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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Well, it should work considering that pub does appear to have a Tardis-like infinite number of bedrooms!
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I'm looking forward to seeing Sue Johnston in Corrie.
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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.
