Coronation Street viewers have had somewhat of a love/hate relationship with the ITV soap in recent months, but things seem to be looking up with the announcement of a new family in the Rovers.
It was revealed earlier this year that Catherine Tyldesley would be reprising her role as Eva Price this autumn, which led fans to theorise that she may be set to take over the iconic boozer.
Now, that has been confirmed – but she’s not alone.
There has been an almost unanimously positive response to the casting of Eva’s husband Ben Driscoll and his mother Maggie, played by Aaron McCusker and Pauline McLynn respectively.
Between them, Aaron and Pauline boast an impressive CV, including Hollywood movies, beloved sitcoms and high-profile dramas.
In fact, it is Pauline’s role in Father Ted that has got Metro readers feeling nostalgic.
The actress played the role of Mrs Doyle in the series, who was the housekeeper for Craggy Island Parochial House.
Though she looks very different in the new promotional picture for her Coronation Street role, Metro readers instantly recognised her and have expressed their joy at having her on the cobbles.
‘Pauline [McLynn] (Mrs Doyle) will be fantastic, she’s a great actress,’ Charlotte Ashcroft enthused, adding: ‘I just hope they are going to bring some humour into these new characters and they don’t have some nasty secret to hide. We need some normal nice people!’
Corrie has recently faced criticism for its focus on dark and upsetting storylines, so it is understandable that Metro readers like Dale Stafford Gent are keen for Pauline to flex her comedic muscles.
‘Wow Pauline [McLynn] aka mrs doyle hope they give her some comedy love her,’ Dale wrote.
‘Its gonna be brilliant. Welcome back Corrie,’ Karl Murphy agreed, while Gill Ferguson added: ‘We need some cheer.’
Janet Fraser was also over the moon at the new casting, writing: ‘Mrs Doyle on corrie. My prayers have been answered.’
On Twitter/X, other Metro readers are feeling hopeful for the direction the show is taking.
‘Love this – It has so much potential to be really good!’ Lara wrote.
‘I’m old enough to remember Father Ted and how brilliant Pauline was in it. This is great casting and i can’t wait for all the drama to kick off!’ @flissfrost82 agreed.
Of course, it isn’t just Father Ted that Pauline is remembered fondly for, with the actress having also starred in Shameless as Libby Croker in series seven and eight.
And she isn’t the only one, with fellow newcomer Aaron McCusker having played Jamie Maguire in the show between series four and 11.
‘I loved him as Jamie Maguire in shameless loved her in father Ted cant wait to see them in corrie,’ Cheryl White enthused about the casting on Facebook.
Aaron is also known for playing Clint Dunwoody in Hope Street who, like Jamie and now Ben, was in charge of a pub.
‘No one will be messing around in the rovers with Jamie maguire there,’ Robert Walton Evans pointed out in reference to his experience behind a bar.
When Ben and Maggie Driscoll arrive alongside Eva, they will be joined by Ben’s two sons, as well as Eva’s daughter Susie, who she shared with Aidan Connor.
Speaking about their arrival, show boss Kate Brooks said: ‘We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers, with her new blended family in tow.
‘The Driscolls do not arrive quietly, so expect big drama, explosive secrets and raucous knees ups galore.
‘To have actors of Catherine, Aaron and Pauline’s considerable calibre at the beating heart of this family is absolutely wonderful, and we can’t wait for you to get to know and fall in love with them as much as we have already done.
‘Strap yourselves in, it’s going to be an exciting and eventful ride.’
