‘Father Ted’ Icon Joins Coronation Street
'Father Ted' star Pauline McLynn joins Coronation Street amidst Catherine Tyldesley's return.
ITV has confirmed that Father Ted legend Pauline McLynn is set to join Coronation Street this autumn as part of a major shake-up at The Rovers Return. McLynn, beloved for her role as Mrs Doyle, will play Maggie Driscoll, the meddling mother-in-law of returning fan favourite Eva Price.
Eva, played by Catherine Tyldesley, is making her much-anticipated return to the cobbles — and she’s not coming alone. Joining her is Shameless and Bohemian Rhapsody star Aaron McCusker, who will play Eva’s new partner Ben Driscoll. Together, Eva and Ben are the new owners of The Rovers, stepping behind the bar of the iconic pub this October.
It marks Eva’s first time pulling pints since she left Weatherfield in 2018, and her comeback promises plenty of drama. The couple won’t be arriving quietly — they’ll bring with them Eva’s daughter Suzie, Ben’s two sons, and of course, the sharp-tongued Maggie.
Eva’s return will see emotional reunions with her sisters Leanne and Toyah, as well as plenty of familiar faces from her past. But what has she been doing since she left, and how will this blended family settle into life on the Street?
Pauline McLynn is no stranger to British television, with standout roles in Shameless, EastEnders and, of course, her iconic turn in Father Ted. McCusker, meanwhile, is known for his acclaimed performances as Jamie Maguire in Shameless and Jim Hutton in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Since her departure from Corrie, Tyldesley has starred in a range of dramas including Viewpoint, Suspicion, Scarborough, and The Good Ship Murder.
Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks teased:
“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.”
Stream Coronation Street on ITVX.