Catherine Tyldesley Says It ‘Felt Right’ to Return to Coronation Street
After seven years away, Catherine Tyldesley has made her highly anticipated return to Coronation Street — and she says the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The actress, who played the beloved Eva Price, has officially stepped back onto the cobbles, this time as the new landlady of the Rovers Return.
A Dream Role Revisited
Catherine’s final Coronation Street scenes aired in 2018, marking the end of Eva’s dramatic journey that included heartbreak, betrayal, and that unforgettable fountain fight with Maria Connor. Now, the actress is back — and she admits that the chance to return behind the bar of Weatherfield’s most famous pub was too good to turn down.
“I always wanted to come back because Eva is so much fun to play,” Catherine said. “When my agent told me Kate [Brooks, the show’s producer] wanted to speak to me, I assumed it was for someone’s funeral! But when she said, ‘Would you like to be landlady?’ I screamed. It’s an absolute dream of mine.”
Eva and her new partner Ben Driscoll (played by Shameless star Aaron McCusker) will be revealed as the new owners of the Rovers Return this autumn. They arrive alongside Ben’s meddling mother, Maggie (portrayed by Father Ted’s Pauline McLynn), promising plenty of fiery family drama.
The Right Time — Professionally and Personally
For Catherine, the decision to return wasn’t just about the role — it was about life aligning at the perfect moment.
“In my personal life, I’d literally just had a conversation with my husband Tom,” she explained. “I’d been away filming for nine months, and we were both saying how lovely it would be if my next job was in Manchester. Then the Corrie call came. It just felt like the universe was aligning.”
After years of working abroad on projects like The Good Ship Murder, Tyldesley said being back on the Coronation Street set has been “gorgeous.”
“It all came around at the right time on a personal and professional level. I’m so thrilled to be back. It just felt right.”
Eva Price Returns Stronger Than Ever
Eva’s comeback will see her reunited with her sisters Leanne and Toyah Battersby, while adjusting to life as a mother of three in a blended family.
“When I was asked to come back, I wanted to know what Eva had been through,” Tyldesley shared. “It was refreshing to hear she’d had a lovely time overall. She’s met this wonderful man, Ben, and they’re deeply in love. She’s a mum now — not just to Suzie but to the boys too.”
The actress praised her new co-stars for their chemistry and talent.
“I adore Aaron. He’s a stellar actor, and our paths have almost crossed many times before — we were destined to work together. And Pauline is just brilliant. Sometimes I find myself watching her on the monitor and thinking, ‘That’s a Corrie icon right there.’”
Back Where She Belongs
Before stepping back into Eva’s heels, Tyldesley rewatched old episodes to reconnect with her character — including that iconic water-fountain brawl. Now, she’s ready to make new memories behind the Rovers bar.
“I had to keep it all a secret and was terrified I’d slip up,” she laughed. “But walking back on set felt like coming home.”
With Eva’s infectious energy, sharp wit, and undeniable heart returning to Weatherfield, Coronation Street fans are in for a treat — and Catherine Tyldesley is exactly where she belongs.