Pauline McLynn, the beloved actress best known as Mrs. Doyle from Father Ted, has officially joined Coronation Street as Maggie Driscoll, and she’s warning fans that “all hell will break loose” once her fiery new character settles in.

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A Surprise Role That “Came Out of Nowhere”

Pauline made her first appearance on Monday’s (October 27) episode of Coronation Street, debuting as Maggie — the formidable mother-in-law of returning fan favourite Eva Price (Catherine Tyldesley).

In her first scenes, Maggie stunned Eva with a bombshell: despite Eva’s belief that she and Ben were the new landlords of the Rovers Return, it was actually Maggie who held the keys, having helped finance the pub’s purchase.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Pauline confessed she never saw this role coming. “Bewildered! I really didn’t see this one coming down the line,” she laughed. “I didn’t have this on a bucket list of things. It was like, ‘Who? What? Coronation Street are interested?’”

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Feeling Right at Home on the Cobbles

Though Pauline has appeared in EastEnders and Shameless, she says joining Coronation Street has felt like stepping into a warm, familiar family. “It’s the first time I’ve ever walked into a place and felt immediately at home,” she said. “We all feel like we’ve known one another forever.”

Still, the actress admits that nerves are setting in as Maggie’s episodes begin airing. “We’re 10–12 weeks ahead with the stories,” she explained. “When people finally see Maggie, I presume all hell will break loose — fans either liking it or not liking it.”

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Carrying on a Legacy of Strong Women

Pauline revealed that she feels a deep sense of responsibility stepping into the shoes of Corrie’s legendary female characters. “It’s a huge honour to be part of this long line of strong women,” she said. “And I’ve realised how much this show means to people — both here and in Ireland.”

Filming at Coronation Street has been intense, she added, describing the pace as “blistering.” “I have to remind myself to give 110% every day,” she said. “The expectation is enormous.”

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A Fitting Connection to Rovers History

In a touching coincidence, Pauline learned that her casting may carry a symbolic link to the show’s past. “Someone sent me a picture of the first-ever Rovers Return barmaid, played by Doreen Keogh, who was Irish,” she shared. “She even played the woman Mrs. Doyle wrestled over a bill! It feels like a full circle moment — the Irish back behind the bar.”

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What to Expect from Maggie Driscoll

Maggie’s arrival isn’t just a family reunion — it’s the start of new chaos. The no-nonsense matriarch joins Eva, her son Ben, and grandchildren Ollie and Will, as well as Eva’s daughter Susie, the child she shared with the late Aidan Connor.

Pauline teased that Maggie’s fierce loyalty could lead to explosive moments in upcoming episodes. “She’s protective to a fault,” she said. “You’ll see some things over Christmas that make you think, ‘Oh come on! That’s bad behaviour at the very least.’”

She joked that her family might see shades of her own mother in the character. “Sometimes I say things just to see how far I can go,” Pauline laughed. “And Maggie’s the same — she’s already crossed the line before she’s even realised it.”

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A New Storm Brewing in Weatherfield

With Maggie Driscoll now installed at the Rovers Return, Coronation Street looks set for fresh tension, family feuds, and plenty of laughs. As Pauline puts it, her character is ready to shake things up.

“All hell will break loose,” she promised — and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.