Coronation Street is gearing up for a seismic shake-up behind the bar of Weatherfield’s most famous pub. Actor Tony Maudsley — known to fans as undertaker George Shuttleworth — has issued a tongue-in-cheek warning to viewers about the cobbles’ newest arrival: Maggie Driscoll, the no-nonsense matriarch about to take over the Rovers Return.

In a playful but pointed Instagram post, Maudsley shared a behind-the-scenes photo with co-stars Peter Gunn (Brian Packham) and Pauline McLynn (Maggie Driscoll), hinting that the Rovers’ new landlady is set to cause as much mayhem as she pours pints.

“Batten down the hatches and don’t be fooled by that sweet smile,” Maudsley wrote. “Maggie Driscoll a.k.a. the fabulous Pauline is about to be unleashed on the nation — and the good folk of Weatherfield. Be afraid, be vre afraid! #Corrie.”

The post immediately set social media ablaze, with fans sharing their excitement — and trepidation — about the incoming Driscoll clan.

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 The Driscoll Family Takes Over the Rovers

The arrival of the Driscoll family marks a bold new chapter for the long-running ITV soap, as the Rovers gets a new set of landlords with strong personalities and plenty of secrets.

Maggie Driscoll will make her debut on Monday, October 27, arriving with her son Ben Driscoll, his wife Eva Price — in a long-awaited return for Catherine Tyldesley after seven years away — and two younger family members, Ali and Will.

ITV insiders have teased that Maggie will bring “a fiery warmth with a dangerous edge,” describing her as a woman who “runs her family — and her bar — with a steely smile.”

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 Pauline McLynn: From Mrs. Doyle to Weatherfield’s New Queen Bee

Pauline McLynn is no stranger to iconic roles. Best known as the hilariously overbearing Mrs. Doyle from Father Ted, McLynn has since built a diverse career on stage and screen, including a memorable stint in EastEnders a decade ago.

Former Coronation Street writer Darren Little called her casting “inspired,” adding that her past EastEnders role was “absolutely bonkers — so Corrie fans better get ready!”

The news of McLynn’s casting drew warm reactions from across the Coronation Street cast. Catherine Tyldesley, reprising her role as Eva Price, called McLynn “a legend and a joy to share scenes with,” while Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) added that she was “thrilled to have such comedy royalty on the cobbles.”

Even long-time fans of Father Ted couldn’t resist joking about whether a few “go on, go on, go on” references might slip into Weatherfield dialogue.

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 A New Era for the Rovers Return

The Rovers has seen many legendary landladies — from Bet Lynch and Liz McDonald to Jenny Connor — each leaving their own stamp on the storied pub. Now, with Maggie Driscoll stepping behind the bar, the next generation of Rovers drama is about to begin.

Behind the charm and humor, however, there are hints that Maggie’s arrival will spell trouble. Maudsley’s cryptic “be afraid” warning has fans speculating that the Driscolls won’t be all smiles and hospitality. Rumors suggest Maggie’s family carries a secret that could shake the community — and put them at odds with several established Weatherfield residents.

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 The Calm Before the Storm?

Speaking ahead of her debut, McLynn promised that Maggie “isn’t one to sit quietly in the corner.” She described the role as “a dream job — feisty, funny, and full of heart, but with just enough chaos to keep everyone on their toes.”

With Coronation Street veterans and newcomers alike teasing fireworks, it seems the cobbles are about to get a serious dose of Driscoll drama.

“Every time a new family takes over the Rovers, history is made,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “If Pauline McLynn’s playing the landlady, we’re in for a wild ride.”

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From undertakers to landladies, the balance of Weatherfield power is shifting fast. And if Tony Maudsley’s warning is anything to go by, the Rovers Return is about to live up to its name — returning to chaos, conflict, and classic Corrie comedy in spectacular style.