Coronation Street fans were thrilled this week as it was confirmed Catherine Tyldesley was returning to the Cobbles. The soap star is renowned for her role as Eva Price in Weatherfield.

The actor left the Cobbles after seven years in 2018. However, she will soon make her long awaited return to Weatherfield to become the new landlady of the Rovers Return. The show’s boss Kate Brooks was delighted to confirm the news this week as she said: “We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow.

Catherine reacted to her return on Instagram as she shared the promotional snap with the caption: “Hello Weatherfield.” Catherine’s co-stars were excited about her upcoming return.

Sally Carman, who plays Abi Webster, said: “This is going to be epic!!” Tony Maudsley, who plays George Shuttleworth, added: “Now THIS is a new family I already love!!! Shenanigans afoot!!”

Channique Sterling-Brown, who plays Dee Dee Bailey, said “What a time.” Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren Bolton, posted: “Buzzing!!!” Claire Sweeney shared a series of heart emojis.

She stepped away from Corrie the first time to pursue other projects and enjoyed stints on many TV shows during her period away from the Cobbles

Catherine has played prominent roles in shows such such The Good Ship Murder and Protections. She also starred in a touring production of Bonnie and Clyde.

She was playing Blanche Barrow in the production, before a statement on the show’s official social media channels has announced the remainder of the days have been pulled. It said: “Bonnie & Clyde The Musical will conclude its UK & Ireland tour with immediate effect.

“We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production.

“Ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase shortly with further information.” It has also been a busy time for Catherine away from the screen as she continued to grow her happy family life.

Catherine was already married to Tom Pitfield and they had welcomed their first child into the world during her first stint in Corrie. While she was away, she gave birth to their second child, a daughter named Iris Ella.

Catherine has opened up on how she struggled during the pregnancy with “hyperemesis and hormonal insomnia”. She explained this led to her gaining 2.5 stone.

The soap star explained she was inspired to overhaul her lifestyle and showed off the incredible results in a candid post she shared in 2023. She said: “The later pics… This time last year I was 2.5 stones heavier. I’d given birth a few weeks ago and didn’t recognise myself anymore. I suffered with hyperemesis and hormonal insomnia throughout my pregnancy. Which meant I averaged around 2 hours sleep a night for 6 months. We tried everything to help me sleep/feel better and nothing worked. I felt Dreadful.

She added: “Whilst I was pregnant with Alfie I felt great and was weight training till I was 8 months pregnant. I felt strong and recovery was so fast.

“With Iris I felt so weak and vulnerable. Combined with two failed epidurals and needing plenty of rehabilitation for my spine and pelvis- recovery has been much longer this time. But

“I’m finally back to my PB at the gym and feeling stronger and fitter than ever. It’s been really hard at times but for me – But – having children means I want to give them the best version of me, and I want to live for as long as I can. I train and eat well for me AND them. I train so I’m mentally and physically strong for whatever role I play next.

“I train so I can feel good about myself. I train to relieve stress. I train so I sleep better. It’s been worth the slog- and I’m showing up each day to maintain things- mentally and physically. Mommas… I know it’s hard right now- but you CAN feel like you again. Keep going!!!! Do not give up!! Show up for yourself AND the kids ”