ITV has confirmed that actress Catherine Tyldesley, best known for her iconic portrayal of Eva Price, will be stepping back into her stilettos after a seven-year hiatus from the long-running soap. Her return promises unmissable drama as she arrives with an entire new blended family in tow – and a surprising new role at the heart of Weatherfield.

New Faces, New Family, New Rovers

Eva’s comeback isn’t just a nostalgic nod to Corrie’s past – it marks a bold new chapter for the character and for the street itself. For the first time since Jenny Connor’s departure, the iconic Rovers Return is under new management. And who better to stir up the cobbles than Eva, now officially crowned the new landlady?

But she won’t be pulling pints alone.

Joining Tyldesley on screen is Shameless alum Aaron McCusker, cast as Eva’s new partner Ben Driscoll. Ben is described as charming, rough around the edges, and hiding a few secrets of his own. He also brings with him two teenage children, suggesting a complex and lively family dynamic sure to spark tension – and laughs – in the tightly-knit community of Coronation Street.

Rounding out the new arrivals is Pauline McLynn – beloved for her role as Mrs. Doyle in Father Ted and recently seen in EastEnders – who takes on the role of Ben’s no-nonsense mother, Maggie Driscoll. Maggie’s arrival is already being teased as “explosive,” hinting at fiery confrontations and perhaps a few skeletons rattling in the Driscoll family closet.

And perhaps most emotionally anticipated is the return of Eva’s daughter Susie, now a young girl, making her first major reappearance since Eva left Weatherfield under a cloud of secrecy following the dramatic custody storyline involving Toyah and Aidan.

A Tease of What’s to Come

In a recently shared video on Coronation Street’s official Instagram account, Catherine Tyldesley gave fans their first glimpse of the Driscoll clan. With characteristic charm, she announced, “Hi, it’s Kath Tyldesley – I play Eva Price – and I wanted to introduce you to my new family.”

Standing alongside her on-set were McCusker and McLynn, smiling as they confirmed it was their first day filming at the legendary Rovers set. McCusker beamed, “Big first day today. First day filming at the Rovers,” while McLynn waved with a cheeky grin. Tyldesley added coyly, “Stay tuned for all the drama – and all the giggles.”

That tease has since sent fans into a frenzy online, with many praising the casting choices and speculating on what Eva’s return could mean for the Street’s future.

Behind the Scenes: What the Producers Are Saying

Coronation Street’s executive producer Kate Brooks spoke about the significance of this storyline and why now was the perfect time for Eva to return.

“We are beyond thrilled that Eva is returning as the landlady of the Rovers with her new blended family in tow,” Brooks said in a recent statement. “The Driscolls do not arrive quietly – so expect big drama, explosive secrets, and raucous knees-ups galore. Eva’s return is set to shake up the Street in a massive way.”

Brooks emphasized the soap’s commitment to keeping the Rovers at the heart of community life in Corrie, and Eva’s return ensures the beloved pub remains a hub for both celebration and conflict.

“The Rovers is the beating heart of Coronation Street, and bringing Eva back into that world – older, wiser, and with her own chaotic family – allows us to tell fresh, exciting stories while also honouring the character’s legacy.”

What to Expect: Key Storylines and Speculation

Though producers are keeping major plotlines under wraps, a few key dynamics are already emerging:

• Eva and Ben’s relationship: While the couple appear happy on the surface, fans can expect trust issues and past secrets to rear their heads. Is Ben really as perfect as he seems? Or is there trouble brewing behind the bar?
• Tensions at the Rovers: With Maggie Driscoll around, there’s little doubt she’ll have opinions on how things should be run – and who her son should trust. Expect power struggles and plenty of sass.
• Susie’s reintegration: Eva’s daughter returns to a street that once saw her at the centre of a heartbreaking custody battle. With Toyah Battersby still a resident, could there be emotional reunions or unresolved tensions ahead?
• Blended family chaos: With Ben’s two children joining Susie under one roof, we’re in for sibling rivalries, school drama, and teenage rebellion – all under the same pub roof.
• Old flames and unfinished business: With Eva back, former lovers (and enemies) are likely to come out of the woodwork. Will she cross paths with Adam Barlow, or stir up old wounds with the Connors?

Why Eva’s Return Matters

Eva Price has always been a fan-favourite for her blend of glamour, humour, and emotional depth. Her storylines – from the explosive breakup with Aidan to the heartbreaking decision to give up Susie – resonated deeply with viewers. Her return is more than a nostalgic cameo; it’s a reinvestment in long-term storytelling, grounded in complex characters and evolving relationships.

For Catherine Tyldesley, the timing couldn’t be better.

“I’ve always loved Eva, and coming back now with a whole new chapter for her has been a dream,” she said in a brief interview. “There’s so much mischief to be had – but also real, human drama. I can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve been working on.”

Conclusion: A New Era Begins

As the Rovers Return gets a new queen behind the bar, and a fresh family crashes onto the cobbles, Coronation Street is poised to deliver one of its most talked-about storylines in recent memory. With Eva Price at the helm, fans can expect glamour, scandal, and laughs in equal measure.

The Driscolls may be newcomers, but they’re already promising to leave a mark – and Weatherfield will never be the same.

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Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV and ITVX. Stay tuned for more updates as Eva’s explosive return unfolds.

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