Michelle Collins and John Michie join as Stella and Karl

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alan45

I've found the very job for you


Script Secretary - Coronation Street

Location Manchester

Salary Competitive + benefits

12 Month Fixed Term Contract

From tram crashes to love triangles, Coronation Street brings explosive storylines to the homes of millions, and the Script Department is where this drama begins.

As our Script Secretary you will hold full responsibility for the production, distribution, amending and filing of scripts. Liaising with all appropriate departments, you will play a focal part in ensuring deadlines are met and continuity issues resolved. You will receive and format draft scripts using our in-house system, and as our ‘superuser’ you will ensure that this database is continually updated and monitored.I

---

Thanks, alan, my application is in...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by parkerman

Thanks, alan, my application is in...

---

Excellent news. I think your scripts would be much more realistic that the dross they are churning out at the minute

Stella will probably turn out to be the secret child of one of the Street's reisdents

Michelle Collins's opening storyline on Coronation Street has reportedly been revealed.

According to the Daily Star, the former EastEnders actress's new fiery alter ego Stella will lock horns with superbitch Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) when she arrives at the Rovers Return in June.

Dressed provocatively, Tracy is shot down by Stella, who tells her: "I'm sorry, Tracy, but you'll have to change that dress before you come bar-side. We don't want customers thinking they've walked into a brothel, do we?"

Meanwhile, an insider claimed: "Tracy is spitting blood. She can't believe she's been so stupid. And to add to the insult, she's now got a new enemy in Stella."

The situation arises after Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) cons Tracy, who thinks she is taking over the pub, into signing a document giving him near full custody of their daughter Amy.

Steve is quoted as saying: "Oh, I'm really sorry for any misunderstanding but I've decided to give the job to someone else."

Maybe there is some good news then, If Stella is to come to Corrie, to give Tracyluv some aggro.
Who know's maybe people will warm to Stella after all.
:clap::cheer:

Michelle Collins has teased her upcoming role in Coronation Street, promising a "strong" and "feisty" character.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that former EastEnders star Collins would be joining the cast on the cobbles as new Rovers Return barmaid Stella.

The actress told ITV that she will begin filming on Monday (May 1), adding: "I'm very excited."

Asked if she would be channelling the spirit of former Walford character, superbitch Cindy Beale, Collins said: "No, [she won't be nasty].

"She's strong, she's feisty, she's funny. I don't think there'll be any murders for a while, put it this way!"

Collins also revealed that she is already friends with a number of Coronation Street cast members from her time on the rival soap.

"Helen Worth (Gail Platt) I know. In fact, I made the terrible mistake of calling her 'Gail' in make-up the other day, which was very embarrassing and I won't be doing that again!" she added.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Collins's character Stella will clash with Tracy Barlow when she arrives in Weatherfield in June.

http://www.itv.com/granada/from-albe...o-corrie02891/

CORRIE new girl Michelle Collins is set to be one of Weatherfield's toughest women ever - taking on armed thugs.

The Rovers Return landlady, 49, saves Leanne Barlow from robbers in one of her first scenes.

Two yobs are about to smash Leanne (Jane Danson) with a baseball bat as they rob the betting shop.

But Michelle's character Stella grabs it and pushes one lout to the ground.

She is then hailed a heroine by grateful locals, in scenes to air soon after she joins the ITV1 soap in June.

A source told TV Biz: "Stella will be a landlady with nerves of steel.

"She is going to be great for Corrie and these scenes show just how much bosses are expecting from Michelle."

The actress played scheming Cindy Beale on BBC1's EastEnders for ten years.

The Sun

Corrie really is becoming the Deadenders of T'North

Michelle Collins's Coronation Street character Stella will be revealed as Leanne Barlow's real mother in a forthcoming storyline, a report has claimed.

According to The Mirror, the soap's bosses have been planning the shock twist for the past few months and the plot will be the biggest Corrie story of the year.

As announced last month, Stella arrives on the street in June with partner Karl (John Michie) and feisty daughter Eva, taking control at The Rovers after Steve McDonald decides to bring in new blood.

However, insiders say that the surprise Leanne twist is what drew former EastEnders star Collins to Corrie as she was "gobsmacked" when she heard the plot details.

A Weatherfield source told the newspaper: "This was genius by the bosses. And it makes for a massive future for Michelle in the show. There has been a lot of cloak and dagger involved in the arrival of Stella."

Although the plot rumours remain unconfirmed, the Corrie team have previously teased that Stella is "hiding a dark secret" which will have "shocking consequences" for some of the street's most-loved residents.

Jane Danson, who plays Leanne, has also promised that there are "exciting" developments ahead for her character in the summer months.

Stella was previously tipped to save Leanne from armed robbers during some of her first scenes on the cobbles.

This may be interesting to watch if the rumours are true. Corrie is a bit on the dull side a the moment, same old things. Have they brought in new writers for this, hope so.

What no way Stella dosen't look old enough to be Leanne's mother, she must have been about 10 when she fell pregnant to Les.

Michelle Collins has admitted that she has been "working hard" to perfect a Northern accent for her new Coronation Street role.

The 50-year-old filmed her first scenes as the Rovers Return's new landlady Stella Price last month. However, Collins has confessed to finding it tough to develop the right accent for the character.

"I've been working hard with a dialect coach to get the right accent but it's tough," she told Closer magazine. "At least I'm very good at pulling pints - I did that when I was an out-of-work actress."

On landing her new role, the former EastEnders star remarked: "I have to keep pinching myself that I'm actually in Corrie."

Collins previously confessed that she signed up for another soap role in order to have the financial security to ensure that her daughter Maia Rose can go to university.

"It is quite nice to have a bit of security in my life because my daughter is 14 and will be off to uni - so she will be able to go now," she said at the time.

Collins will be joined by Taggart star John Michie, who will play her on-screen husband Carl, and Catherine Tyldesley, who will portray their daughter Eva.

These are the first pictures showing Coronation Street newcomers Michelle Collins, John Michie and Catherine Tyldesley outside the Rovers Return.

Fans of the ITV1 soap now have just over a week to wait until they see the trio move into the iconic pub, taking on the roles of Stella Price, Karl Munro and Eva Price.

The new recruits filmed their first scenes five weeks ago and their characters have been tipped to wreak havoc in Weatherfield as they get settled in at The Rovers.

http://i2.cdnds.net/11/23/550w_soaps...eva_karl_2.jpg

As announced earlier this year, Stella is hired as the pub's new bar manager after fresh bust-ups between the warring McDonalds prompt Steve to seek help for the business, hoping for an easier life.

However, Steve later gets more than he bargained for when Stella moves in partner Karl and her feisty daughter Eva.

In a further twist, Stella is hiding a dark secret which has been tipped to have "shocking consequences" for some of the street's most-loved residents.

Stella's first episode airs on Thursday, June 16, while Karl and Eva arrive on Friday, June 17

http://i2.cdnds.net/11/23/550w_soaps...eva_karl_1.jpg

Quote:

---

have "shocking consequences" for some of the street's most-loved residents.

---

Now where have I heard that before. What next ''an explosive storyline to rock the cobbles''

Coronation Street launches a new era next week as former EastEnders actress Michelle Collins and Taggart star John Michie make their first appearances as Stella Price and Karl Munro, a new couple who move into The Rovers. With his marriage to Becky at crisis point, Steve McDonald decides to make his life a little easier and launches a search for a new bar manager for the pub.

Steve's hunt leads him to Stella, who appears to be perfect for the job, but he soon learns that she has some tricks up her sleeve as she moves boyfriend Karl and daughter Eva into The Rovers unexpectedly. As show bosses have confirmed that Stella is also hiding a big secret, it seems that it won't be the last time that she causes a stir on the cobbles… Here, Michelle and John chat about their new roles.


What can you tell us about Stella and Karl?
Michelle: "Stella comes into the street because she's answered an ad that was put out by Steve, who wants to find a new landlady for The Rovers. She has her partner Karl, who she's been with for quite a long time, and she also has a daughter called Eva. She's strong, but she's not scarily strong! She has a good sense of fun and a good sense of humour. She's a confident sort of woman, and she also comes in with a secret! But that's all I can say."
John: "Karl is a bit of a ne'er-do-well. He could have had a career as a footballer - that was his skill at school. But he's a bit too keen on the wine, women and song! He had a very strong mother, and I think he kind of clings on to Stella in a way, because she's very reliable and very organised. He also fancies her quite a lot, and he does love her."

Is it true that Karl is a bit of a womaniser?
John: "Well, in the backstory, Stella has had a cancer scare, and that's made John think like a man for the first time in his life. It's made him be responsible and it's made him fall in love with a woman for the first time, rather than just having brief affairs. Stella is the perfect woman for him."

What kind of background do Stella and Karl have?
Michelle: "Stella goes in to help pubs that are having a few problems, and she's very good at her job."
John: "Stella used to run a pub in Rochdale called The Sundial, and it was all really good there. Karl used to play for the local pub football team there and he also had a part-time job in the bar. He had his girlfriend and everything was great. But coming to Weatherfield, Karl just thinks, 'What are we doing here?' That's the thing - he doesn't know the secret that Stella has which brings her to Weatherfield…"


What are Stella and Karl's first scenes like?
Michelle: "Well, at the time when Stella applies for the job at The Rovers, I think Steve is quite desperate to find someone. Stella is quite confident and forthright when she comes in, and then there's a funny scene where she asks what room she'll be staying in and Steve tells her that it isn't a live-in job. But Stella says, 'It's live-in or nothing for me' and she moves in!"
John: "Then the next day Karl turns up, and Steve thinks, 'Who's this?' And Eva turns up too. They just keep coming!"

We know that Karl is not Eva's father, but do they get along well?
John: "Well, the one person who kind of ruins everything for Karl is Eva. They don't really get on very well. And I think the reason that they don't get on is that Karl can see his traits in her. Eva is selfish, spoiled and she wants her own way, and in many ways, Karl is the same. But at the same time, Karl does now have this love for Stella where he just wants to look after her for the first time in his life."

Do you feel like you've all struck up quite a close 'family bond' for your scenes?
Michelle: "I think so. I've worked with John before, a long time ago, and we've stayed friends. I think we all do genuinely get along because we all started at the same time, so we're all in it together and we help each other."
John: "Definitely, and there are already intricate little things that are happening between Stella, Karl and Eva, which are very interesting. We're just on a journey with it, like the viewers will be. The potential for dramatic tension is huge and fantastic, and that is what's exciting for us as actors. We get on very well off the set, so it's been a lot of fun."

Were you both fans of Coronation Street before you joined the show?
John: "I am a Corrie fan! My mum is from Rochdale, and it's the first show that I remember watching when we were kids. My wife is another northerner and it's her favourite show. She's not so pleased that I'm in it, because she thinks I'll ruin it for her now, as a little bit of real life is entering her favourite soap! (Laughs) But it's the only soap for me - I think the writing and humour in Coronation Street is what makes it stand out above the rest. I'm delighted to be a part of that."
Michelle: "I've always said that if I were to do another soap, Corrie would be the only one that I would consider being in. I've been brought up with Corrie. It's a great show, and Stella is a great role. These days, soaps are very, very strong. People love them, and you get these fabulous, dramatic storylines that you possibly wouldn't get elsewhere."


How did you both find your first day on set?
John: "Well, luckily I was cushioned into this job, because I was brought in to do some readings when the castings for Stella and Eva were taking place, so I'd been here a few times before I actually had to come in and do my first scene. In fact, my first scene was driving a cab in the street - that's about six or seven episodes in and the scene is with Carla, which was enjoyable. And then after that, I did my arrival on the street. By the time I got into The Rovers, I'd actually already done a few scenes. That's the scary bit, being in The Rovers and getting all the drinks! But by the time I got there, I was calm and it all went really well."
Michelle: "I didn't realise the enormity of it until I actually went in, and I'm still getting used to it, but I feel very comfortable. It was very daunting, but at the end of the day, you just get on with it because you're with other actors who are all very nice and very helpful."
John: "I have to say, the whole team here are really welcoming and friendly, and the actors are really down-to-earth. There's a real feeling of equality here, which I particularly like."

Are there any other members of the family who could come into the show?
Michelle: "Not that I know of!"
John: "But I'm sure that Karl has a love child somewhere! (Laughs)"

Read on here, though, for a bonus chat with Michelle - focusing on life at The Rovers and more!

How have you found pulling pints at The Rovers?
"I think my first pint was a pretty good pint! I haven't worked behind a bar for years. I did work behind the bar years ago at The Vic on EastEnders, and I have worked in pubs myself when I was a young actress, so it doesn't really bother me. I remembered how to do it and it was a bit like riding a bike."

There's been some really iconic characters behind the bar at The Rovers, so how does it feel to be following in their footsteps?
"It's nice to be part of it - they've all been great and amazingly strong women. Liz McDonald and Natalie Barnes are two of my favourites. It's big shoes to fill, but we're not all playing the same character. You've just got to take it bit by bit. The scripts have been good, Stella has got a nice storyline, and I like the way it's going. As long as I get good, strong storylines and I can do what I'm paid to do, which is to act, I don't mind."


What kind of landlady is Stella?
"She won't be glamorous all the time - she works behind the bar and she doesn't have that much money. She's quite down-to-earth and she's probably not as glamorous as Liz McDonald. You won't see any leopardskin on me! I think she'll just be a different sort of person to have behind the bar - perhaps more subtle, in a way."

What is Stella's fashion sense like?
"She's not a big, bouncy barmaid - she's slightly more subtle. She's a feminine, strong and forthright woman in her late 40s, and as with many women like that, she wants to look smart but dress her age. She doesn't dress inappropriately and her skirts aren't too short, but she does want to be sexy-looking."

Has it been tricky to master a northern accent for the role?
"It's not hugely difficult - it's not like I've been asked to do Geordie or Scottish. It's okay and I have been seeing a dialect coach. I'm surrounded by northerners as well, which helps! There'll always be people who say, 'Oh, her accent's not right, that's not very good', but as time goes on, hopefully people will accept me and accept that my accent is okay."

Do you think the world of soap has changed much since you made your EastEnders departure?
"I left EastEnders when they were doing three episodes a week, working five days a week. Here they do five episodes a week, but they still work five days a week! So the speed is quite incredible - you could have 15 different episodes that you're doing at one time. I don't think people give actors in soap enough credit for how hard they work and the quality of work that's delivered in such a short time."

Finally, have any EastEnders stars been in touch to congratulate you over the new role?
"There aren't that many people at EastEnders now who were there when I was there - there's only really Adam Woodyatt and June Brown. I've had a few texts from people - Adam's been in touch, and Barbara Windsor also sent me a message to say congratulations. Sid Owen did too. So the ones that I worked with have been in touch and they've all been very nice about it!"

Coronation Street's new recruit John Michie recently had a chat with Digital Spy about his role as Karl Munro, who moves into The Rovers next week with girlfriend Stella.

To read the first teasers and gossip about what to expect from Karl, take a look at the main interview with John and his screen partner Michelle Collins.

Read on here, though, for some bonus snippets from the actor…

What do you think the ladies of Weatherfield will make of Karl?
"I'm not sure what they'll make of him, but he's a bad boy trying to be good at the moment. He's trying to tow the line, be sensible and he's trying to be caring about the woman that he loves. He's trying his best, but he's very weak, so no doubt he will stray. There's been a few little flirty bits that have happened already, so we'll see!"

How have you found pulling pints at The Rovers?
"I do like pulling a pint! I've worked in quite a few pubs in my life, and I feel quite at home behind the bar. I'm really enjoying it - it's good fun."

What would be your dream storyline for Karl?
"I think it would involve having an affair with someone behind Stella's back, so there would be a lot of dramatic tension, which is what you want in a drama. I think to have him ducking and diving and then having one and then maybe another affair mixed in with that would be very exciting work for me as an actor. There could be a few options opening up."

Does Karl try to make his own mark at the pub, or does he let Stella rule the roost?
"That's an interesting question. The thing is, Karl wants an easy life. So Stella's in there running the pub, and Karl gets a part-time job elsewhere. Karl would hate to work too hard at the pub - he'd hate to be doing the books or anything like that, as that would be too much stress! But when it comes to Stella, Karl and Eva, he's quite a dominant force in the family relationship. So he only lets things go for as long as it suits him."


Is Karl an alpha male?
"Well, in some of the work that I've done, and from the way the writers have written Karl, there is an underlying aggression in him. That's likely to come out at some point - hopefully not with Stella, but there are already some characters that are winding him up…"

Does Karl get along well with Steve, or could there be clashes between them?
"Karl gets along with Steve straight away. Karl recognises that he's the boss and he also gets a job working with him on the cabs. So Karl very much sees that Steve is someone that he needs to stay in with. Karl doesn't want a hard life - he wants an easy life, so he's not going to get on the wrong side of people who are going to make his life difficult - unless he can't stop himself! Karl is a real player in every single way - it's all going on."

How about Becky?
"Becky's a bit flirtatious at first and Karl isn't quite sure how to take that, but when he finds out that she's Steve wife, he just completely backs off."

Finally, how does working on a soap compare to your previous work on Taggart?
"It's a hell of a lot quicker! You just turn up here and on any one day, you could be doing scenes from 15 different scripts. That's not happened to me so far, thank God, and I hope it never does - but it is possible. But with working on Taggart, the most you'll be doing is working on two different episodes. It's very quick here at Corrie, so you really have to be on top of your lines and on top of your character. It's a lot of work, but it's good fun!"

The daughter looks as old as the mother

Coronation Street's new recruit John Michie has revealed that he wants his character Karl Munro to feature in an infidelity storyline. Great, never been done before !!!

Next week's episodes of the ITV1 soap see Karl move into the Rovers Return with girlfriend Stella (Michelle Collins), who is hired by Steve McDonald as the business's new bar manager.

Show bosses have already billed Karl as a "sexy charmer" who will "quickly make his presence felt" as he gets settled into Weatherfield life.

Discussing what viewers can expect from Karl, Michie commented: "He's a bad boy trying to be good at the moment. He's trying to tow the line, be sensible and he's trying to be caring about the woman that he loves. He's trying his best, but he's very weak, so no doubt he will stray. There's been a few little flirty bits that have happened already, so we'll see!"

Asked to describe his dream storyline for the character, he replied: "I think it would involve having an affair with someone behind Stella's back, so there would be a lot of dramatic tension, which is what you want in a drama.

"I think to have him ducking and diving and then having one and then maybe another affair mixed in with that would be very exciting work for me as an actor. There could be a few options opening up."

Michie is currently best known for his role as DI Robbie Ross in Taggart.


FFS :(

Stop the press: Kym Marsh is going to announce that she wants her character to have an affair with John's character. You read it first here SB fans before it appears in any glossy mag.

Former Lilies and Emmerdale star Catherine Tyldesley recently landed the biggest role of her career to date as she joined the cast of Coronation Street as Eva Price, part of the new family who are taking over at the Rovers Return. Arriving in Weatherfield after her mum Stella becomes the pub's new landlady, it's immediately clear that Eva isn't pleased with her new home on the cobbles and her selfish attitude doesn't go down well with Stella's boyfriend Karl. Digital Spy recently caught up with Catherine to hear about life at Corrie and what's to come from Eva.

How would you describe the character of Eva?
"Eva is a little bit of a princess! She's been spoiled rotten, so she's somewhat high maintenance and a little bit of a drama queen. She's definitely used to getting her own way. Eva absolutely adores her mum and they've got a great relationship. When she first comes into the street, certain circumstances mean that she's a little bit more angry than she normally is. But she does have a softer side, which I think we'll see further on down the line."

How does it feel to be part of such a big show?
"It's great. Corrie's always been where my heart is. We followed the show when I was younger. My family love it, my grandparents love it, and I love it. I knew some of the cast already, so I'd always try to follow it as much as I could. My family are over the moon, and I'm very lucky that this is a new, exciting and larger-than-life character. I feel very privileged and excited."

How does working on Coronation Street compare to working on Emmerdale?
"It's completely different, but I can't explain why! I think partly because I knew some of the cast already, so that does make a big difference. Also, when I was on Emmerdale, it was James Sutton and I stuck in a prison together for three-and-a-half months on our own, so here it's nice to be working with so many different people!"

Have any of the Emmerdale gang been in touch to wish you well in the new role?
"Yeah, James and I are great friends and he sent me a text when I told him that I'd got the part - he said that he was really proud of me and that it was great news. James has been incredibly supportive and everyone else has too."

Apparently there was a lot of competition for the role of Eva?
"I believe there were quite a few girls up for the part, but I didn't get to meet any of the other auditionees - I think everyone was just in and out separately. I feel incredibly lucky that they felt I should take on the role of Eva - it's a great honour."

Storyline-wise, we've heard that Eva and Karl don't get along too well! Why is that?
"I think it's because they're both quite similar. When Eva first joins the street, she's had a little bit of turmoil with past relationships and things like that, so I think she feels like she wants to be quite selfish at the moment, which annoys Karl. But she's always been full of self-importance because she's always been spoiled - she's not known any different."

How does Eva feel about being in Weatherfield?
"Right now, she's really focused on herself. She doesn't want to be in The Rovers and she doesn't want to be on the street at all when we first meet her! She comes in with a lot of angst."

There was a newspaper report last month that said Eva is a lesbian character - can you clear that one up for us?
"I have no idea where that came from! She loves the boys, definitely."

Is there anyone in particular who catches her eye on the street?
"I'm not sure just yet, but I don't think she'll be out of a relationship for too long! But it would have to be someone who's on her wavelength. Eva is very intelligent, so she gets very bored and frustrated with people who aren't on her level."

Has there been much room to put your own stamp on the character of Eva?
"Definitely, and I think that's a big part of the appeal of doing something like Coronation Street - you are given such a gift. You are given these wonderful characters where the beginnings of them have been etched out for you, but to a certain extent you get to play with them quite a lot. There are all sorts of traits that Eva has that the writers and I have picked up on and would like her to have. It's great and it's so nice to have a character that I know I'm going to be able to play with for a substantial amount of time. We'll get to see her grow up a little bit, which is great."

We've heard that Katherine Kelly is a good friend of yours, so are you enjoying working with her?
"It's so lovely, as I had my very first television job with Kate - we did No Angels together. She completely took me under my wing then, and she has done ever since. When I found out that she was doing Corrie four or five years ago, I was over the moon that she was going to be nearby in Manchester, and now it's great to be working on the show with her!"

Will Eva and Becky be friends or will there be tension there?
"There's some tension there because Becky isn't pleased about the newcomers at The Rovers. Also, Becky and Eva are completely different - you could not get any more different than Becky and Eva. Eva likes to hold her nose up in the air and she's somewhat of a snob, so she would quite possibly look down her nose at somebody like Becky! She won't have much time for her - she's very judgemental, very quick to judge."

How about Eva and Tracy Barlow?
"At the moment I'm not quite sure what their relationship will be like, but I do think that Tracy is a bit more on Eva's level intelligence-wise - although that intelligence is often used for evil! I think those two are slightly more on a par."

Finally, Katherine said on Twitter that she's tipping you to be the next big star in Corrie, so do you think Eva will be quite a memorable character for the future?
"Oh, bless her! I hope so, because she's very different and I can't compare her to any other character. She's not similar to anyone else, so I think she's definitely going to make her mark on the street. And for Kate to say that is lovely. I mean, Kate's one of my role models - I think she's an incredible actress, so for her to say that means a lot to me."

Michelle Collins has revealed that her Coronation Street co-star Antony Cotton showed her the ropes at the Rovers Return during her first days of filming at the soap.

The former EastEnders actress recently took on the role of Weatherfield newcomer Stella Price, who arrives in the area and becomes the pub's new landlady later this week.

Speaking on This Morning today, Collins confirmed that Cotton's experience of pulling pints as Sean Tully proved invaluable when she shot her first scenes at the boozer.

"He's great actually, he showed me how the tills work, where the beers were kept, where this was kept," Collins explained.

"And obviously you have to love your prop men that help you, because it's a bit of a Blue Peter thing - where something is prepared for you a little bit earlier so you just do the rest of it."

Asked whether she already knew members of the Coronation Street cast before joining the show, Collins replied: "I did know quite a lot of people - over the years at various dos and things like that, and I've worked with a few people. But now I know them because I think I've served every single character in the pub now - I think I've done them all now."

Collins went on to describe Stella as "a modern woman" who is "the breadwinner" in her family.

She added: "She's kind, she's warm, she's funny, she's a real sort of northern strong woman with a good heart."

Coronation Street airs Stella's first episode on Thursday at 8.30pm on ITV1.

Michelle Collins makes her first appearance in Coronation Street tonight, taking on the role of straight-talking newcomer Stella Price.

As Steve begins his search for the Rovers Return's new bar manager, Stella arrives for an interview and it's immediately clear that she's the best candidate for the job.

Driving a hard bargain in final negotiations with Steve, Stella explains that she'll only accept the position if she can live at the pub and warns that she's keen to make her mark.

Once the interview is over, Steve continues to string Tracy along by hinting that the job is hers - all part of his plan to get her to sign the custody agreement over Amy.

Later, when Stella turns up at The Rovers and Tracy discovers that she's been duped by Steve, will it be too late for her to do anything about it?

http://i1.cdnds.net/11/22/550w_soaps_corrie_7625_2.jpg

:sick:It's starting to get on my nerves the way soap characters use their children.:nono:

Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has spoken out to deny claims that the soap's team are unhappy over Michelle Collins's casting.

Earlier today, a newspaper reported that cast and crew at the Weatherfield soap were angry over Collins landing the role of Northern mum Stella Price, the new bar manager at the Rovers Return.

Since Collins made her debut on screen last Thursday, some viewers have criticised the Londoner's attempt at a Mancunian twang. Today's report suggested that show stars feared Coronation Street's credibility would be affected by the supposed 'backlash'.

However, writing on Twitter this morning, Cotton - who plays Sean Tully - commented: "Contrary to rumour, the cast and crew of Coronation Street have far better things to do than stand by idly gossiping about Michelle Collins. What matters far more than her accent (which is great IMO) is the character she is playing."

He added: "Say what you want about Miss Collins... she's so very watchable. And for that reason, this new family is exciting and intriguing!"

Catherine Tyldesley, who plays Stella's daughter Eva, also defended the former EastEnders actress during an appearance on This Morning today.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong with her accent from my point of view and she's doing an amazing job," she said.

Meanwhile, a Coronation Street spokesperson told Digital Spy: "The cast and crew have welcomed Michelle with open arms. To say they are angry about her casting or her accent is simply untrue and upsetting for everyone."

Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson recently described Collins's Northern accent as "great" and predicted that fans will soon get used to seeing her in the role of Stella.

Persnally I would be inclined to believe the rumours. I dont think she is an asset to Corrie and her accent is pretty crap too. The character of her ''partner'' I dont like either.

Corrie is going down the pan at the minute and they should concentrate on using the good characters they have rather than bringing in new so called stars.

Don't mind them fetching in new characters. But please give the rolls to proper northerners.:cheer:

Not a one of them are from Manchester.:angry:

Would have been more believable if they had kept their own accents. Not everyone who live in Manchester was born here.:hmm:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by layla

Don't mind them fetching in new characters.

---

There is no need to bring in too many new characters as they have some wonderful characters who are woefully underused. Just because Michelle Collins was successful in Deadenders does not mean she should be as successful in Corrie. Corrie is or at least was completely different to EE although of late it has been making the decline to EE's level

Coronation Street star Jane Danson has spoken about the soap's shocking Stella twist for the first time, admitting that her character Leanne Barlow may be "furious" when she discovers the truth.

Show bosses have now officially confirmed that the Rovers Return's new bar manager is Leanne's birth mother, as first reported earlier this month.

Leanne finds out Stella's true identity in next week's Friday night double bill as she celebrates her 30th birthday at the pub.

Speaking to Inside Soap about the plot twist, Danson explained: "Leanne has never really given her birth mother a second thought because she's not been in her life. Her dad Les and stepmum Janice were together for a long time, so Janice always took on that mother role.

"Having said that, Leanne's always known Janice by her first name, so she hasn't called anyone 'Mummy'."

Leanne's husband Peter (Chris Gascoyne) is the first to discover Stella's secret next week, but it doesn't take long until the Weatherfield newcomer is forced to come clean with her daughter.

Asked how Leanne reacts to the life-changing news, Danson replied: "You'll have to wait and see! She'll either be over the moon to have her real mother in her life, or she'll be absolutely furious that she's been absent all these years."

Former EastEnders star Michelle Collins made her debut as Stella last week.

Stellas fake accent is irritating.

Coronation Street's new recruit Michelle Collins has explained her character's shocking secret, admitting that Stella Price was desperate when she abandoned show regular Leanne.

Weatherfield bosses have now officially confirmed that Stella is Leanne's biological mother following weeks of rumours.

Stella was in a relationship with Les Battersby many years ago but left him to bring up Leanne (Jane Danson) when she was only a baby.

Speaking to Soaplife about her character's history, Collins commented: "Stella was only 17 when she had Leanne and at first everything with Les was great. But then he started drinking and leaving her alone with the baby and she struggled to cope.

"She left with every intention of coming back for her baby once she was settled, but when that time came, Les and his family wouldn't let her anywhere near and she didn't stand a chance."

Leanne discovers the truth about Stella at the end of next week when the Rovers Return's new bar manager is forced to come clean.

Collins added: "Stella regrets what she did every day of her life. For the past 29 years, all she's wanted is to be a mum to Leanne."

Leanne hears Stella's confession as she celebrates her 30th birthday at The Rovers next Friday.

Michelle Collins has admitted that Coronation Street's Stella Price is "terrified" about being rejected by her daughter Leanne Barlow.

It has been confirmed that Leanne (Jane Danson) will discover that the Rovers Return's new manager is actually her birth mother next week. However, Collins has told Soaplife that a happy reunion between the pair is not guaranteed.

"It's a moment she has dreamt of for years," the actress said of Stella's "real mix of emotions" at meeting her daughter. "I'm sure that in her dreams Leanne breaks down in tears of joy.

"But Stella knows Leanne has every right to be furious with her and she's terrified that her daughter might reject her."

Collins teased how Peter (Chris Gascoyne) discovers the truth next week, when he finds a picture of his wife inside Stella's purse.

"Peter discovers this and wants to know what the hell is going on," she said. "Peter's very understanding and certainly doesn't force her hand, but it ends up being revealed."

Danson recently claimed that Leanne will either be "over the moon" to meet her mother or be "absolutely furious" that she abandoned her as a child

It might be good if Les and Janice was still around for this storyline

I always thought Leanne used say her mother was dead

Michelle Collins acting and pathetic accent are getting worse. How long will it take the PTB at Corrie to get shot of her. Tonight she kept changing her accent between Macunian and Cockerney. As for her daughter she is totally pathetic.

Coronation Street star Jane Danson has revealed that she is thrilled to be working closely with Michelle Collins on the set of the soap.

Next week's episodes of the Weatherfield drama feature a big plot twist as Danson's alter ego Leanne Barlow discovers that Rovers newcomer Stella Price is her biological mother.

Collins's character Stella, who made her debut on screen earlier this month, is forced to come clean with Leanne as the show favourite celebrates her 30th birthday at the pub.

Speaking about having Collins as her on-screen mum, Danson told All About Soap: "It's really interesting to work with someone when you know their stuff so well. I'm looking forward to getting stuck into the really meaty scenes, because these are two extremely feisty characters.

"A lot of people have said we've got similar face shapes and we have the same mannerisms too, so it'll be interesting to see if viewers pick up on the resemblance."

Coronation Street's shock Stella and Leanne twist first emerged in early May but was only officially confirmed by show bosses this week.

I might be in a minority of one, but I'm not overly bothered by the quality of Michelle Collins's accent. So far, I'm willing to give her character the benefit of the doubt.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by LizzyBizzy

I might be in a minority of one, but I'm not overly bothered by the quality of Michelle Collins's accent. So far, I'm willing to give her character the benefit of the doubt.

---

I dont mind her character not liking her daughter Evie though

CORRIE actress Kym Marsh has defended co-star Michelle Collins after fans criticised the new arrival's attempts at a northern accent.
Ex-EastEnder Michelle, 50, joined the cast this month as Stella Price, the new manager of the Rovers Return.

Kym, 35, currently on maternity leave, told new! magazine: "I think viewers find it hard to accept because she was such a big character in EastEnders."

The actress, who plays barmaid Michelle Connor, added: "People should give her a chance. She's only just joined Corrie."

Street producer Phil Collinson has defended Michelle, saying: "I think her accent's great." Then all is good :D :p



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1QXpIXqKP

Who give two flying figs what her so called co-star Ms Marsh thinks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alan45

Who give two flying figs what her so called co-star Ms Marsh thinks.

---

Ms Kym Marsh has announced that she has farted... nothing to do with any soap or anything at all it is just she hadn't spoken out about anything is 10 mins and was getting locked jaw from lack of opinion

John Michie has said that he is having "great fun" playing Coronation Street's Karl Munro.

The Scottish actor made his debut as "sexy charmer" Karl earlier this month. As the partner of new Rovers Return manager Stella Price - played by Michelle Collins - he moved into the pub with her and her daughter Eva (Catherine Tyldesley).

Michie told ITV's This Morning: "My character is a bit of a Jack The Lad. But it's great fun, it's a great show. Everyone is incredibly friendly - it's amazing how warm... it's a big warm happy family up there in Coronation Street.

"There are lots of characters, loads of people; after Taggart, I'm used to just working with just us four and a few guest actors, and going to different locations every day, but now I'm in the same place every day - which I'm getting to quite enjoy!"

However, Michie confessed that he is still adjusting to acting while having to serve Corrie locals from behind the bar.

"I've had quite a few jobs as a barman in the past, but its just getting the lines in-between serving the drinks - that's the thing," he quipped, admitting that he was used to playing characters "on the other side of the bar".

Meanwhile, Michie also hinted that there could be more episodes of ITV crime drama Taggart to come - despite the show having reportedly been axed after 28 years.

"I know STV are going to try and fund it differently and try and bring it back," he said. "And there could be a Christmas special or something like that. I'm sure we've not seen the end of it just yet. I hope not."


Lets hope they start filming Taggart very soon and EE brings Cindy back to life

I like both the Stella and Karl characters. Unfortunately for the actors, I think they're too closely associated with former roles. I truly hope they're given a fair chance, and that internet keyboard warriors, and let's not forget there are plenty of people out there who aren't keyboard warriors, don't succeed in persuading the producers to axe the characters.