Sue Johnston cast in Coronation Street as Stella Price's mum[/align]
Sue Johnston is to join the cast of Coronation Street in the role of Stella Price's mother, the soap's executive producer Phil Collinson has revealed. The 68-year-old - who is best known for her roles in The Royle Family and Brookside - will appear for the first time this summer as Gloria, who makes a surprise appearance in Weatherfield this summer after running a bar in Spain.
Collinson, confirming the news following speculation earlier this month that Johnston had been cast, said that he was 'delighted' to have the actress on board. 'She is a national treasure and a stunning actress,' he told This Morning. 'She has been at the heart of the very best comedy and drama the UK has produced over last 30 years and will step into the heart of Coronation Street as her character, Gloria, takes up running The Rovers with daughter Stella.'
Collinson also revealed that the character is set to stir up trouble on the cobbles, after it becomes apparent she is hiding secrets from daughter Stella (Michelle Collins). 'She comes over from Spain, where she's been running a bar in Torremolinos, so she's a little bit perma-tanned and very glamorous,' Collinson told This Morning. 'She's a terrifying, over-bearing mother, so there are going to be some sparks flying.'
Johnston is set to begin filming on the Street later this month. It is not the first time the actress has appeared in Corrie, having previously appeared in an episode in 1982 - but she went on to become a household name as Sheila Grant in Brookside, a role she played for eight years.
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Nice one, I've always liked her.
