the norm!
"She doesn't take prisoners really, she makes enemies, she's outspoken, a very selfish woman I think. But I have to find all the good things about her, otherwise I couldn't play her!"
The Royle Family star also revealed that she would like to secure a US movie role in the future.
Johnston explained: "I really miss belonging, I think, so that's what's really nice about [Coronation Street]. I've always said I'd love to do a big Hollywood movie, even if it was only a little bit-part, just to have the experience of how the whole thing operates - not to be a massive star, but just to see how the cogs work. It's like the big end of everything."
However, she added: "I feel very good about where I am. I've got my grandson and my goddaughter - I'm an honorary grandmother to her baby. I'm seeing them all this weekend. So my life is very rich and I do feel privileged that it is so rich because I know that not everyone is so fortunate."
Coronation Street airs Gloria's first scenes tonight at 7.30pm on ITV1.
Julie Goodyear has expressed her approval of the casting of Sue Johnston in Coronation Street.
The Corrie legend commented on the soap's new addition following her recent departure from the Celebrity Big Brother house.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," Goodyear said of Johnston's role as Gloria Price. "I love, respect and admire her. I think she will be a fantastic barmaid."
She also praised the current state of the soap, telling the PA: "Tony Warren, creator and dear friend of mine, has always said that Coronation Street will reflect real life as it is now. I think they have got it spot on."
The Bet Lynch actress, who faced a hostile crowd when she left the Big Brother house on Wednesday (September 5), said the experience had not come close to 'breaking' her in the way that it had done for previous winner Denise Welch.
"I feel sorry for Denise, but it's had the opposite effect on me. Not only do I feel not broken, I feel stronger than ever - so brace yourself," she commented.
Julie Goodyear has expressed her approval of the casting of Sue Johnston in Coronation Street.
The Corrie legend commented on the soap's new addition following her recent departure from the Celebrity Big Brother house.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," Goodyear said of Johnston's role as Gloria Price. "I love, respect and admire her. I think she will be a fantastic barmaid."
.
I'm sure to have such a well respected actress such as the much loved Ms Goodyear comment is the highlight of Sue Johnstons career. :lol::sick:
Sue Johnston has praised the "extraordinary" profile of Coronation Street.
The veteran actress revealed that fans now refer to her as Weatherfield's Gloria Price rather than her well-known Brookside alter ego Sheila.
"The profile of the Street is far bigger than anything I have ever experienced," she told the Daily Record. "It's extraordinary.
"When I go to Liverpool to watch the football, I have always been Sheila Grant from Brookside but now it's Gloria!"
Johnston continued modestly: "But I just feel very fortunate to still be employed. And I feel blessed that I have managed to earn a good living out of doing what I love to do.
"Hopefully my brain will stay with me and I would like to work as long as I can. I won't retire unless I have to and that will be when I can't learn lines anymore or I can't speak or walk.
"None of us know what delights are in store for us when we are old but you have to get on with it – until you can't get on with it anymore."
Battleaxe Gloria returns to Weatherfield with a rich man called Eric (Timothy West) next Monday.
Her new lover will, however, die suddenly, leaving Gloria fighting with his ex Dorris over the will.
Coronation Street star Sue Johnston is to leave the ITV soap, it has been revealed.
The 69-year-old, who has played Gloria Price on the Weatherfield drama since September, will bow out next spring to pursue other acting roles, reports The Sun.
However, producers are expected to leave the door open for a return.
A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Sue will be on screen until early spring 2014 when Gloria will leave Weatherfield for the time being."
An insider added: "Bosses hoped to keep her for longer, but understand she wants to do other things. But they have no intention of killing Gloria off."
Johnston previously said that the long-running soap was "bigger than anything [she] has ever experienced".
I wish it was St. Ella and her pneumatically enhanced daughter who were leaving. At least Sue Johnston can act
she was sort of growing on me as gloria oh well hopefully eva and stella are next to follow soon
tammyy2j
20-06-2013, 21:22
The shock and shame over killer Karl drives her out of Weatherfield :p
Former Coronation Street star Sue Johnston has revealed that she wouldn't rule out a future return to the show.
The actress played Gloria Price on the ITV soap from September 2012 to February this year, when her outspoken character left the cobbles to go travelling.
When Gloria's daughter Stella has also since left Weatherfield, her granddaughters Eva and Leanne both remain on the street - providing her with a possible reason to come back in the future.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine this morning (April 30), Johnston admitted that she misses working on the show.
She explained: "I miss particularly the people - the crew and the cast. I had so much fun and met so many lovely people. It's a lovely, lovely job."
Asked whether Gloria could return, Johnston replied: "Yes. She flits. My grandchildren are still there. She flits around and she's not stable!"
The 70-year-old said that she enjoyed portraying Gloria as "people who are tricky are always much more interesting to play".
On the recognition she got for the part, Johnston commented: "I was quite recognised when I go out before I went into Coronation Street, but the power of the Street is unbelievable and it took me aback that the recognition stakes went higher as people love to see you.
"People love Coronation Street and therefore if you're in it, you become part of them."
Johnston also confirmed that she has a new project on the way but has been sworn to secrecy over the details.
I would rather she did not come back .. because Stella would probably be back too then and no need for that
Chloe O'brien
06-05-2014, 22:02
She'll always be Sheila Grant from Brookside. She was brilliant in that
She is good in all her roles. Very believable.
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